What Does ‘Addiction’ Look Like?
Sherri Jobe ENG 101 A109/Beardmore
I have chosen to write my paper on the many facades of addiction, but mostly the denial that often times surround it. In my line of work, I have been amazed at the number of people who have actually sat across from me and said, “What? Me? I don’t have an addiction.” While many perceive addiction as the obvious; drugs, alcohol, excessive behavior, etc., many are not ready to admit that they belong in this category, even though all the writing is on the walls. When society looks at an ‘addict’, or what they assume that an addict looks like, some of the first definitions might come from the opinion that someone drinks too much or engages in illegal drug usage. Others may think that addiction most generally “wears a face” and is apparent to anyone on the outside looking in. I don’t necessarily believe this theory. I have personally known people who are successful, stable, and who appear to have it all together, that are actually struggling with some sort of addiction that is no less powerful or controlling than any other addict who you may see asleep on a park bench or hiding behind a dumpster. Does social status exclude some from wearing this title? Does money and prosperity somehow soften the impact of devastation and brokenness? I don’t think so. My hope is that when I am finished pursuing my degree that I’m able to reach deeper into helping others. The more I learn, the more I’m finding that my avenues keep expounding. Where I had originally wanted to work with troubled teens who deal with mental disorders, I now see a whole horizon of opportunity. Hidden addiction is fast becoming my hearts passion. I believe that behind every problem is a solution, but you must be able to focus on the problem first. From a child who is dealing with anger or lack of feeling, I would have to be willing to see the whole picture. This child will be an adult one day and unless these issues are brought to the surface, he
I have chosen to write my paper on the many facades of addiction, but mostly the denial that often times surround it. In my line of work, I have been amazed at the number of people who have actually sat across from me and said, “What? Me? I don’t have an addiction.” While many perceive addiction as the obvious; drugs, alcohol, excessive behavior, etc., many are not ready to admit that they belong in this category, even though all the writing is on the walls. When society looks at an ‘addict’, or what they assume that an addict looks like, some of the first definitions might come from the opinion that someone drinks too much or engages in illegal drug usage. Others may think that addiction most generally “wears a face” and is apparent to anyone on the outside looking in. I don’t necessarily believe this theory. I have personally known people who are successful, stable, and who appear to have it all together, that are actually struggling with some sort of addiction that is no less powerful or controlling than any other addict who you may see asleep on a park bench or hiding behind a dumpster. Does social status exclude some from wearing this title? Does money and prosperity somehow soften the impact of devastation and brokenness? I don’t think so. My hope is that when I am finished pursuing my degree that I’m able to reach deeper into helping others. The more I learn, the more I’m finding that my avenues keep expounding. Where I had originally wanted to work with troubled teens who deal with mental disorders, I now see a whole horizon of opportunity. Hidden addiction is fast becoming my hearts passion. I believe that behind every problem is a solution, but you must be able to focus on the problem first. From a child who is dealing with anger or lack of feeling, I would have to be willing to see the whole picture. This child will be an adult one day and unless these issues are brought to the surface, he