Every time I hear a TV commercial advertise for addiction recovery, I cringe and hold my breath. I’m not an addict, but I know what it’s like to go into the deep waters of addiction, just to have big waves crash right in my face. This is especially true with alcoholic addictions.

Why these commercials cause such a reaction in me is unknown. It is a joy to know that companies promote recovery and help addicts through the process. Support will carry the addict for some time, but at the heart of this, they will need to learn how to walk again on their own.

A one-way, works for all, recovery solution does not exist, just like addiction is not caused by one way. Addiction shows itself through different pathways: alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gambling, sex, pornography, shopping, eating, lying, stealing, cheating, and more.

Addiction is real and alive. This series will talk practically about the non-addict’s approach to addiction*. This is real support for addicts while they stand against the addiction monster. It is not our fight, but we can help them sharpen their weapons for battle.

*Non-addict’s addiction: not an addict yourself, but coping with issues that an addict brings into your life

If you want, at some point, to share how you live with addiction issues, please do. You can do this in the comments section, which is a safe space for you and others.

Can’t wait to get this discussion started, next week!