People typically start drinking and using to relieve stress and relax, to end their curiosity, or because of peer pressure. During this time of discovery, there will be some who can take it or leave it and there will be some who cannot take it and will not be able to leave it. Someone who becomes addicted to drugs and alcohol is not looking to become dependent on the effects produced by these substances. In fact, most will not even realize they are addicted until it is too late. They cross an invisible line into their addiction that cannot be crossed back over for a few reasons.
This invisible line is different for everyone.
There is no cookie-cutter way that someone becomes addicted to drugs and alcohol. Whether their substance abuse simply starts with happy-hour after their job, taking prescription drugs for an injury, or have a predisposed condition to addiction, the invisible line can happen to anyone of any age, gender, or race because addiction does not discriminate against any class of people which is why this invisible line is so scary. No one has been able to navigate away from the negative aspects of it and no one knows how to prepare for it either.
This invisible line is hard to discern.
Once you go over the line, there is no turning back. Since the invisible line is well, invisible, this means that you are not able to anticipate it, nor see it, making it nearly impossible to cross back over. Once you are over it, you must adapt to the consequences which signify you can either keep doing what you are doing or get into recovery and learn how to arrest your addiction. Finding your way back to what you once knew during your “partying fun days” is like finding a needle in a haystack and could just end up irritating you more than anything. Acceptance is important so that you can learn how to maneuver your life in recovery knowing you will not be able to go back.
The invisible line is not based on willpower.
People who are trying to stay sober will have a difficult time with sustainable recovery when they are merely running on willpower. Change must take place before sobriety will work which must come from new knowledge in your recovery as well as from the support you receive and your own hands-on experience from working your program. White-knuckling sobriety just makes an already adverse situation more difficult when surrendering to your addiction can make a world of difference.
Although the invisible line may seem like a myth, this line is actually a reality for anyone who is being honest about their addiction. Crossing this line does not make you a bad person but recognizing that you crossed it and then doing something about it makes you someone who is exhibiting a massive amount of strength.
Offering a full range of recovery and mental health services, Valiant Living offers “Expanded Recovery” to enrich our clients’ lives in mind, body, and spirit. Through evidence-based therapy options and the endless adventure of Colorado, Valiant fosters connection, encouraging clients to get connected to themselves, their peers, their families, and their higher power. With the power of recovery, clients are restored to full health and experience life-changing healing. Call us today for more information: 303-536-5463
