Annie asks: What do you mean when you say that addiction is a “choice”?
Hi Annie – great question!
I don’t believe that anyone chooses to become an addict – I know I didn’t. And in fact, most addicts never think they will be the ones to become addicted – that’s for the other guy. So I don’t believe that anyone signs up for Addiction 101, thinking “Yes, let’s be an addict, that will be fun!”
But in every addict’s life, there comes a time when they know their lives are a mess. They look around and see other people they know living productive, happier lives than they are. They KNOW they have a problem with addiction, and that this is stopping them from living the kind of life they would prefer to live.
And THAT is their choice point. That is when they can choose to either stay in active addiction or to go into some kind of active recovery. There is a lot of help available for addicts, and when they stay in active addiction – they are making the choice to do that.
Candace
