Addiction Can't Replace Self-Acceptance

Question

I have been addicted to opiates, weed and alcohol, together and at different times in my life. I am generally able to quit using when things start to affect my life too severely but whenever I do I always feel better for a little while but then I get to this point where there is just this huge hole in my day where getting high or drunk used to be and I really start to miss it - that something to look forward to that you now is going to work as directed at the end of the day. Eventually, because of this hole I feel I always fall back into using something and I always end up getting addicted to something yet again. I can see that no matter how many times I quit using unless I can fill that hole in my life I am never going to win this battle for good. But the thing I don't have any idea of is how to do that? I am healthy, have a good job, friends and a loving family. My life is perfect - so why can't I be happy with what I have?

Shannon Rice · Accepted Answer

It sounds to me like you could use some therapy to get to the bottom of the "huge hole" you are experiencing. My guess would be that self-acceptance issues are creating the hole. You may think you are ok with yourself and that your life is "perfect", but often times that is not 100% true. Sometimes we have unrealistic expectations or negative core beliefs, lack of spirituality, etc that keep us from finding inner peace. A therapist that works with addiction issues could help you work through this and find ways to stay sober and feel good.

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