Can You Empathize With Someone With An Addiction

[nailedit]

without actually understanding that addiction?

Lets get the elephant out of the room first.

You all know that I have an alcohol addiction.

I don't expect anyone to understand it.

BUT, I do understand smoking addiction, Ive overcome that one. But I would not condemn anybody that struggles with it because ive been there.

I once had a friend that had a serious gambling addiction.

I don't understand WHY he felt the need to spend his weeks wages into a fruit machine in one go but do understand the addiction.

I can overeat on occasion but can't understand what hell must be happening to people who consume food in large enough amounts to make them sick.

I can't truly understand people who are addiccted to monkey dust in my city (of which there is an epidemic) because its not my drug of choice, BUT I can understand the actual addiction.

Is it even possible for someone who is not addicted to any chemical to even comprehend the hell that others who are chemicaly addicted go through?

And more so asking the question WHY?

I never asked to be an alcoholic. I never wanted to be like this. I never asked if I wanted to wake up in the morning with fear, sweating, dry wreatching, sweating and shaking.

Or worse...In the cells.

 

 

[nailedit]

Or even worse...

ending up on AB asking for legal advice....

New Judge of course been a guest at my dinner party

[Old_Geezer]

You don't need to understand an issue to feel for the effect on an individual.

Those addicted to AB are likely to have an inkling.

[nailedit]

O-G

there are some more addicted to AB than I am to alcohol...

morning noon and night!

[Zacs-Master]

The difference is, AB isn't killing them. 

[nailedit]

//The difference is, AB isn't killing them.//

If I was on the internet (especially the same site) day after day. hour after hour, it would kill me.

My soul if not my body!

[fripfrip]

The trick is to stop before you are addicted,be it food,cigs, drink,or anything else .

[nailedit]

//The trick is to stop before you are addicted,be it food,cigs, drink,or anything else//

You dont say....

[Hazlinny]

^^ I think addictions creep up on one and, suddenly, it's too late!  The reason for is another question.  I would empathize if I could understand the reason.

[fripfrip]

You did ask.

[Zacs-Master]

Maybe you'd receive better advice if you weren't quite so confrontational, Naillit. You've used this site many times in the past and received some good, strong, sensible advice.
 

here's a bit more....To now use it a some kind of anger management tool isn't doing you any good. 

[Karamia]

If you are in a relationship with the addict and experience yourself and/or see first hand the effects it has on you or any children  involved or close family then think there can be empathy and understanding.

[bednobs]

i think a lot of people can empathise but it only goes so far - when the addiction affects people's behaviour empathy can soon run out, people can empathise with the addiction, but not the outcomes that ensue.

 

[Canary42]

Empathy without understanding ?

That's a difficult one. I think the answer's yes partially but not fully. That's what leads to "glib solution" suggestions unfortunately.

It's certainly painful to see it happening and be unable to effectively help - after all if the professionals struggle what chance do inexperienced Abers have.  You can only hope somebody on here has been through it and come out the other side, and share experiences.

Good luck in your struggles, I'm sure we're all rooting for you.

[Barsel]

I've always said that unless you have been through the same thing yourself, you cannot understand it, how can you? 

There was someone on here a while ago who had been through what you are going through, and just like others, I think he tried to help you, but if I remember rightly, you didn't agree with the advice you were given. 

There must be help out there somewhere, but it's up to you to go and find it.

[maggiebee]

Having been at the "receiving end" of someone with an addiction (or two) any empathy I had went out of the window many years ago.  Poor me doesn't cut it with me, grow a pair!

[anneasquith]

Same post different day. 
all I read is me, me, me. Everyone else ( agencies) are to blame, except you. 
 

[nicebloke1]

And at 21.04 nailedit now complains about the people giving him good advice being here 24/7. When you kept feeling low at all times of the day and night, its a good job they were here don't you think?

[retrocop]

Well that seems to be dead in the water. I'm really amazed. I actually agree with maggiebee and annie asquith on their stance. Probably the same reason I don't throw my thoughts into these posts.

[William51]

 An addiction must be very unpleasant. I am lucky not to have one but i sympathise with those who do and wish you and them best wishes for the future. 

[david small]

 Moderation in everything. A wise person once advised.

some seem to seek a dependency. They flirt with it, they experiment with it, they flaunt and defend their growing addiction. Then the game gets more serious. It grabs them by the throat, obsesses them, erodes their will, demands their obedience. Overwhelmed by this demon of the mind, they ride this hell train and blame this curse afflicting them. Many get off this miserable journey, many do not.