The Snowball Effect

My drug addiction spiraled out of control faster than I ever imagined. I figured if I could keep producing lies complex enough to keep my friends and family at bay, I could keep them off my trail. It could be a lie to get money for drugs or to convince them I was not living in my car. It can be hard for others to understand what goes through an addict’s head when they are using drugs.

My drug of choice was crack cocaine. When someone uses a drug like crack cocaine, they experience a massive amount of euphoria, and this feeling is something addicts seek to use as a blanket to cover up all their problems. It’s like when you throw all your dirty clothes in the closet and shut the door instead of doing the right thing and handling them by taking them to the washing machine.

Most drug addicts have similar issues when it comes to why they are using drugs in the first place. For some, it could be to cope with the emotions following the death of a loved one, losing a job, or even a relationship breakup. When they use drugs to fix their issues (cover them up), it ends up creating more issues.

Here is an example: When I was smoking crack, I was so consumed in my drug use that I forgot to refill my snake’s water and turn his heat lamp on; I experienced feelings of significant guilt. How selfish of me to forget about my snake’s life that doesn’t extend outside his three-by-three-foot terrarium. He relied on me for heat, food, and water, and I was too busy smoking crack. Then, after replenishing my snake, I smoke some more crack to deal with that guilt.

For some people, it can get much worse; what is being neglected could be a child they are supposed to be taking care of, a family member they are supposed to be there for, and all the things in between, such as the bills they are supposed to be paying and even their hygiene and nutrition.

Do not go into agreement with them using drugs to hide their problems and justify their drug use. It is best to understand and realize that it can be challenging and almost impossible for them to pull themselves out of it alone. That’s why it is vital to take the proper steps and contact a professional who can help you figure out step by step how to deal with the situation.

Don’t think that you are the reason why they are using drugs. The individual needs to regain the ability to take responsibility for their problems. Sometimes, they need help to get back to living a healthy life.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Reach out for help before it’s too late. Narconon helps you get to the underlying root of your addiction and figure out why you started using drugs in the first place. Give them a call.

—D.B., Narconon Graduate