AWE! A TASTE WON'T HURT!
My counseling career began 20 plus years ago in a substance abuse treatment facility. I will never forget my first day! A drink was smuggled in to a person. The person had a “Slug”! He later left and died! How tragic! Addiction is cunning , baffling and powerful. I’ve seen many deaths both by accidents and suicides because of taking that first slug.
There is a part deep in the unconscious part of the brain that automatically makes the heart beat and drives other automatic behaviors such as addiction! This part of the unconscious stores feelings. Especially, euphoric experiences and how one reached that state of euphoria. That memory is carved into the brain and never goes away.
One little taste or one little innocent hit can remind the brain just how great it felt. The good feelings outweigh the bad so the brain does not automatically bring up the memories of puking in the gutter at 4am. Or, countless days of looking at oneself in the mirror asking why do I keep doing what I don’t want to do.
Yes! Just a slug does hurt! A Slug or a hit can lead a person to a relapse where there may be no return! I have never met an addict who could honestly predict behavior once the decision was made to use! If you are in need of counseling for addictions please give me a call! Also please visit my Facebook fan page
jack lee psychotherapist