It's the scariest thing in the world to an addict, facing reality. Realizing, "I don't even know when the last time was that I was even sober." For those unversed in addiction jargon, it's common of any addiction to refer to abstinence as sobriety. How an addict's sobriety is measured can vary greatly. Some addicts fear that stating their sobriety, or sharing it with others will be seen as an act of pride. Others find refuge in confiding the truth. No matter how it's measured, every addict will have to come to terms with Day Zero, and more likely than not, more than once.
Day Zero, to an addict, is a crucial turning point. It requires a great effort of honesty, humility, and courage for this victim to take stand and say for themselves, "This needs to change." Even just having the desire to overcome can be a superhuman, Herculean effort. The addicted mind has become comfortable with the habits of its host, and enjoys the regular influx of chemicals that flood the void left behind.
The psychological impact of addiction is one of the least acknowledged or understood by those who do not dutifully seek to learn about it. Day Zero is terrifying to the addict, because they must succumb to the unknown. There is security in knowing that even through all the pain the addiction has caused them, it has always been available to turn to.
No journey begins without a first step. Those with less than twenty four hours of sobriety need hope. "Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow...you're only...a day away." Only a day. Less than that, is where we all start. From nothing, with this first step, here, on Day Zero, this is where the journey begins. Tomorrow is only a day away after all.
I'm never going to use this blog anyway.
No comments:
Post a Comment