If someone can stop using drugs or alcohol for weeks at a time, they “aren’t” an addict—correct?

Share

 woman asking a question

JoeHerzanekQ: If someone can stop using drugs or alcohol for weeks at a
time, they “aren’t” an addict—correct?




A. Not necessarily.
I’ve seen a few instances where an addict/alcoholic will stop using for weeks at a time. They might stop because of a bad consequence that occurred, or maybe their spouse moved out, or they’ve encountered a legal problem of some kind. There are even some people who develop a pattern of this; they abstain for a period and then go on a binge. The real issue is still one of control. When using, can they control their use? For the alcoholic/addict, the answer is always the same: No.

Why Don't They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery.This “Q & A with Joe” is excerpted from Part 5 of Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery.”

> Paperback
> Audio Book CD (Listen to entire book in your car or download to your device!)
> Kindle
> Audible Audio Download  (LISTEN TO 4 MIN. SAMPLE)

NEED HELP NOW?
Recovery Resources for Friends, Families and Employers

MORE ASK JOE:
>Chronic Pain Management & Pain Pill Addiction: What to do?
>How can I know if my addicted friend or loved one is telling the truth?
>Should my husband “back off?”
>Gambling vs. Drug Addiction? What is your opinion?
>How can I tell if someone is an addict/alcoholic or just a heavy user?
>What is Methadone? What is Harm Reduction?

RELATED:
> Self-Tests: Alcohol and Drug Addiction

Sign up for our Free Changing Lives E-Newsletter!

RETURN:
From “If someone can stop using for weeks at a time, they “aren’t” an addict—correct?” to Changing Lives Foundation Blog Home

___________________________________________________________________________
stop using drugs, stop using alcohol, stop using drugs, stop using alcohol

Share

Related Posts:

  • No Related Posts

Comments

comments

2 thoughts on “If someone can stop using drugs or alcohol for weeks at a time, they “aren’t” an addict—correct?

  1. Pingback: Trusting God: Jenny's Pearl Necklace | Changing Lives Foundation Blog

  2. Pingback: Ask Joe: "I need help because I'm not able to deal with my live-in fiance's need to get drunk every night" | Changing Lives Foundation Blog

Leave a Reply