Substance Abuse

One area that I had thought about but hadn't addressed until now was substance abuse.  Often, abuse survivors use drugs or alcohol to help themselves cope and to numb themselves.  They try to use these things to escape reality. I want to say that drugs and alcohol, along with most things, can be ok in moderation or when needed, but abuse of drugs and alcohol is damaging mentally, physically, and spiritually.  Your abuser[s] hurt you enough already; don't allow them to hurt you further by using drugs and alcohol in excess to escape from your past.

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I am lucky.  I have not had many problems with alcohol or drug use.  I did use many different drugs and drank a lot or "experimented" when I was a teenager.  I also sometimes use prescription drugs (ones given to me for real problems thus giving me the false notion that using them too often is not abuse) more than needed or when I am very stressed.  I try to keep track of this use and I set limits for myself.  I feel I am doing fairly well and I am proud that I do not abuse drugs or alcohol

Resources

Having said that, I would like to say that the temptation is often there.  During your healing process you will encounter severe stress and depression.  It is very difficult and painful and sometimes, especially after a few sleepless nights and crying days, all you want is something that can numb you or make you feel happier or more content.  It can be very difficult staying sober, but you are worth it and abusing drugs will only prolong your healing, not replaces it. First it is important to face this challenge and acknowledge that it will be difficult.  You need to think about your future and what you want to accomplish and how substance abuse does or doesn not fit into that picture.

My Story

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I have to be honest.  This is not my area of expertise (not that any other area on this page is either, but I feel especially unable to help here).  I did want to address it because it is a common problem and I have seen it in many of my friends when they were trying to heal.  The best advice I can give you is to try to not use, but if you do forgive yourself.  The act of healing is extremely difficult; don't add extra stress on yourself by feeling guilty when you slip. I good friend of mine said "sometimes you need to take a few falls back to take any steps forward."  It sounds inane but it holds more truth than almost anything I have heard.  You will go back and forth in the healing process, experiences stages time and time again.  It is not a linear development, it is a life commitment. Anyone who feels more comfortable in this arena, or who has a story to share or links to suggest, please feel free to send the to me.  Hopefully I will be able to put up more posts and links in the future as I find them in this area, as for now, I just wanted to make sure it was mentioned.

Impacts

Happiness