Thanks, Kpat. I am glad that you believe you can change because I know you can. There is a mighty power within us all!
Sad, I am glad you got something out of that quote. Here’s a bit more.
“The biggest challenge for someone who perceives his identity as a drug addict is: what does he change his identity to? To a “recovering drug addict”? This doesn’t change his identity; it merely describes the state he is in currently. “Drug free” doesn’t do it either, because most see it as a temporary state–and it still focuses on drugs as one way of defining oneself. When this person develops the conviction that he is absolutely clean, that he is now a…or anything else besides a “drug addict”–that’s when his behavior changes. AS WE DEVELOP NEW BELIEFS ABOUT WHO WE ARE, OUR BEHAVIOR WILL CHANGE TO SUPPORT THE NEW IDENTITY.
The only way to create lasting change for an individual who’s been using drugs is to change his conviction from “I am a drug addict” to …or “Now I’m______” Whatever the new identity, it must be one that would not even consider the use of drugs. If drugs are offered again, his immediate response is not to evaluate whether he should use them or not, but to simply state with absolute certainty, “I’m not that kind of person. That’s who I used to be.”
Just something more to think about. I have been sick with a cold for about a week. I called in sick again today, even though I am feeling much better. I don’t want to take any chances with the health of my 87 year-old friend. The sun is shining, the roads are clear. I have been cooped up for too long. Wouldn’t it be nice to get a way to the casino? Maybe for that person I used to be. I am not that person anymore. I wouldn’t enjoy it, besides I have plenty to get done and things to enjoy right here…
Also, my husband’s car wouldn’t start this morning and he has my car. No transportation. Phew, did I mention barriers. Barriers are a good thing. Yes, while we are working on establishing our new identities, barriers are a very good thing. A very good thing, indeed!
