A few weeks ago I went to the doctor for a lingering pain I was concerned about. As it like was a pulled or inflamed muscle, she instructed me to take Aleve for a week. So I did. And it went away thankfully. The whole ordeal really caught me by surprise, and opened my eyes to how scarily quick it is to become dependent on medication.
Tylenol. Xanax. Cocaine. Cigarettes. Alcohol. Coffee. Pepsi. Potato Chips. Gambling.
We are creatures prone to addiction. We are broken people seeking something to numb the pain we face in this life. Sometimes it's a real, physical affliction we seek to fix from an injury or disease. Other times we are sinking with stress, fighting anxiety, or overcome with sorrow. We just want to take something, anything, to make ourselves feel better. Or maybe we just like a good thing a little too much.
It's disgustingly easy to find ourselves addicted to something and feel unable to escape from its grip. Maybe we started using that "thing" out of necessity, or sought it out in a harmless way. One bag of chips won't hurt you once. But if you eat them every day for a year, your body will react poorly. If you have a pulled muscle and taking a pain killer is the recommended treatment, your intentions were pure. But a shocking moment can hit, that once the problem has healed, you notice you feel comfort in taking that pill. And so you keep doing it. Or you have one drink to relieve the stress from a busy day, but consistently it turns into a six-pack.
Addiction isn't easy to define when it happens, because usually it is a slow fade. Some people are more prone to addiction than others, but certainly no one wants to feel like a slave to a substance. What's the answer then?
There isn't a simple solution to this problem. Addiction is complicated, and there is no limit to things that can hold us feeling trapped. Awareness of the danger of addiction is the first step in preventing ourselves from slipping into a pit of addiction.
Second, when it comes to medications, know when to medicate and when not to. Searching for natural, non-addicting treatments should always be our first attempt at healing. Our family has found an incredible change to our health due to using Young Living Essential Oils. There really is an oil for almost everything, and we have never felt healthier. I also find relief that I am teaching my children first hand to seek a non-addictive, non-harmful way to handle sickness and stress. Because we must remember others, not just our children, ARE watching.
Third, seek accountability and wisdom. Addiction is almost impossible to overcome if no one knows about your battle. Having friends who can encourage you to be at peace and free from the grip of an addiction must be a priority.
We can't be too careful when it comes to our bodies. We've only got one. If we aren't wise, we will be at constant war with our own physical and mental being. Be educated about your health, be aware of the risks you are taking, and seek natural healing first, if possible. Your body will thank you with the rewards of energy, joy and peace.
