Go Ahead and Hug the Cactus
Dear brother, dear sister,
Christmas is at the corner and with it festivities. Many of us will indulge, in food and in drinks. Some of us will take it in moderation and others, in excess,
I am worried because out there in our mist are people who are suffering from addiction and for that lot, these festivities present particular danger.
Addiction is the development of dependency on a substance or behavior. It is that situation in which a person ceases to be able to control themselves in relation to said substance or said behavior
Addiction is a disease and sadly too few of us know and accept that. The result is that many people are living lives of misery which lives of misery impinge on their productivity at work, their productivity as members of their families and societies as well as their spiritual lives
Of these addictions I am going to concern myself with alcohol addiction because it is very rampant, because it steals upon the addict, because alcohol consumption is socially accepted and because it is taking too many people to their early graves
I believe that it is my responsibility having been fortunate to be rescued from the pangs of addiction to continue to campaign against addiction, to continue to share information on addiction, to continue to enlighten the world about addiction, not from an academic standpoint but from a practical standpoint having myself endured it for longer than I care to be remember
Several myths are prevalent about addiction and the most troubling ones are that one can get out of alcohol addiction when they want to or when they exercise restraint or when they rely on their willpower. I do not know that to be true. what I know for fact is that an addict will have to rely on a power higher than themselves if they want to have credible hope in getting out of that misery
While reading earlier today I came upon this information and not only do I think it is spot on by way of content but also that it is timely on account of the impending festive season. Go ahead and read it. I hope it helps, I hope it helps you understand what addiction is, I hope it helps you understand what it is required to quit alcohol addiction and above all I hope it helps you quit alcohol addiction. Merry Christmas, but before then, I wish us all a peaceful elections.
All You Need to Do Is Hug the Cactus: The Time-Tested Way to Quit Addiction
Overcoming addiction is one of the most challenging battles anyone can face. It’s not just about breaking a habit; it’s about confronting pain, fear, and often the very core of one’s identity. The phrase “hug the cactus”, drawn from the idea of embracing discomfort for the sake of growth, captures the essence of what it takes to quit addiction. To succeed, you must confront the raw reality of your situation, endure the pain of change, and commit to the hard work of healing.
What Does It Mean to Hug the Cactus?
“Hugging the cactus” is a metaphor for facing your struggles head-on, no matter how uncomfortable or painful they may be. Addiction thrives on avoidance, avoiding pain, problems, and even self-awareness. This avoidance traps individuals in cycles of dependency. By “hugging the cactus,” you acknowledge the pain and discomfort as part of the process and make a conscious decision to work through it, rather than run from it.
Why This Method Works
1. Acceptance over Denial
Addiction often begins and persists in denial, denial of its impact, denial of its roots, and denial of the need for help. Hugging the cactus forces you to confront these truths. Acceptance is the first step to change because it dismantles the illusions that keep you trapped.
2. Building Emotional Resilience
Recovery isn’t painless. It involves cravings, emotional turbulence, and even physical withdrawal. Embracing discomfort instead of fearing it helps build the resilience needed to navigate these challenges.
3. Breaking the Cycle of Escapism
Addiction often serves as a way to escape difficult emotions or realities. By embracing the metaphorical cactus, you break free from the cycle of escapism and start addressing the underlying causes of addiction.
4. Taking Responsibility
Hugging the cactus means taking ownership of your recovery. No one else can do it for you. This ownership fosters accountability and personal empowerment.
Steps to Hugging the Cactus
1. Acknowledge the Problem
The first step is admitting you have a problem. This requires honesty with yourself and often with others.
2. Seek Support
You don’t have to hug the cactus alone. Friends, family, support groups, and professionals can help you endure the pain and stay committed.
3. Face the Pain
Whether it’s emotional trauma, fear of failure, or guilt, face the underlying issues head-on. This might involve therapy, self-reflection, or confronting people or situations you’ve avoided.
4. Commit to Change
Recovery is a daily decision. Set realistic goals, develop coping strategies, and replace old habits with healthier ones.
5. Celebrate Progress
Each small step forward deserves recognition. These victories remind you that the pain of hugging the cactus is temporary, but the rewards of recovery are lasting.
The Reward: A Life of Freedom
The pain of hugging the cactus is finite, but the freedom from addiction is infinite. While the journey is far from easy, it leads to a life of clarity, purpose, and authenticity. You learn to live fully rather than merely exist in the shadow of your addiction.
So, if you’re battling addiction, remember: all you need to do is hug the cactus. It may hurt, but it’s the first step toward healing, growth, and a brighter future.
Sincerely yours
Kasise Ricky Peprah (One month shy of 15 years sober)
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