Addicts as prophets
Recently I attended a very well organized and presented conference for professionals working with those who are addicted to alcohol and other drugs. There was recognition that one might also be addicted to food, sex, or even people, places and things but very little was mentioned about the extent to which addiction is the baseline for how we in the United States and those in many other countries function. While it is true addiction to alcohol and other drugs is more immediately dangerous and even life threatening, addiction to food, sex, power, money, position/status, possessions or an unhealthy relationship also results in physical, emotional and spiritual death. All addictions begin with and result in an inability or, at best, a difficulty in experiencing a shared reality.
Research studies of recovery programs confirm that the 12 step programs and others that rely on individuals forming and working together as a community are the most successful. Consistently, individuals report that when they become part of a recovery group program it is the first time they have felt at home; as if they belonged. Most report that regardless of relative success academically, in sports programs or as professionals they felt different and not like other people. Although those in recovery program may get a lot of praise or affirmation for “becoming a productive member of society” their beginning sense of self-worth emunates from being treated with love and respect by others in group recovery programs. They may later report gratitude for being accepted by biological families and employers. Certainly, they also report relief and satisfaction with being able to have a home with all the amenities, transportation and a stable, loving relationship. They may even express pride in being a productive member of society. Yet, many eventually realize that the society of which they are now invited to join requires an attachment to power, money, things, sex or other people. Attachment may be a term one is used to thinking of as a spiritual or psychological term. Attachment implies one needs x in order to function; to be a success or to experience happiness. It is not surprising that those recovering from alcohol and other drug addiction often then fall into the trap of becoming attached or addicted to sex, relationships, money/gambling, possessions, food, the biggest house, body building or something else only to find that, as was true with alcohol or other drugs, “one is too much and a thousand not enough”. If lucky, they realize that they cannot fit in or belong with that group of people who continue to search for/strive for “enough” outside of themselves; that the society as a whole is based on an addictive model.
What if part of the solution to reducing physical and spiritual deaths related to addiction is to get honest with ourselves and deal with our overt and covert support of such a culture? What if those who fall into the prison of addiction to substances, food, and sex are, in fact the prophets who recognize that there is a systemic spiritual issue in our culture? What if we are attempting to repair a hangnail when a heart transplant is needed?
I am not suggesting that avoiding life by destroying oneself is a healthy way to refuse to participate in a culture which needs major surgery. I am suggesting that if we want those who are addicted to life threatening substances such as alcohol and other drugs to recover we have to validate their prophecy and invite them to help create a culture which acknowledges the intrinsic worth of all; a culture based on sharing our time and talents to create a community dance which is inclusive and just. I have no idea of what form such a culture will take but I believe there is enough creative talent to make manifest such a culture and community.
Written June 17, 2021
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
Recently I attended a very well organized and presented conference for professionals working with those who are addicted to alcohol and other drugs. There was recognition that one might also be addicted to food, sex, or even people, places and things but very little was mentioned about the extent to which addiction is the baseline for how we in the United States and those in many other countries function. While it is true addiction to alcohol and other drugs is more immediately dangerous and even life threatening, addiction to food, sex, power, money, position/status, possessions or an unhealthy relationship also results in physical, emotional and spiritual death. All addictions begin with and result in an inability or, at best, a difficulty in experiencing a shared reality.
Research studies of recovery programs confirm that the 12 step programs and others that rely on individuals forming and working together as a community are the most successful. Consistently, individuals report that when they become part of a recovery group program it is the first time they have felt at home; as if they belonged. Most report that regardless of relative success academically, in sports programs or as professionals they felt different and not like other people. Although those in recovery program may get a lot of praise or affirmation for “becoming a productive member of society” their beginning sense of self-worth emunates from being treated with love and respect by others in group recovery programs. They may later report gratitude for being accepted by biological families and employers. Certainly, they also report relief and satisfaction with being able to have a home with all the amenities, transportation and a stable, loving relationship. They may even express pride in being a productive member of society. Yet, many eventually realize that the society of which they are now invited to join requires an attachment to power, money, things, sex or other people. Attachment may be a term one is used to thinking of as a spiritual or psychological term. Attachment implies one needs x in order to function; to be a success or to experience happiness. It is not surprising that those recovering from alcohol and other drug addiction often then fall into the trap of becoming attached or addicted to sex, relationships, money/gambling, possessions, food, the biggest house, body building or something else only to find that, as was true with alcohol or other drugs, “one is too much and a thousand not enough”. If lucky, they realize that they cannot fit in or belong with that group of people who continue to search for/strive for “enough” outside of themselves; that the society as a whole is based on an addictive model.
What if part of the solution to reducing physical and spiritual deaths related to addiction is to get honest with ourselves and deal with our overt and covert support of such a culture? What if those who fall into the prison of addiction to substances, food, and sex are, in fact the prophets who recognize that there is a systemic spiritual issue in our culture? What if we are attempting to repair a hangnail when a heart transplant is needed?
I am not suggesting that avoiding life by destroying oneself is a healthy way to refuse to participate in a culture which needs major surgery. I am suggesting that if we want those who are addicted to life threatening substances such as alcohol and other drugs to recover we have to validate their prophecy and invite them to help create a culture which acknowledges the intrinsic worth of all; a culture based on sharing our time and talents to create a community dance which is inclusive and just. I have no idea of what form such a culture will take but I believe there is enough creative talent to make manifest such a culture and community.
Written June 17, 2021
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
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