Control

When you experience substance use disorder it is all about lack of control. Lack of control over your behavior, thoughts and actions. There is power in getting control and being able to live “normally”. Control is defined as the power to influence or direct people’s behavior.

However, the type of control that exist in interpersonal relationships and the lack of control of self are the most cynical. Some people think that control means that someone loves them. We often hear statements like “they only want what’s best for me” and in the lack of control of self we hear statements like “it isn’t my fault”. Both statements are nonsensical. Getting control of your life and someone or something having control of your life are not the same. One involves being forced to do the work of others the other involves the work you do for yourself.

Our goal should be to not let anyone, or anything have control over our lives, rather that be relationships, work or substances. Letting this happen gives that thing your power. Letting this happen makes you more vulnerable to manipulation. Letting this happen destroys your self-confidence and devalues you.