Why does society always praise people who get clean  after being drug addicts or alcholics? Read more below.?
820797
Well we are glad they are off the drugs but I do understand what you are saying.  Having a daughter who is a recovering addict, it is hard to keep up pats on the back for doing what?  the right thing that the rest of us were doing all along?  The addict is special because they decided to finally get it together and do the right thing?  I know what you're saying.  Sorry I don't have a better answer.
406058
A addict will chose drugs over sex any day. It is really sad, but true. All you can do for somebody that is addicted is not enable them, and be codependent to them. That is usually what is going on, and they are just taking advantage of you to use the drugs.
1084095
BECAUSE YOUR LIFE CAN BE BETTER. Seriously, it can.. it'll be hard though. Cravings will come and like William Burroughs wrote in "Junkie"... once an addict subconsciously even if you don't do the drug you are still pretty much an addict. Crack is so gross, just think of all the shitty times that you've been through due to that drug. Find a different environment where you won't be reminded of your habits and stay away from your old "friends" that shared those times with you. \nFind new friends and do the same thing that every one is out here to do... the pursuit of happiness.
963502
Not me, but I have known many. I have known physicians, including four surgeons, nurses, a lawyer. I have known many others, but I used these professions to say that drug addiction afflicts many people from all walks of life. Unfortunately, there is nothing that you can do. He/she must decide for themselves that they want  to try to beat the addiction. This mostly comes later than sooner.
269027
An alcoholic is some one that drinks for the sole purpose of getting drunk!\nThat's me! I don't drink socially. When I drink I don't stop till I am drunk! I used to avoid hangovers by staying drunk!\n3 years of my life was wasted!\nThere is a time and place for every thing, now when I drink I am at home with family and/or good friends so that when I am falling down drunk, they put me to bed. That way I can't hurt myself or anyone else! I don't crave it any more like when I was younger, but that took a few years!\nAs for an addict, I think that is some one that has a physical dependence on some thing like I did when I was avoiding a hangover. I also know people that cannot function without their "fix" whether it be alcohol or some other drug. While they are using they are the best at what they do, but without it they can't even make a complete sentence, walk or hold themselves upright!\nI also agree with the person above that pointed out that it does not have to be a drug, it can be a feeling. Thus being totally psycological or being addicted to the chemicals produced in our bodies.\nREMEMBER, you are the only one who can change you!\nHelp is just that, HELP! The real changes are made because YOU want them!\nThat's MY point of view.
652283
I love these people who spend years snorting coke and drinking to excess, and generally making the lives of those around them a living hell,and all the while thanking the almighty god for his love. \nIf they felt so loved by this god, how come they are so unhappy and on the road straight to hell.  And I particularly like it when they clean up and we are supposed to be proud of them.. fluck em.. How about some praise for the people that just get up every morning and go to work and are good to their families and friends and do lowly things like reading to their kids and mowing the lawn.
521919
K First "Rocktowhatsreal"...shut up.  "once a drug addict - always a drug addict" is the most ignorant thing I've ever heard.  \n\nThe ability to use our will and minds to change our habits is one of the things that separates us from the animals.  \n\nI am a recovered drug addict.  I'm not dead...I did my body weight in meth for about 3 maybe 4 years...I've been clean for almost 10 and life is great.\n\nYour friend is going to have a hard time...it's easier for some than others...but all in all...Time is the strongest cure.  \n\nHe has to disassociate with his old party buddies.  Don't even talk to them, don't see them, they can not exist in his new life.\n\nAnd he has to change his routine....sometimes replacement works...find a new (preferably healthy) obsession to take the place of the bad one.  Fitness is a great one...because it too can be addicting.  \n\nIf he wants to clean up, he'll clean up...and after a while if he does come in contact with any of his old friends, he'll wonder what the hell he was thinking hanging out with them and doing the dope in the first place....But its good he's taking a step in the right direction.
761609
the only one who can change your life is you! it's sounds to me that you want too!? it's a very hard journey that you must take, and it's hard to do it alone! if this has been a problem for this long i can assume their is no support left from friends & family!? you need to talk to some one and get the help to get throw this! may people fall off the wagon several times before they are clean for ever!! check your self into a rehab please, before it is too late! some can use this type of med that makes the drugs no work if you use them!!! i think this is what you need! most of all don't give up! THERE ARE people in your life who love and need you sober!! i wish you the best  of luck!!!!!
842646
Its a difficult drug to come off of but I believe that people can be helped to fight it effectively ...I wont use the word cured as it is likely an addict will always have some addictive behaviours...;
1001241
They will ask you what you have done in your past and be upfront and honest, there in my department there is a 3 year clean period, if you have been clean for that long then you are good, but also they tend to frown upon harder drugs. It really depends on the department standards, but it is really hard to find a person in this day and age that has not at least experimented with drugs.
1027191
I totally agree - I think our humanity makes it essential.  Life is difficult - I don't know anyone who hasn't felt like giving up at some time or another.  However, if we have a vice we feel like we can depend on, something we feel like we can fall back on, we are stronger for it, even if it sometimes weakens us.  Everyone has an addiction, be it drugs, friends, God, shopping, music - we all depend on something.
589367
THE WORLD IN IT'S ENTIRETY. I LIVE TO BE INFLUENCED BY MY EXPERIENCES IN THE WORLD. I STRUGGLED THROUGHOUT MY LIFE UNTIL I LEARNED TO OPEN MY EYES AND HEART AND LEARN WHAT THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER ME. I WAS ADDICTED TO DRUGS AND FACED THAT PROBLEM ON MY OWN, NOW I AM CLEAN AND CAN POSITIVELY INFLUENCE MYSELF!
47485
Helping because you want to help is one thing.  But helping with something attached ...like ok I help you but you need to be or do something is another. If you have expectations, let them be known in advance.  Like yes, you can move in, eat my food, use my car but the minute you even touch my stereo you are dead.  Or my wife.  Whatever. Doing or being all helpful with a secret motive (unknown to the guy you are helping) could be co-dependence. Or you just like looking like a sap.  Not trying to be offensive, just clear.  \n\nIf you say you have trouble turning your back on people, my guess is you may be co-dependant.  Maybe the people arew users and drug abusers, learn it is not your fault and you are not alone,  for every alcoholic and drug user there are co-deps out there that belong to them.  I think they creat the perfect atmosphere for co-dependants to thrive on...
279770
Walk into a room full of Addicts, or Alcloholics.  For every person there, the profile of dependance and addiction will be different. In a room full of 100 of these peope, there will be 100 different forms of disease. There is no such thing as classifying someone as being a "prospective" drug abuser.  \n\nAre there risk factors, yes. Are there genetic pre-dispositions, yes.  Are there personality traits, or disorders that can relate to potential for abuse or addiction, yes.  \n\nCan all of these issues be dealt with successfully, sometimes.  \n\nMy parents are both alcoholics. They also raised three successfull kids, never lied, cheated, stole, allways paid their bills, belong to a church, volunteer, and had very successfull careers.  Some of the greatest minds in history, as well as today, had problems of this nature.  \n\nSometimes the insanity that can come from abuse and a clouded mind leads people to do what we would consider outrageous or unacceptable things.  Those people need help, and have to learn how to be painfully honest with themselves.  It can be done, there is a way.  \n\nIt takes a lot of savy, reading, education, experience, etc, etc, to even begin to understand.  I say this because in reading responses to this question I have already seen how people can talk/act like an expert and in reality be completely ignorant, not realizing how much damage they can do with their words and false information.  \n\nIf you really want to learn more go to an open meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narotics Anonymous (NA), Alanon, Alateen.
347749
I knew a Heroine addict, she recovered after 30yrs of abuse. She is still recovering through a Methadone Clinic, she attends meetings 2x a week.  I don't think anyone really recovers, I think you grow stronger from getting beat down to the ground so many times, at least that's what happened to my friend--after having lost everything, including her morals she found Jesus, and found a better way to deal with her recovery.\n\nTough Love is the best thing for drug abusers.  Don't be mad, just practice tough love, if he comes around, with some half-baked scheme to get money--SHUT HIM DOWN immediately.  My girlfriend, ended up getting caught shop lifting after everyone stoped lending her money.\n\nGood luck...*!*...
969918
addiction isn't typically about the substance but the users dependence on something that makes them forget their problems. once an addict always an addict. that is why it is important to stay away from those things that may cause you problems in your life.
732034
Free drugs DO keep the junkies out of our homes and our lives but what about the junkies? They need help with rehab not more drugs. There a remedial drugs they can be given that will help them with withdrawal. Society owes it to those with a drug problem to help them regain their normal life not to keep them sedated and harmless.