The Addict Self

For anyone who has watched a loved one struggle with addiction, it can seem at times like the addicted person has a split personality. Of course, it’s not a clinical split (they’re not schizophrenic), but even experts recognize the duality of thoughts, emotions and behaviors that plague someone in the midst of substance abuse.

Ironically, this battle between these two selves – often referred to as the “healthy self” and the “addict self” -- can become the most pronounced during the treatment or recovery process. Why is this? Once an individual is no longer dealing with the physical aspects of addiction and reacting to the chemicals impact on the body, the residual addict feelings and emotions are easier to see. These two sides of a recovering addict fight against each other and are a threat to long-term sobriety.

Healthy Self vs. Addict Self

So what does this struggle look like? While hard to combat, it’s easy to see. For example, while the healthy self might say, “I can have healthy, sober fun” or “I can’t control my alcohol use,” the addict self insists, “I can’t have any fun unless I’m high” or “I can control my alcohol intake and just drink a little.” So while the actual substance use has stopped, the thinking that allowed the substance use to continue in the first place is still there.

To achieve long-term sobriety, it’s important to not just stop the physical act of getting high but to deal with the negative and erroneous thoughts that made it possible. An addict can’t be expected to recognize his or her own unhealthy thought processes. That’s why counseling is an important part of the treatment process. Treating the entire individual and not just the addiction definitely improves the rate of long-term sobriety.

Drug Treatment

If you or someone you love is battling an addiction, call La Paloma at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.