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William D. “Silky” Silkworth, MD

Cause of Relapse: “Slips and Human Nature”

This is the best description of the cause of relapse we have ever read.The following was published in the A.A. Grapevine, January 1947. Dr. Silkworth contributed the two letters included in “The Doctor’s Opinion” in the Big Book.

SLIPS AND HUMAN NATURE

By William D.”Silky” Silkworth, M.D.

The mystery of slips is not so deep as it may appear. While it does seem odd that an alcoholic, who has restored himself to a dignified place among his fellowmen and continues dry for years, should suddenly throw all his happiness overboard and find himself again in mortal peril of drowning in liquor, often the reason is simple.

People are inclined to say, “There is something peculiar about alcoholics. They seem to be well, yet at any moment they may turn back to their old ways. You can never be sure.”

This is largely twaddle. The alcoholic is a sick person. Under the technique of Alcoholics Anonymous he gets well—that is to say, his disease is arrested. There is nothing unpredictable about him any more than there is anything weird about a person who has arrested diabetes.

Continue reading: Cause of Relapse: “Slips and Human Nature”

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January 22, 2011 by jherzanek | No comments

IS AN ADDICT EVER CURED?
~ by Joe Herzanek

In today’s world in which more and more information is readily available, there seems to be more and more confusion regarding the topic of an “Addiction Cure.” Is there a cure for addiction? Some people would argue quite convincingly that there is.

I will point out that “even quitting use completely, for many years—does not mean that someone is cured.”

You’ll probably read or hear information on this topic with various points of view. The concept of an addict who has been clean for years and years—not being cured—is a tough one to comprehend.

I recently received this letter (below) from a reader who presents his point of view. Please read it and then read my response to him. I believe you may hear and learn to discern some of the more subtle differences and truths regarding this baffling disease of addiction.
READ MORE: “Is an addict ever cured?”

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January 18, 2011 by jherzanek | 2 comments

I will never take for granted . . .

November 20, 2009 in Feedback from You, Real People, Real Stories, Why Don't they Just Quit by jherzanek | No comments

I will never
take for granted . . .

“I will never take for granted what my youngest boy’s hair smells like fresh out of the shower, PJ’d up and ready for bed at night. Those little things make bad days easier.”

We’ve been emailing a wonderful–and very wise woman who just celebrated 9 years of sobriety! She goes by the name of “DC13″ and with permission we share some of her recent thoughts.

It’s the little details in life that we sometimes take for granted that really end up meaning the most especially when they are taken away from us. The wonderful thing is that recovery does happen and lives are changed. Read on. . .

I went to jail 9 years ago yesterday (11th) so today…November 12, 2009…is my 9 year clean date……and let’s just say it’s been quite a roller coaster ride! I personally don’t call where I am as recovered or in recovery….addiction is part of what I am….my sister is diabetic, so she has things that she has to do every single day to make sure that she stays safe and stays alive…..same thing with me…just a different disease ya know. AA is great; as well as NA….personally I think a 12 Step program is very important because it makes you actually work out what makes you tick….but all any of these are is for support…they give the tools to learn to build a “new house” …..but it’s totally up to each person if they choose to build a mansion…..or haphazardly piece together a shack that will blow over with the first spit of wind.

‘Why don’t you just quit?’ was a regular question around my life for about 20 years….I get to put my kids to bed at night now….and know that I’ll get to do again tomorrow… I will never take for granted what my youngest boys hair smells like fresh out of the shower and p.j.’d up and ready for bed at night…those little things make bad days easier.

God…..I know what kind of places and circumstances I put myself in….for me it wasn’t A.A. but it was a 12 step program….helped me learn to help myself…..and introduced me to other people that would be less likely to believe my crap and would help to call me on it when I started spouting it…..accountability is an absolute necessity!

Cure…..don’t believe it…don’t buy it….never heard of it…..had to learn to live in spite of the disease that I have……not let the disease live in spite of me…..I am and will always be an addict…..if I ever for one minute forget that, or become complacent about that or I will once again fall. I work very hard every day to not let that happen….and for 9 years now I have not let my disease be the boss.
But that’s just me.

Thanks DC13!

“Why Don’t They Just Quit? What families and friends need to know about addiction and recovery.”