splungedude
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A comic about addiction and on how to handle withdrawal.
I've been sober for 6 years, it's not always been easy but it is so much better than when I was still using.
Viral edit: addiction isn't a choice, people can't stop being addicted, they can only stop using. If you're suffering talk to those around you, friends, family, people at meetings or even a stranger while waiting on the bus. Talking helps! If you know someone that suffers talk to them, they might try to push you away because they don't want to be helped, but let them know you're there for them and you care about them.
Also, I forgot the sauce:
http://www.akimbocomics.com/?p=1204
This dude makes great insightful and heartfelt comics, if you liked this one you'll like the rest of his works, check it out!
ClockworkKoala
Been clean for years now, not really keeping count. Just happy to be alive, because if I didn't stop when I did, liver was gonna kill me.
imbadwithnamez
I can't relate, or even imagine. But I'm glad you found the strength to do so.
PaulyParker
I had a serious alcohol issue a few years back. I get a craving for booze every so often. My brains like “1 won’t hurt” it’s never 1 though
PaulyParker
Been off booze for 3 years since the birth of my son. Don’t miss booze. Hope those cravings go away for good..
infiniteheights
I'm so proud of you. depending on the severity of your alcohol problem, the cravings might ease up over time, but if you're an alcoholic 1/
infiniteheights
they may never truly fade away. the good news: you gain control & it gets easier with time. after 3yrs the cravings & dreams ease ↑ a lot 2/
infiniteheights
I wish you the best, I'm proud of you, and after 7yrs, it does get easier. keep on, & all my love to you.
BoxesofFoxes
Well yeah, drugs rewire your brain to make it think it NEEDS X substance to survive. Stop giving your brain the thing,
BoxesofFoxes
your brain goes into shut down/dying mode. That's why withdrawal is so awful. Nat Geo wrote an article about a while ago. Science is making
BoxesofFoxes
some really interesting strides into trying to cure addiction and rewire neural pathways.
infiniteheights
THANK YOU! longer sobriety time allows new neural pathways to form over the old ones. however, the old neural paths still exist. (sadly).
FeralPuppy
My dad's been layong off alcohol for about a year now, and he uses imgur too. If you see this, dad, I'm so proud of you!
Jokeymcgoiter
I just recently got my first year and it still blows my mind how much my body wants it but I don't. It's confusing as fuck yo.
infiniteheights
I remember this feeling. the first 2-3 yrs sober, I had nonstop drug dreams. it gets easier. I'll have 7yrs sober in July. I believe in you!
Jokeymcgoiter
Thanks man! Good timing today was a particularly difficult day and I needed that. Much appreciated
Fisicboy
I’m an addict too, please add
Hatecuzaint
A week sober here. So so accurate
palmedace
Came to the realization that I'm a full blown alcoholic a few months ago and told everyone I know. I still haven't made it through a week 1/
palmedace
2/ without alcohol yet. It's so fucking hard to give up what you've been doing since you were a kid
laikIfUCryEvrytme
I guess its all about balance and self control. You are in command or should be, What i do is I drink maybe one day in 2 weeks cuz i like it
dryerlint777
I smoked half a pack a day for a year and then just stopped, now I smoke once a month for funsies. How come it was easy to quit for me?
applesforjuice
I have also quit smoking, I do now still especially when drinking, but when I originally quit from a pack a day it was easy. I just stopped.
splungedude
It's different for everyone and with each substance. I quit smoking like it was no thang, for drink and drugs I spent a month in a clinic.
Threewisemen
I honestly think genetics play a larger role. My dad's side of the family can drink a lot, but no addicts. Everyone had issues with smokes.
Threewisemen
My little sister was the only one on my dad's side never to smoke. Everyone's either quit or dead now, but all the ones that quit had issues
DahPrincess
Some people's bodies and minds are better at changing. You got lucky, or maybe you picked up another habit without noticing. As long as >
DahPrincess
-you're happier.
IchWillSchlafen
Some people just have more tendencies to develop an addiction. Be it because of personal history or genetic, there are many risk factors
MrRareza
I was like that with alcohol, but I went hard and heavy after a divorce. From no drinking to 4 to 5 bottles of vodka a week. Quit no prob--
MrRareza
--once I saw my life fall apart in less than a year. Cleaned up, moved in with parents, paid debts. Then took up smoking -.- gaaahhhhh lol..
laikIfUCryEvrytme
Well, at least you will only kill yourself faster and not damage your relationships, I would say its better even tho no addiction is good.
Dirtybirdsalltheway
Cigarettes are easy compared to other stuff, don't get me wrong it's still hard and quiting smoking is a great victory! Alcohol is hard man.
CocaineAndSelfPleasure
Cigarettes are actually one of the hardest things to quit. But I started vaping (I know, I know). But yea alcohol is starting to creep on me
BoxesofFoxes
I smoked for almost 10 years, I quit cold turkey and never looked back. Not everyone gets addicted, not everyone gets addicted to the same
BoxesofFoxes
substances. Now try cutting sugar cold turkey and see how that makes you feel.
TheJazzGhost
Sometimes it seems to me that people are weak to different things. It seems individual and lifestyle based. This is just what I've seen.
fartfactory87
Half way through this I had to take out my e cigarette. I guess it's different for everyone and personally, I could do better but..... but
AreThoseMyPants
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukFjH9odsXw
EdwardStarsmith
Does anyone around you smoke? My mother smoked when I was growing up. I never smoked, but I went through withdrawal when she quit.
BOOMstick666
Quitting smoking has little side effects, like you may feel a little edgy and grumpy, it's the habit that's hard to break
StinkFox
Why doesn't grandma get hooked on opioids from a hospital stay? she's happy with the life she has, there is no gap to be filled
BoxesofFoxes
It's also genetic and dependent on a lot of nuanced and complex factors.
StinkFox
why are lab mice kept in a community with quality food and toys less likely than isolated ones to develop an addiction to laced water?
NoLongerFoamingWolffo
Glad I don't have an addictive personality. *sips his coffee*
Threewisemen
Some1OnceToldMe
I needed this. Every morning I say I won't smoke/drink when I get home and then every night I do. Time for a break.
PonderingOx
Thank you for posting this, I needed to read it.
BananasnPajamas
If, based on your username, you're Pondering the same Ox I'm thinking of, you and I may have something in common.
PonderingOx
Oh and what's that?
BananasnPajamas
Foxy oxycodone. That's my poison of choice right now. Basically heroin in a small blue tablet. So good and so bad at the same time.
Drewby07
Coming up on 3 years without alcohol here. It has changed my life. No looking back!
houseofnifty
Relapse, but get hot goth girlfriend?
thegeneralgeneral
Day 3. Just over the very worst of it. This put it into words - saved for future reference
BananasnPajamas
Keep goin man. I wish I was there. I don't know how. I don't have any1 2 tell that will understand. No 1 knows how bad it is. Even my dealer
BananasnPajamas
I'm afraid this will be the end of me. I'm so good at keeping it a secret, I'm afraid no one will know until it's too late.
thegeneralgeneral
Always has taken some terrible event to happen & stick in my head long enough to get through the first bit, but it is awesome .. eventually.
thegeneralgeneral
I went through a 30-day program once, succeeded on my own (kinda) a long time ago, so i try to remember that I guess. Was good.
thegeneralgeneral
In any case, if nobody knows, find someone. A professional or a friend. Someone to call/talk to is really helpful.
SlightlyFabricated
As an addict in recovery and the child of addicts, thank you for this.
TheMulletBurden
Also the title of a good sobriety related book by Richard Rohr. Breathing underwater.
ErectPelfs
A powerful example of how pictures can help convey feelings that are so painfully hard to put into words. +1
marsupialsrus
And once you learn to breathe water, you're free to swim.
MikeTheRipper12
This perfectly describes severe opioid withdrawal, but without the "insects crawling under your skin" part. Yes, that's a real thing.
infiniteheights
fuck me, I remember that evil fuckery too. tactile hallucinations from hell. they accompany coke & meth withdrawal as well. hated that shit.
Umsies
I'll always have a problem with cocaine. It's up to the point now where I'm functional on it. I can go without doing it for months
Umsies
and it wouldn't really effect me, but if I get my hands on some cash first thing Id end up doing is koppn me an 8ball. Ik I won't go
Umsies
homeless again or even back to rehab that's how easy it is now that ik it can do that much damage but it never REALLY helps knowing that
Umsies
I have to pick up once and awhile because the love I have for it is still attached to my back. The demon that comes with it is only small
Umsies
But it'll grow bigger every time. Idk if it's ever like that for anyone else but addiction is a disease it stays with you from ever
Umsies
Since you first pick up and get hooked from there. Doesn't go away. My brothers and sisters stay strong please we can get overcome this
TheGalacticLeprechaunwithtinynipples
And that, folks, is like we should treat drug addicts as people that need help, not punishment
debugstatement
the accuracy of this is painfully real. working on my sobriety currently.
kojenk
You dont stop being addict. You are always "staying sober". Acknowledging this is an imp step but only the first one.
konelhft
Would you say there's somewhere around twelve steps?
itskDn
We're never *not* addicts. We simply stop using. We need to be reminded of this in regular intervals.
amipsycho
Former addict; I wouldn't say that. I learned not to want it. I taught myself healthy ways to be happy. I'm not staying sober, I'm clean.
Haxor777
Been sober for years now after spending every day and night drinking for years. Was hard at first but now I don't even crave it and (1/2)
Haxor777
the few times in a year that I do drink (family events, new years, etc.) I enjoy but I don't spiral or go overboard. So no, I don't agree.
yomahnn
That's what the comic is communicating too. You just have to learn to keep breathing without your vice. You don't need it to survive
Some1OnceToldMe
The shitty part is I often feel like I'm "staying sober" and "staying sane" and "staying happy" and everyone else is just living.
tsunamisue
At first it feels that way, kind of like driving a car, it's not simple when you start but after awhile it becomes the norm. It IS worth it
SushiJaguar
Mate, these days, there's no such thing as happy or sane.
AsFarAsIKnow
From my experience, the vast majority of them are faking it. Most people seem to be trapped in a semi-permanent existential crisis.
Honeybadger2198
Everyone has their own battles. It doesn't make you any less of a person because of the battles you fight.
Smurgle
Everyone is "staying sober" from something or another. Just because it's not (insert addiction X here) just means it's (insert Y here).
Threewisemen
You learn to live with an addiction. It never leaves, but if you control it long enough it does take a back seat to everything else.
DarthSilegy
Don't worry, even many of us with no such demons are often just "Stayin' Alive".
habisteez
I think that's not true, you can stop being an addict but you need big changes, and the only way is self improvement.
Some1OnceToldMe
I'm not a "survivor" but a fighter is kinda what keeps me going. I've been to the bottom so most everything/every day is self-improvement.
habisteez
It sounds a bit different than craving for something. Kind of the opposite
Some1OnceToldMe
I still dream about food, my stomach shuts down when I'm stressed, and crisis can even trigger my purge instinct. But recognizing that (2)
Some1OnceToldMe
I'd disagree. As someone with an eating disorder currently under control it's very similar. I'm never going to be fully "healed" b/c (1)
youknowthatonepersonwiththeface
I read a biography on a musician I admire, Jason Molina. Here is a map to sobriety someone made for him:
UrsaUrsa
Oh man, that's a name rarely mentioned on imgur <3 The image is beautiful! Google tells me there's only the one you uploaded. [1/2]
UrsaUrsa
Might I trouble you for a higher resolution one if you have it?
youknowthatonepersonwiththeface
(3) lifestyle anymore. It's burned too many bridges and cost me too many opportunities.
youknowthatonepersonwiththeface
(2) around him, and have been 6 days sober now, writing music again. It's a struggle, but I can't live the "Burning dynamite at both ends"
UrsaUrsa
Six days is a good start! I wish you strength and patience to persevere! Good luck and all the best to you <3
youknowthatonepersonwiththeface
Jason Molina's an inspiration in a lot of ways, including my music career being ruined by addiction. I read about everyone's troubles (1)
neonnarwhals
PSA: alcohol withdrawal for serious addicts can be fatal.
lauraborealis12
PSA if you are wanting to withdraw from alcohol please contact your GP first to discuss a safe detox
discorage
I had two alcohol withdrawal related seizures in 6 month period. Thankfully I've got it under control now. Only beer and only on weekends.
Mallear
Fortunately, there are prescription drugs that help with this.
FiftyShadesOfTiramisu
If it's that bad, not going through withdrawal would be fatal too, and rather soon at that.
FiftyShadesOfTiramisu
PS: I'm not suggesting to withdraw at home because you could die either way. Always seek clinical help.
[deleted]
[deleted]
FiftyShadesOfTiramisu
I agree with that. I just hope the possibility of health complications doesn't keep people from checking into rehab.
ImHereToExplainTheJoke
And this is exactly why we need to stop treating addicts like criminals. Some can't be helped, but those that can should be.
[deleted]
[deleted]
FiftyShadesOfTiramisu
Even those who can't be helped should receive whatever help they need to live as normal a life as possible. Including supplying them with...
FiftyShadesOfTiramisu
a clean safe daily dosage of their drug in a clinical environment, as well as a roof over their head if necessary. Several countries have...
FiftyShadesOfTiramisu
programs to supply heroin addicts with actual heroin as well as a place to live, and it saves a ton of money in the long run. Medical ...
FiftyShadesOfTiramisu
costs, policing / court / prison costs, street & park cleanup etc. Plus, dealers get no revenue & everyone is safer w/o drug-related crime.
ImHereToExplainTheJoke
I agree with you, but in this revenge obsessed anti-drug hysterical country, we should start with helping people actively seeking to get-
TheGreatPeru
imnotarealgiraffe
But ... alcohol withdrawal *can* kill you ... this metaphor needs help
ThePastmaster
Then you failed to learn how to breath water. Going by the metaphor.
imnotarealgiraffe
Like physically, even if sedated, the withdrawal can cause fatal seizures. It's the only drug that's physically dangerous to withdraw from.
ProcrastinatorMasturnater
It's the internal feeling that the being drunk/high fixes. The drug/alcohol is way that I fix the brokenness I feel inside. Until I found...
ProcrastinatorMasturnater
a better solution. For me it is the 12 step program, for others it may be different. The spiritual approach was what helped me
BigFanCumberBitch
as someone who does way high dose nicotine, yep, it's there for a high to start but once the addiction hits you and you try to quit 1/2
BigFanCumberBitch
everything feels wrong, nothing can be fun, you can't do anything, you just sit there knowing feeling "normal" is one (or 5) hit away 2/2
marsupialsrus
It's pretty spot on.
grifmoney
I've jerked off at least once a day since I was 13. I'm 30 now. I don't think I could stop even if I had a reason to.
nipplepanties
Never really thought of it like that, but yeah
ukatox
chemical dependency.. like how smokers say they need to smoke to reduce stress but in fact, it's the lack of smoking that creates stress.
mandadadada
Nicotine has MAO-Inhibitor properties which contributes to addiction. Makes u feel less depressed for a bit, it's a stimulant
beergolem
Actually, you take a deep breath which is relaxing, then the nicotine causes the liver to release sugar and the brain to release dopamine.
Chocolatesmaster
You also forget how to reduce stress. Every time you go outside you will reach for your pack. You are literally fighting yourself.
theycallmewillywonka
I've often pondered this. Maybe it's the control too? To have a pack of stress relievers, based on the current level which is increased byit
Goatsarepeople
As an alcoholic I don't think getting sober is something everyone needs to do. You can be an alcoholic and still successful in life.
ToTheLastDrop
Short term? True, one can be. Much like it's possible to swim with lead shoes on. You're not going to get very far for very long, though.
Goatsarepeople
My grandfather died at 78 and drank like a fish everyday of his life after 16. And I don't even wanna see 65 personally.
ToTheLastDrop
Was he able to maintain a career and decent quality of life? Alcohol's threat is to the self-discipline required for life. And why not?
Goatsarepeople
Outside of the PTSD from Nam no real health issues. He worked as a disel mechanic till he died on the job when a motor crushed him. 1/2
supernintendo64
Not only is alcohol expensive, but being an alcoholic can cause serious health problems down the line like liver cancer. Get sober.
Goatsarepeople
I get regular physicals and outside of high cholesterol I'm in great shape. Also I run my own business, I've got money.
textilelover
I suppose you can, but you will absolutely die younger. Alcohol is poison. Your liver will get tired of filtering it out.
Goatsarepeople
Then it's a good thing living to an old age isn't on my bucket list. I'm on this earth to have a good time, not a long time.
textilelover
I think I'll try to enjoy having a good time for a long time. It's not an either-or thing.
Goatsarepeople
It is for me, I don't want to get old. Getting old actually terrifies me.
UsagiTheRabbit
Friendly neighborhood alcoholic here. Yes, it's a lot like this.
rgzdev
Fuck, I'm not an alcoholic and I feel like this. i think this is just adulting.
GingerLaird
That is addiction. Your body craves it to a point that you believe it is a necessity, like air, water, or food. (1/2)
GingerLaird
And that craving... That false need... It doesn't always go away. You may have to fight the urge for the rest of your life. (2/2)
infiniteheights
as having almost 7yrs sober, I second this. it's a lifelong disease. that craving, the blind ravenous need will always exist. (pt 1)
infiniteheights
but it becomes easier to gain control of your life via sobriety. that insatiable monster still exists; but you have control over it. (pt 2)
infiniteheights
crappy metaphor: you have monstrosity inside you that demands more & more. nothing is ever enough, & you're controlled by this hunger (pt 3)
WhatExactlyIs
here is a factoid thats kinda scary, alcohol withdrawals are some of the only ones that can literally kill you.
thefuckwouldiwantacaravanthatsgotnofuckinwheels
direct death: alcohol, xanas, cocaine. everythin else can be indirect if your heart is weak enough though, always take withdrawals 1/2
thefuckwouldiwantacaravanthatsgotnofuckinwheels
seriously if you are in bad health, especially if you have a weak heart, talk to professionals 2/2
bochikiniki
Alcoholism is disease such that alcohol triggers the same portion of the brain that controls drives. So, to an alcoholic, not drinking...
nolittleplans
What causes them to start and not stop compared to non alcoholics?
DamnTXyouhot
One more drink. And one more. And one more. And one more.
bochikiniki
I read study looking a glycol receptor on neurons and that EtOH may activate them. The study hypothesis that alcoholics may have more of...
bochikiniki
Of these glycol receptors in VT of the brain leading to addiction. That being said take this as a grain of salt, it's one study and...
bochikiniki
I can't find the original study
bochikiniki
Mentally equivalent to not eating or drinking water.
everhaste
But it's the only disease you can get yelled at for having!
konejumala
There's eating disorders, mental disorders, addictions of other kind. Also can get yelled at for any disease that makes you miss work/school
everhaste
Agreeing with you! My reply was just a reference to a Mitch Hedberg joke.
konejumala
Dang, that joke went right over my head. Sorry!
SoberAndBored
You have to understand that it's an addiction. I don't WANT a drink, I NEED a drink. And by "a drink" I mean "to get drunk". One of the
1jetpackangel
I recently saw some long-distance relatives. Almost greeted them with "You smell like I want to beat you until cigarettes come out."
PussyGotYourTongue
Can relate to this. Not physically dependant, but mentally I'm in deep.
SoberAndBored
characters on The West Wing (Leo McGarry) explains it really well, a couple of times.
Some1OnceToldMe
And the more you need drinks and sink into the role of an addict, the more apathetically you destroy yourself.
AnonOmis1000
Depression is addictive, and I've falling into it deep.
Vicksteris
It's a bit different for me. I don't want it, i don't need it, yet i still end up drinking every single day.. And hate myself doing it
sarahPumpkinPoster
I started just by telling myself, no I can drink tomorrow. Just not today. Every day, it's tomorrow I can, just not today. One day at a time
SoberAndBored
Likewise. I can't handle the idea of never drinking again, but I can handle the idea of not drinking today.
DrSchmolls
That's a habit, which some might consider a "low level" addiction, try stopping just to see if you can
portalhoar
Im in this boat, i can go a week before i just start thinking about it again
AcaelusThorne
Not too bad. Seven times better than a day.
ForrestGreggJr5
I drank every day for ten years. I told myself those same lies. I finally admitted to myself how much I love and need booze. 2yrs clean
GetOffMyLawnYa
Stop telling yourself "I don't need it." If your drinking causes problems in your life you qualify for AA. If you want to stop.
Magoober
Idk if I'll ever grasp this aspect. Not bragging; but, I've drank a lot over the years but never had even the slighest dependancy on it.
Vadered
Some people can handle it, some can't. Nothing wrong with enjoying responsibly, but for some enjoying responsibly means no drinking period.
HexDarkwood
In my opinion, I think as far as substance abuse goes, some of us are more inclined to become addicted than others.
infiniteheights
I agree with you. most neurological research on addiction shows a correlation between genetics & addiction. other factors apply, of course.
nellietta
I have a certain need to drink every weekend, and become mad if I can't, but don't have any need on weekdays whatsoever..
Vomgnar
It's not how often or how much you drink. It's what alcohol does to you when you do. Some can drink heavily and be fine, others not.
Magoober
Contrary to my doctors "1 sip means your an alcoholic" policy.
SoberAndBored
That's the problem I had / have with AA: they seem to regard one slip / one drink as being a disaster. For a lot of people (myself included
SoberAndBored
) this means if you have one drink, knowing "you've thrown away all you've achieved and have to start from scratch" means "well I might as
IAmTheBadW01f
That's dumb.....
Magoober
In the marine corps theres a heavy drinking culture. However by the federal governments definition. Every other marine is a raging alcoholic
TheWorldsGreatestPlagueDoctor
I sometimes enjoy beer with my food. Am I an alcoholic?
thatshytidontlike
Are you joking
Hoaxme70
no