Obsession of the Mind

I started going to AA meetings periodically. Partly because in some measure it helps me understand the addict's mind and eases a fraction of the guilt I feel over losing my son to addiction. During my last meeting, someone shared a very poignant message. The topic was gratitude and the member said, "I am so grateful to be free from the constant obsession of the mind."

According to the Big Book in AA/NA, the obsession of the mind is described as the overriding obsession that an alcoholic or addict has regarding drugs and alcohol and is thought to be the "greater aspect of the disease". This obsession causes problems with perception in that the person cannot see the negative consequences associated with the choice to use, but instead, an overwhelming urge to experience the feelings associated with the drug. 

This obsession is said to be incredibly powerful, blocking all reasoning and is the cause for so many to keep going back to the drug even after having detoxed physically from the substance. 

Learning about this helps me understand what Chris and Brayden were going through and why it was so hard for them to stop using.