Addiction is a tricky thing. It’s not always the dramatic spiral we see in movies, with lives crumbling under the weight of bad decisions. Sometimes, it’s quieter, and harder to spot.
Pretty sure food is my addiction. I wish I liked exercise instead. My brother in law used to do drugs. Then he replaced that with thrill seeking activities. Toned it down and exercised. Now he’s drinking and getting blackout drunk. Like you say, he has unmet needs. But he refuses to admit that. So around and around he goes. As for me, I think I’ve forever lived with the ache of loss. Not sure that will ever go away. But I can maybe put my energy into healthier things. It just takes practice.
I may write about addiction in family members and the affects of that. My mom struggled most of my adult life with Alcohol. But through enough conversation and therapy and traumatic events, she thankfully chose life. I hope the same for your brother in law. Will be keeping him and you in my thoughts on this for sure.
Pretty sure food is my addiction. I wish I liked exercise instead. My brother in law used to do drugs. Then he replaced that with thrill seeking activities. Toned it down and exercised. Now he’s drinking and getting blackout drunk. Like you say, he has unmet needs. But he refuses to admit that. So around and around he goes. As for me, I think I’ve forever lived with the ache of loss. Not sure that will ever go away. But I can maybe put my energy into healthier things. It just takes practice.
I may write about addiction in family members and the affects of that. My mom struggled most of my adult life with Alcohol. But through enough conversation and therapy and traumatic events, she thankfully chose life. I hope the same for your brother in law. Will be keeping him and you in my thoughts on this for sure.