In The Prince of Tides Pat Conroy wrote, “There is no fixing a damaged childhood. The best you can hope for is to make the sucker float.” How many addicts does this describe? Most of them I would venture. A few suggestions:
It’s called therapy. Get some. Cherish supportive friends. Find a good group or groups and attend religiously.
Avoid triggering situations. Lean on friends to get you through what you can’t avoid.
End dysfunctional relationships. If this is not possible (parents, anyone?) get support and counseling. I nothing works and you are still put at risk from continued association, lean how to love from afar. This is both possible and compassionate.
Study family system. Lots of alcoholics/addicts recover and become not only addiction counselors but family systems experts and counselors.
Be good to yourself NOW! Good diet, exercise, good job, positive relations. Travel!