Q: Can you tell me why people finally get sober and stop using drugs? I have seen so many people struggle for years and then finally something happens and they quit. What is it that does it for these people?
A: You ask a great question, and obviously there are different reasons for different people. However, in a general sense, let me offer the following:
I think several things play a role in people making the decision to stop using. First, there has to be a compelling reason or reasons to change. That is, people don't stop using because they no longer like drugs and alcohol. Rather their use of chemicals is causing them so many problems, or preventing them from getting something they want, and so they make a decision to stop.
Without powerful reasons to change, change won't happen. People must keep their reasons for changing in their minds at all times and never forget them when working to be sober. That is, they need to remember that they will never get what they want as long as drug use continues.
Individuals also have to make the commitment to deal with life's difficulties without using drugs no matter what. Very simply, drug use can no longer be an option.
As much as they want to use, and there will be times they do, they must learn new coping skills and ways to deal with life's stresses without using. People must also believe in themselves and have the confidence that change is possible.
To sustain and maintain long-term abstinence, people must develop a satisfying and fulfilling life without drugs and alcohol. If not, it is more likely that they will return to using.
Q: I have heard that cigarette smoking rates have dropped, which is great news. However, I have noticed that a lot of adults and kids are smoking cigars, which also is dangerous.
Do you know whether cigar smoking has increased, or is it just my imagination?
A: You are very observant. In fact, while cigarette smoking has decreased, there has been an increase in both cigar smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products, like snuff.
From 2000 to 2007, cigarette sales dropped about 18 percent. During the same time period, sales of small cigars and smokeless tobacco increased, offsetting about 30 percent of the decline in cigarette sales.
Public health officials report that the reasons for this have to do with marketing, prices of tobacco products and taxes. For example, taxes on small cigars are much lower than are the taxes on cigarettes. In addition, some cigarette companies have entered into other tobacco markets, such as the manufacturing, marketing and sale of snuff.
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Send questions about addictions or related problems to: Take The First Step, c/o The Eagle-Tribune, 100 Turnpike St., North Andover, MA 01845 or send e-mail to michael_levy@cabhealth.org. Questions will be answered in confidence by a clinical team led by Dr. Michael Levy, director of clinical treatment services at CAB Health & Recovery Services in Peabody and author of "Take Control of Your Drinking ... and You May Not Need to Quit."
