Endless Loop of Misery
Repeating the same behaviors...
The first time I heard this phrase, I was struck by the familiar ring. It’s because, after years of listening to stories of people working to recover from addiction to alcohol and/or other mind-altering substances, I realized we were making the same mistakes over and over, expecting a different result. In other words, left to our own devices, we were living in an “infinite loop”. And, the result of continued use and abuse of alcohol and other mind-altering substances is always misery.
An infinite loop of misery is a state of being where one is constantly trapped in a cycle of negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This can lead to a feeling of hopelessness and despair, as there seems to be no way to escape the loop.
There are many factors that can contribute to an infinite loop of misery, such as:
Trauma: Experiencing a traumatic event can leave a person feeling deeply traumatized and unable to cope with life. This can lead to a cycle of negative thoughts and emotions, such as fear, anger, and sadness.
Mental illness: Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD can also contribute to an infinite loop of misery. These illnesses can make it difficult to think clearly, make decisions, and enjoy life.
Addiction: Substance abuse and addiction can also lead to an infinite loop of misery. When someone is addicted to a substance, they are constantly chasing the next high, which can lead to a cycle of destructive behavior.
Unhealthy relationships: Being in an unhealthy relationship can also contribute to an infinite loop of misery. If someone is in a relationship with someone who is abusive, controlling, or manipulative, they can find themselves trapped in a cycle of negativity.
If you are feeling stuck in an infinite loop of misery, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you to understand the root of your problems and develop strategies for coping with them.
In many cases, people addicted to alcohol and/or mind-altering substances, are plagued by all of the factors mentioned above.
For some, Recovery programs (AA, NA, etc.) can, with hard work, end this cycle of misery and restore addicts and their families to healthy lives. For others, these programs need to be augmented with solid work with professional therapists to work on the mental health aspects of the disease.