There is a widespread belief that
people with a significant addiction problem need outside
assistance. However, studies have identified a significant
segment of the population who have managed to overcome serious
addictions – including compulsive or pathological
gambling – without professional psychotherapy, support
groups, or pharmaceutical drugs.
Human behavior is complex, and for various reasons, some
people are averse to the idea of being helped by others.
Natural recoverers make a decision to either significantly
curtail or stop altogether the behavior harmful to their
overall well-being. They may also cease collateral behaviors
associated with the addiction (i.e., shopping at outlets
that sell lottery tickets, buying the racing form, dining
at places where alcoholic beverages are available, associating
with friends who use recreational drugs, etc.). In any case,
natural recoverers are able to identify addiction triggers
and manage them on their own.
Of course, those who travel the natural-recovery route,
unlikely will receive the benefits of friendship, wisdom,
support, and supervision available through other modes of
help. However, this does not necessarily mean that the quality
of life for natural recoverers will be inferior to those
who seek outside help.
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