How to ween them off their 'drug' addiction!

by stuckinarut2 5 Replies latest jw experiences

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  stuckinarut2

  The other day, we were discussing the similarities that a JW has to a drug addict. (or any form of addiction really)

  As JWs, we constantly required "another hit" to keep the cravings at bay, or to keep the level of "high" as a "spiritual" person.

  Yet another JW related activity - ministry, meetings, publications, assemblies etc...just to keep the high level of euphoria.

  But what happens when the "drug" supply is cut off? What happens when they miss several meetings, assemblies and "spiritual food"? The level of "toxicity" within the body lessens, and the cravings can subside. Perhaps the REAL person can start to manifest out of the "drug induced" haze? Maybe they can see themselves without the need for "another fix"!?

  So what can we do to help our loved ones who are still "JW-drug addicted"? Can we start to ween them off the supply? Can we start to introduce replacements to their fix? Maybe start to broaden their life activities and outlook? Introduce the reality of life outside of the "fake euphoric haze".

  Offer to share fun times doing things in the community. Meet new people, see the positivity of life outside of the JW bubble! Introduce new ideas and perspectives on things...

  But, as with someone escaping a drug addiction - withdrawal MUST be done slowly and carefully - to prevent them from relapsing.

  Be patient, be calm, be loving.
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  pale.emperor

  I find that, like an addiction, when people "come off the drug" they tend to fill the void with another addiction or go right back to it after a while. That's why it's a good idea to find a useful or fun hobby to fill the void during the process of waking up. For me it was Morrissey's music, life drawing and photography. Much more fun and meaningful than another boring meeting.
  
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  stuckinarut2

  Good point Pale.

  Yes, it is indeed vital to find another "non-toxic" activity for life. Many can be attracted to another "false high" if not careful after leaving the WT
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  smiddy3

  This is an excellent post stuckinarut2 and pe makes some good points to your thread ,not that i can offer anything more insightful ,I just hope many more people can come up with positive suggestions as its a good thread.

  As JWs, we constantly required "another hit" to keep the cravings at bay, or to keep the level of "high" as a "spiritual" person.

  Yet another JW related activity - ministry, meetings, publications, assemblies etc...just to keep the high level of euphoria.

  A good observation stuckinarut2 I hope many more people respond as I also would like to hear what others have to say about this .
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  stuckinarut2

  Thanks Smiddy3!

  It does strike me as interesting, that if the "drug supply" is cut off from a JW, (eg they go away on a long holiday and break the JW routine), they are less motivated or inclined to get back into JW activity!

  So, just like weening someone off a controlling substance, they can break free - if the environment is right, and the supply is cut
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  Vidiot

  smiddy - "As JWs, we constantly required 'another hit' to keep the cravings at bay, or to keep the level of 'high' as a 'spiritual' person."

  Or, in the case of some of us, to stave off suspicions that the "drugs" were just placebos...

  ...or were even, in fact, doing long-term harm.