Reverse Progress

The Progressive Nature of Addiction and Alcoholism

Why Time Alone Won’t Heal the Disease

Addiction and alcoholism are relentless. They don’t take a break, and they don’t improve on their own. I lived through the progressive nature of this disease. What began as casual, social drinking spiraled into something I could have never imagined. I didn't realize that, even though I was living through it each day, my addiction had taken over everything in my life. The more time that passed the more I practiced addiction and the worse I got at it. My life was an out of control oxymoron. From the time i started until I fully abstained It never got better...it was always getting worse.

Why Addiction Always Progresses

• Tolerance and Dependence: I needed more and more to feel anything at all.

• Diminishing Returns: The “high” disappeared, replaced by constant fear of withdrawal.

• Emotional and Social Decline: My relationships, education pursuits, and self-worth crumbled as addiction consumed me.

The Myth of ‘It Will Get Better Someday’

I used to think I could stop when I wanted to. But the truth is, this disease doesn’t allow you to simply “want” recovery—it demands action, treatment, and support.

Steps Toward Recovery

• Acknowledge the Disease: I had to accept that I wasn’t a bad person but a sick one in need of help.

• Seek Professional Treatment: Entering treatment was the best decision of my life. It gave me the tools I needed to rebuild.

• Commit to Support: Recovery is a lifelong journey. I’ve stayed clean for 24 years because I continue to invest in my growth and healing.

Addiction doesn’t pause, and time won’t heal it. But recovery is possible, and it starts with taking action today.