Lost Your Power of ChoiceLost Your Power of Choice
Position of Neutrality
Joe McDonald examines the loss of power of choice in addiction and the importance of finding healthy replacements.
1:10•26 Apr 2022
When Choice Slips Away: Joe McDonald on Addiction's Grip
“When they say you've lost your power of choice regarding chemicals and sensory pleasures, you're probably not going to get that back.”
Have you ever felt like your decisions are no longer your own? In this eye-opening episode of 'Position of Neutrality', Joe McDonald dives into the unsettling concept of losing your power of choice when it comes to addiction. Drawing from the book 'Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered From Alcoholism', Joe explains how the founders of AA viewed alcoholism as a progressive illness that only worsens over time.
Joe uses a powerful metaphor to drive home his point: losing your power of choice is like losing your legs—you can't just grow new ones. Once it's gone, it's gone for good. This stark comparison underscores the gravity of addiction and the importance of finding healthy replacements for harmful substances or sensory pleasures. Throughout the episode, Joe encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences and consider what they might replace their harmful habits with.
He emphasizes that while you may not regain your original power of choice, you can find something better to fill the void. This episode is a must-listen for anyone grappling with addiction or supporting someone who is. It's a sobering yet hopeful look at the challenges and possibilities that come with recovery.
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