Is the saying, "Once an addict, always an addict" true?

No, it is never true. When you are an addict, society will always see you as that, but if you really quit, if you give your efforts on it, you will eventually overcome the addiction and leave it behind. Don't let society tell you what you are based on the mistakes you commited in the past.

Yes, but there is a fine line in this saying. Once a certain marker in the brain has surpass, addiction has settled in, and the brain can never go back to its original physiological state. That's why all addicts are continuously in recovery.

A person should not be referred to as an "addict", but rather a person with an addiction. An addiction does not define who you are. Addictions can be completely overcome, though it is very difficult.

While there is some truth to this statement, it is not entirely the case. The true part about it is that, once addicted to something, you may have cravings return in waves, and you can be pulled right back into an addition if you try it again after giving it up. However, it is also possible to break an addiction,and go forwads with your life, but you must attempt not to go back to what you were addicted to.

Very not true! That's why there is rehab! :D Addiction, well it's a very difficult habit to break but it's definitely curable. I was an alcoholic and I've been alcohol free for several months now. I still drink occasionally but I've got control now :)

I cannot speak for everyone, but I can speak from my own personal experience with addiction I was a ice and GHB addict, and while I don't refer to myself as a drug addict now, I know how easy it was to fall back into that darkness. I will always be a recovering addict. That's one thing that will never change. I will never wake up one day and just magically be fully recovered. I will always have the temptation of wanting to use again, especially when things go bad in life. Although, this doesn't mean I will or won't use again. It's all about how the brain works, and also how we control our temptations. Control is everything. I keep myself out of those situations and keep myself away from triggers. I check myself and my actions constantly to make sure I am doing what is best for everyone and not what I think is best at the moment. Because of this, I will forever be an addict. So while I may not always be a drug addict, the danger is always present and I need to be aware of that. I think that is what that statement really means.

In the broad sense, the answer is generally yes. But, like the many different personality types, there are different types of addicts. Some people try drugs and never get hooked, other people try them and get addicted either immediately or over time. Once you have been addicted to something, you know that you now have the capacity to be an addict. Regarding personality type, there are many ways "always being an addict" will show itself. For some people, they constantly need to remind themselves of the possibility of addiction, other people can struggle, get clean, but then never pick up a drug or drink again, with others having multiple relapses. So, because we have seen that sometimes people do drugs and not get addicted, the fact that you are or were once an addict shows that you it doesn't matter if you use drugs tomorrow or ten years from now, there is always the very real, likely chance that you will get addicted again, and you should be vigilant of that.

I believe this statement is not true, I believe it is only demeaning. When you are labeled an addict, it means a person who is addicted to a substance or to take on an activity that is usually harmful to the point of obsession. Nowhere in that definition does it say it’s permanent. Yes, your addiction may have the power to absorb you, mentally, emotionally, and is usually physically, but that doesn’t mean you cannot reform. An addiction is a hard thing to just shake off, it’s a mental illness that needs to be treated with care and persistence. If you seriously want to change, and you’ve accepted that you have a problem, you’re one step closer to remission and you have a higher chance of getting rid of that title. Remember, it’s not impossible to change if you give it your all and understand that your addiction is a problem that effects you unhealthy and others unhealthy.

No that saying is so not true. People change, the world is constantly changing and so are people and nothing ever stays the same.

In a way, yes. The addiction never really leaves. You'll always remember the good but not always the baad. You might relapse a couple times, and that's normal. But it'll never seem as clear as it did.

That is a really good question, it really depends on the persons personality. If someone has an addictive personality, then they are more likely to fall to another addiction.

The thing with addiction is it's really hard to talk about to begin with--- And addicts, whether or not they give in, at least in my experience they have told me the craving/desire to do that behaviour is still there. I've had friends that are former drug or alcohol abusers and/or addicts and they said that even though they cleaned up their act...they have to avoid those triggers. And so instead of doing those bad habits, they've replaced them with something else...one friend of mine is addicted ot exercise now, but how one is wired can play a huge role as well...There are those that may be more prone to addiction because of personality, environment, etc. But it is rather common for this phrase to be a true ringer.

Not at all. Depending on the situation though. People can change! It happens! Not many things are impossible! You just keep pushing yourself! Take it step by step, day by day focus on today and only today! Don't worry about tommorow! Get though today first! And DONT GIVE UP!!!

No, this isn't true. Addicts do have a tendency to go back, but some people have true self control. It is very hard for them to do so, so if you see an addict that is clean, congratulate them, because they worked very hard to get there. Many people you see on the street have been addicts once in their life, and still are. Many people struggle all their life over an addiction. It doesn't have to be drugs or alcohol either. You can be addicted too many things, such as sleeping, coffee, and many other things. If you see yourself becoming addicted to something, get help.

I think that phrase is very pessimistic. It's true that addiction becomes a part of your life and so does the battle against it. But you are a person not a label. Your addiction is something you struggle with but it does not define who you are as a whole or what you're worth. It's like ADHD some people have it and they live with it. It doesn't define who they are. If anything it makes you stronger. Dont give up. I know it's hard but mental illness is hard does not mean you cant cope with it so be compassionate towards yourself.

Yes and No. Yes: Recovering addicts have a predisposition to getting either readdicted to their DOC or getting addicted to a new drug. No: If living a successful life in recovery, you have cut out all the influences that put you on the path to addiction in the first place, then your odds of relapsing are greatly reduced. As a recovering addict, I can say that it is a journey, both physical and spiritual. I had to move away from the town I grew up in and have limited contact with certain members of my family to get over my addictions. It isn't always easy and some days I miss the "fun" I had, but then I look at my new friends and chosen family, and I realize that my life is much better now.

Addiction can be a symptom rather then a diagnosis. I have a friend how is trying to sort through things from his past and many other issues distract and take priority over. It seems like everything he does turns into an addiction. (maybe compulsion) When he used to drink he drank hard and often then needed to quit. When he was injured in an accident he was prescribed pain pills and before long he had an opioid addiction. He did get fired from a job once for what he described as a porn addiction. When he's not consuming any substances he treats religion like a substance. He's treated jobs this way as well. He smokes weed and says he does it for the pain that he can no longer take pills for. I've smoked week longer then he's been alive and we purchased and split an ounce once and a week later he called and asked if I wanted to go in on another bag. I had plenty and said I would be good for at least a month. I don't believe the addiction is the problem for him. I hope he can one day resolve the problem and get out of the cycle he is in. I would hate to see him get his hands on something more dangerous.