This morning, I read a meme that stated, “Do crackheads say, ‘I can’t get high today because I’m broke’? No, they go make it happen! Don’t be out-hustled.” Yes, it may be insensitive to laugh at that, but I did. It may be more insensitive to write about it, but I am. My writing style is thought-provoking. I never pass up an opportunity to take a topic and use it to provoke thoughts in an attempt to make myself and anyone who entertains my foolishness better.

First off, I am very sensitive to addiction. I have seen what addiction does to otherwise really great, productive persons. It destroys families and every life in its path. But, is there something we can learn from the behavior of an addict? Sure we can. Just like the meme said, an addict is going to figure it out. There will be severe damage in the end, but an addict, whether it's alcohol, drugs, gambling, etc., is going to make it happen.

I’m not an addict, so I do not know what it's like. But, I have seen some really strong people become a slave to addiction. Therefore, in my mind, there is no bigger monster in the world. I am also not a doctor, nor am I an addiction expert. I have zero credentials to give advice on addiction. However, I am an expert in one particular subject matter. I am an expert in screwing up and making bad life decisions. I have survived and despite it, I have achieved some success in life, but at times there has been no bigger screw-up than me. You can almost say my addiction is doing dumb shit.

When my life spirals, I seek something positive, something that will improve my life. When I find it, I attack it; I go all in. That usually puts me back on track. When I say I attack it, I mean with great discipline and tenacity. I find my high and chase it like an addict. Nothing gets in my way; somehow, some way, I make it happen. Addiction can be a good thing when it’s the right “drug.”

We all go through low points in life. Several months ago, I found myself in one of my lowest. At my age and point in life, this wasn’t supposed to happen. These were supposed to be the “golden years” for me. But, like I always do when I get this way, I look for my way out. I didn’t whine and complain; I started looking for something positive to focus on. It was affecting not only my physical health but also my mental health. I reminded myself of my favorite sayings and the title of this blog: the world doesn’t give a f..k.

Out of the blue one day, I came across a man named Gary Brecka. It wasn’t a coincidence; I know God put him in my life. Gary is a human biologist who has caught the world by storm with his methods. I’m not diving deep into his philosophies. Selling him to you isn’t my objective. He’s easy to find on any social media platform, so you can look him up if you’re interested. After a few months of following his teachings, my life has completely changed. At 53 years old, I can honestly say I am in the best shape of my life, mentally and physically. I also can honestly say that Gary’s methods saved my life. I now live like a crackhead, but my drug of choice is “cold plunging” and other methods of his.

Shortly after I started studying Gary’s work, he said something that really resonated. He said it’s all about your “drug of choice.” When we become addicted to anything, it changes our lives. When our drug of choice is something positive for our success and/or health, and we become addicted to it, we win. We only lose when our addiction is something bad for us. Again, it’s about our drug of choice.

For those who may read this and are addicted to something, my prayers are with you. I definitely do not have all of the answers. None of us do. Myself or anyone else not in your shoes cannot judge you. Despite the beliefs of some, I really do not think anyone wants to be an addict. No one wants to be a slave to something detrimental to their and their loved ones' lives. But, at the same time, I will say it again: the world doesn’t give a f..k. We can be sympathetic surface level, but we can’t solve it for you. Also, we all have our own issues to deal with. It’s on you and only you. The world will not continuously give you a pass because you cannot master your addiction.

If we are honest, we all have some sort of addiction to something that negatively influences our lives. Drugs, alcohol, and gambling are the most common things we think of when the word addict comes up. But how many of us are addicted to sugar, other bad food choices, and tobacco? Choices that are literally killing us! If we are honest with ourselves, we are no different than any other addict when it comes to making it happen. If sugar is our addiction (as it was mine at one point), we will go on diets but then 'closet eat' and wonder why we are gaining instead of losing. These types of addictions aren’t as immediately detrimental as the other addictions, but trust me when I tell you this: the bill is going to come! It may be deferred, but the bill is coming! It’s not just drug addicts who have these demons to overcome; we all do.

My only answer is to try and focus on a new 'drug of choice.' Whether it’s a hobby, a mission of improved health, career success, or anything else positive, find your 'drug.' Once you find it, attack it. Attack it like you do your addiction to drugs, sugar, or anything else. Laser focus on it and make it happen!"