"Les drogues et l'alcool ne sont pas mon problème, la réalité est mon problème, les drogues et l'alcool sont ma solution."

The essence of this quote is that the real issue lies in how a person perceives and deals with reality, not in the substances themselves. For some folks, reality can feel too harsh or unbearable. Drugs and alcohol become a way to escape, a temporary solution to make life feel more manageable.

Imagine someone who's dealing with overwhelming stress, anxiety, or pain. It's not the drugs or alcohol that are inherently the problem, but rather the underlying issues that drive them to seek an escape. These substances provide a temporary relief or distraction from their reality, which they find too difficult to face head-on.

This quote might come from someone who’s struggled with addiction, trying to explain that their dependency on substances stems from deeper, unresolved issues—perhaps trauma, depression, or an inability to cope with life's pressures. Instead of addressing the root cause, they turn to substances as a quick-fix remedy.

Let’s bring this to life with a real-world example. Think about a high-achieving professional, let's call her Sarah, who feels the constant pressure to excel at work. She’s got a demanding job, and the stress builds up. At first, she might have a glass of wine to unwind in the evening. But soon, one glass turns into two, then into a bottle. Sarah finds that drinking helps her to temporarily forget about the work pressures, the fear of failure, and her growing anxiety. The wine isn't the real problem. It's her overwhelming stress and lack of coping mechanisms. The alcohol is just the band-aid she's using to cover a much deeper wound.

Now, if you find yourself—or someone you know—leaning on substances to cope with life's challenges, it's crucial to address the deeper issues. First, recognize and acknowledge the problem. Admitting that reality feels overwhelming and that substances have become a crutch is a brave first step. Then, seek help. This might mean talking to a therapist or counselor who can help you develop healthier coping strategies. Sometimes, it’s about finding new ways to manage stress or dealing with past traumas.

Imagine you’re sitting with a friend who’s opening up about their struggles. They tell you they can’t face their reality without a drink or two. You listen, and then you gently suggest they try finding other ways to cope—like exercise, meditation, or even a new hobby. Maybe you share your own story of how you overcame a tough time. The key is to show empathy and understanding, not judgment.

Think of it like this: if you had a broken leg, you wouldn't just rely on painkillers indefinitely. You'd seek proper treatment to heal the injury. The same goes for using substances to escape reality. Painkillers might mask the pain, but they don’t heal the leg. You need to address the underlying issues for true, lasting recovery.

In a nutshell, realize that while substances might offer a temporary escape, they don’t solve the real problems. Face your reality, seek help, and find healthier ways to cope. It’s a tough journey, but one that leads to genuine healing and a better quality of life. So, next time you’re tempted to reach for that bottle, think about what’s really driving you and consider finding a more sustainable solution.