Here you will learn the difference between an addict and a normal person, and how differently they think on a day-to-day basis. There is a huge difference between how an addict handles situations, and how a normal person handles situations. There is a huge difference on how an addict copes and how a normal person copes. There is a huge difference on how an addict thinks compared to how a normal person things. You will be able to learn the difference in this article, showing a comparison on every day thoughts and situations.

The Difference Between An Addict And A Normal Person

Listed below are scenarios that you will usually come to face, some on a day-to-day basis, and how each party handles these situations and their thought process. You’ll see that addicts think differently than other people, but it doesn’t make us that terrible..

Disclosure: This can be taken as funny for addicts, because all of us addicts have probably done all these things before, but for the normal people reading this, don’t take it as “OMG these people are awful!” We addicts are just wired and programmed differently than you, but when we’re clean and sober, we’re the most loving people in the world!!! You call us addicts and scumbags? We call you normies and earth people (lol, it’s a joke, just laugh).

You just got pulled over by a cop for speeding.

How a normy handles it: “Oh I’m sorry officer, I didn’t realize.” You take the ticket no questions asked and go on about your day and handle it.
How an addict handles it: Before we say anything, we’re most likely going to make sure there’s no drugs visible and that our eyes are okay. Then we would most likely try to manipulate the situation and try and get out of the ticket, by making up some awesome excuse that probably won’t work. If we get the ticket, we’re most likely not going to pay it, because we don’t see the use of paying for a ticket when you can buy drugs with that money. Then the addict is going to go get high because “How dare that cop pull me over?! Doesn’t he know who I am?” Funny thing is, I’m sober and I’m still nervous from cops while driving, even though I have nothing to hide!!

The cashier gave you too much change back.

How a normy handles it: You would most likely do the right thing, as you should, and notify him that he gave you too much change, and then feel like a champ for doing the right thing. Good for you!
How an addict handles it: We would count and realize that he gave us too much change, and then take it as a sign from “God” that he wanted us to go get high! (I know, our brains are messed up when we’re actively using). Now, an addict in recovery should do the right thing and let the cashier know, but not everyone is perfect.

You had a long, hard day and decided to go grab a drink at the bar.

How a normy handles it: “Oh boy, what a day!” You may go meet up with your friends, have a drink, maybe two, maybe three, and then you’ll go home, since you have another long day at work the following day. That’s probably it, and us addicts (using or not using) envy that ability, trust us.
How an addict handles it: “Oh boy, what a day! Everyone’s out to get me!” We will go to the bar, maybe our friends will be there, but if not, we’ll still stay and drink. We will drink and drink, and then by the time we know it, it’s last call and we’re offended because we’re not done drinking. The friends we made at the bar are tired and have to “be up early” so they go home. We will hopefully be allowed to buy a case and take it home with us, and continue to drink, alone, wondering why our lives are so shitty. We envy the people who can have just one drink, or drink half a drink and leave the rest without a second thought, but our brains just aren’t programmed like yours.

Waking up that next morning for work….

How a normy handles it: Well, you had three drinks tops the night before, but you continue on with your daily routine, making sweet money at your Big Boy/Girl job (we envy those too when we’re using, we could really use that money). You are, however, really looking forward to the weekend (we don’t blame you!).
How an addict handles it: Well, when we’re actively using, we’re probably not able to pass the drug test to obtain Big Boy/Girl jobs, so we’re probably serving or something else (absolutely nothing wrong with those jobs). We’re most likely hungover from the previous night, and we’re going to make some crazy, elaborate excuse to call out of work (if we even have a job at that time) such as “OMG! Boss, I can’t come in today. A tree fell on my car! (or) My house was robbed, I noticed it when I woke up early this morning!”

How An Addict In Recovery Thinks

When us addicts are actively using, we don’t make the best life decisions, we don’t typically “think ahead” and we don’t really understand how our actions affect others around us. All of this don’t make us bad people, we just didn’t know a way out or how things could possibly get better. When we find a program of recovery and gain our lives back, do the work that is suggested, our behavior begins to change and we learn to become acceptable members of society again, just like the normal people. We still think differently, but we are no longer relying on the help of drugs and alcohol to solve our problems for us!! If you or someone you know is struggling in active addiction, get some help and find a life of recovery, it’s definitely worth it!! Call (866) 323-6590 for your new life today!