Cross Addiction

I've tried my fare share of illicit substances throughout my life, and while none of them have been as problematic as alcohol for me, I recognize the danger of allowing them back into my life. Cross addiction is a very real danger for me, as well as everyone that grapples with the affliction of addiction. I used to smoke weed fairly often, and I would often drink while doing so. It's because of this that I realize if I started smoking again, the danger of going back to drinking is significantly more possible. Now that I've been clean and sober for a fair amount of time, I've been thinking more clearly and rationally, and it's because of that that I realize the danger of using/abusing any other substance that might be mood altering. In my opinion, a substance is a substance and they, more often than not, will lead to the path of cross addiction. Addiction is a complex and multifaceted issue, and many other psychological disorders are the same way. It's because of this that these afflictions naturally tend to effect complex and multifaceted people. While marijuana and other substances haven't been particularly harmful influences in my life, they often lead back to the abuse of substances that are problematic for me. Complete clean and sober living is what is necessary for me at the moment, so that's exactly what I'm doing. Many people are able to casually use alcohol, marijuana, and other substances, but I recognize that I'm not one of those people. Cross addiction is a very real and very intense danger that can lead an individual down a self destructive and dark path so it's best to just avoid it all together if you know that you are prone to it.