Paradox

 The problem with addiction is that it knows how to hide.  When it hides it is at its greatest power.  Someone learns that they have an addiction to something.  That something is now out in the open.  You know what it is.  There are ways, programs to deal with the addiction so that you don't practice it anymore...for a while.  You do the program, the steps, the spiritual guidance and you don't feel the power of the addiction.  You say, "It is gone."  You stop your spiritual program, steps, practice, little by little.  Vigilance weakens and the addiction grows in its sneaky fashion.  And then one day, boom.  You are back into your addiction, worse than ever.  I have learned that when I think I am oh so spiritual, got life under control, free of bad habits, I had better get a second opinion from a herd of people who know the way.