this post was submitted on 29 May 2026
19 points (100.0% liked)

chat

8615 readers
236 users here now

Chat is a text only community for casual conversation, please keep shitposting to the absolute minimum. This is intended to be a separate space from c/chapotraphouse or the daily megathread. Chat does this by being a long-form community where topics will remain from day to day unlike the megathread, and it is distinct from c/chapotraphouse in that we ask you to engage in this community in a genuine way. Please keep shitposting, bits, and irony to a minimum.

As with all communities posts need to abide by the code of conduct, additionally moderators will remove any posts or comments deemed to be inappropriate.

Thank you and happy chatting!

founded 4 years ago
MODERATORS
 

I've been doing weekly sessions, mostly on myself, stuff about dad, mom's passing. Anyway she really opened my eyes about how much I play the victim in my life and in doing so blame myself for other's problems. That was really eye opening, she's right, I do victimhood and use it as a shield to stop from getting better.

I think if I can overcome that victimhood mentality I can start reframing my life as one of someone who has survived trauma and accepted it and moved past it. It's kind of funny because like, so much of me, probably the part that fights wants to never forgive people who've harmed me, but in that same token, it's a poison pill I've been swallowing most of my adult life.

I know western therapy is not really viewed favorable in leftist circles, given how it focus solely on personal responsibility and individualism, rather than real systemic changes to society. I figure you gotta start with yourself first then branch out, right? I can totally see how young men with trauma fall for Jordan Peterson's act after being in therapy for a bit. Sadly they don't get advice from actual therapists that aren't quacks.

top 1 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] JAM92@hexbear.net 7 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

You are spot on about how therapy often blames you for acting like a victim. I was in rehab too, and I had a lot of great discussions about this topic in groups and with the councilors, in which we rarely agreed. I still think it is victim blaming what they are doing, and I disagree with a lot of things in the step-work they advertise. There is a lot of nuance in these things, and you have to understand they will over-exaggerate and magnify anything they say, in order to plant a seed in your mind, to induce friction, and make you think about it. The problem I had is that 95% of addicts in rehab go all the way with embracing the indoctrination, giving up their free will, and accept anything over which they are told to be 'powerless' in their environment.

This is the killer of critical thinking and creativity in my humble opinion. I just can't accept living like that. Feel empowered to make up your own mind, and be grateful for them tickling your senses and provoking new thoughts. But remember: you are not always one putting themselves in a victim role - even when they try to make you think you have been the bad guy all the time during your addiction. The Western world is a wider system that pushes sensitive people over the edge. That's not your fault, and I wouldn't let people tell you it was. I had a lot of shitty friends, teachers who humiliated me, and a disability as the cherry on top, navigating life in a world that did seem to make it absolutely clear I wasn't really welcome or fit in. I was the one causing 'them' problems!

That being said: Stay clean no matter what, bad days pass, cravings too. The most disrespectful thing to do to yourself is starting to use any substance or revert to behavior that only cause self-harm. Try a meeting, but don't worry if you think it feels like a cult. Just use it to get yourself going and drink a coffee with new people over there. You don't have to commit to doing things forever. I will promise you, after being almost 3-years clean: cravings fade, new habits come, and you will enjoy the freedom and sharp mind of being sober and trying new stuff in life. Be proud of yourself!

edit: Don't see this message as a defense of feelings of revenge or that holding a grudge is positive, that's absolutely not what I tried to say ;-) Grudge is a feeling only the person that sits with the grudge suffers from.