Is Addiction A Choice Or Disease?

[@juanrodriguez5669]

Its both. It starts as a choice, then becomes a disease

[@milespires4881]

What a person never had, will never miss or need.

[@beeza848]

Im getting off subutex, on 2mg from 6mg. Kratom 1 1/2 yrs, subutex 3 1/2 yes. Put on from kratom addiction after getting pregnant (not planned & on BC), but your videos I listen to on my daily walk or at hard times, they have given me the strength and I give credit to really is what made me make the decision to get off more than myself, family, anything. Thank you. Thank you, thank you. Please keep making them or any video on your thoughts. I enjoy your humor, faith, it all soo much! Gives me so much comfort to know there are people like you in this world🤞🏻God bless you and your family.

[@anonymous.1303]

Doing drugs is an open door to demons..they can keep you bound in it. Here's a video for deliverance in Jesus name. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZmvmGufqdGfeNU

[@ColbyONE]

Choice. To me, a disease is something you get that you didn’t ask for & it’s not in your control to get rid of. Addiction, you did it to yourself & the ball is in your court to stop. It sucks. Quitting seems impossible. But it’s not a disease. Edit. Hahahaha. I wrote that before I watched. Soon as I saw title I typed it. Didn’t mean to somewhat repeat what you said. We are definitely on the same page. I do believe people need to be empathetic to addicts. No addict likes being one. Most of not all would get clean and stay clean if it was that easy.

[@claremcgraw9048]

What about diseases created by addiction? I.e. lung cancer for smokers, cirrhosis for alcoholics

[@tonystark3385]

i don’t think any addicts wanted to be addicts but use it successfully: some people have substance use disorders from altered brain chemicals from trauma etc drugs. but honestly it’s both, as it gets progressive it’s def a disease and why people struggle to get clean waiting for our brains to heal and think “normal”.

[@dudebro1277]

It's been proven to a part of the brain that normal people don't have, so it's not a choice

[@cloutfiendahh]

gabe i love your channel your the man. addiction is more like demonic possession but i am going to say that it affects you like a disease. its like you, the real you is battling with this other personality. and its sad to think that when you ingest the substance it changes your mind from the very first few seconds it courses your body. no matter how much you try and forget, try and escape, you realize that your stuck with the memories and flashbacks for life. ptsd? yeah i think so, too. but its a trip because the drugs make you think they're positive memories and flashbacks, you cant help but feel some love from it, but you also see how dirty it is. you constantly have 2 very different thought, 1 you want drugs and love the thought, 2 hate the fact you know its destroyed you, know it always ends the same. you dont want anything to do with drugs nor the lifestyle but yet your haunted by the memories, flashbacks and dreams. you can go months without feeling weak and in an instant your hit. i hate that i ever tried meth, heroin, pills and fenatnyl! those drugs are the ones that have their hooks sunken deep into my brain. no matter how hard i try and get away their always waiting to entice me up at the next corner. #fuckdrugs

[@thetahexhodlhands4550]

Man its a lifelong battle with this disease. I literally just had a dream 2 days ago i was shooting dope. Its scary because im supposed to be the one helping my clients at work with THEIR drug dreams little do they know i still have them. Its really hard sometimes but helping other addicts is seriously the ONLY WAY for me to stay off heroin. period. Also am addicted to kratom at the moment which is why i love his channel and watch it often. Crazy that a lot of my clients probably don't even know im abusing kratom either and I really am looking forward to being done with it

[@cloutfiendahh]

@@thetahexhodlhands4550 first off brother godbless you! crazy to picture that huh. but man no matter how long your sober that shit just come up, its like no matter what you do and how well your doing your always blindsided by it. yeah im on a small small dose of subs and i take kratom once or twice aday, usually at night. but i dont do it ever day. i was starting to crave drinking and i did but i hate how i get when im drunk. then its like another person that has 0 care takes over. i even smoked a blue when i was just buzzed. its dumb even a little bit of alcohol changes me. i much prefer taking kratom when i feel like drinking. it washes away those craving and i know its because its psychoactive itself but i swear man i dont want to risk it all again by deciding to drink. we all see recovery differently and i think i can live with a substance if im able to live a functional and responsible life. meth,heroin,pills,alcohol have all interfered with my life drastically. but i do believe that you have tp be conscious of reality and know when its time to put it down. i know i might get hate on this but i still consider myself clean because i am clean, from the substances that ruined my life every single time i used.

[@lisamccall8310]

Andrew, I believe many drugs are demonic, too. I also believe Jesus can set you free from them. I am going to pray for you right now to find a church or a Christian friend to walk with you through this until you are completely free. Recognizing the destructive nature of addiction is such a good first step. Rather than just making excuses... like blaming it on a difficult childhood or other traumatic event. Which I admit can be very, very hard. But He (Christ) can heal you from trauma, as well. Our past doesn't have to determine our future. Praying for you now! 🙂🙏🏻

[@robertworton2394]

@@cloutfiendahh it’s all about quality of life brother. No judgement here.

[@calsonrussell7190]

I agree with you. Thanks for the video

[@anonymous.1303]

Doing drugs is an open door to demons..they can keep you bound in it. Here's a video for deliverance in Jesus name. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZmvmGufqdGfeNU

[@shawn.1932]

Its was a choice for me but I didn't have any idea the consequences when I made the choice

[@debbiesoff4019]

6:35. dude please. I would love to hear it. I totally agree with you about being able to use it as a cop out.

[@abcdefuxkk]

as recovering addict .. its a choice but turn into hell or whatever you wanna call it .. i am the one responsible for totatlly fxcking up my life , i dont wanna blame something ..like poor me .. at least i can stand like a man ..

[@EVRYMANaKING]

Wow Gabe didn't know you were back bro, bingeing all your content rt now. You should really consider coaching people for a fee because you're one of the most knowledgeable caring people who has the true experience to help others, and you're worth it. Someone gifted me a benzo coach phone session when I was originally injured by that medication and it helped. What you offer as a whole would have helped more. V for victory brother, hope you and your family are doing well. Thank you for posting again. God bless. 🙌✝️

[@tuckerdelay9656]

Love the video man I agree with you on that it's a choice

[@CMoore8539]

Excellent Video Gabe! I’m in total agreement with you. Thank you so much!!!!

[@scotts1589]

I just stumbled across your channel and have been watching a lot of your videos. You are doing God's work my friend.

[@E--ik8hx]

Its spiritual warfare plain and simple. To some its possession to others its being attacked from the outside. Regardless once withdrawal starts its 100% a spiritual battle manifesting in the flesh.

[@killacram7150]

Amen

[@Mr.E419]

That video was so spot-on it's not even funny! Gabe it's impossible for any video to be bad when you're spreading the good news of Christ. That's the devil whispering in your ear telling you lies because he doesn't want you to bring any of the lost to Christ. I pray for the chains of any sin following you to be broken. And pray you continue to use this platform to help other battle addiction thru the word of God💜

[@gabemccall3523]

Thanks so much brother! I really appreciate that. God bless

[@FitzSchlitz]

Everyone has a different makeup. Addiction for some disease for others. Empathy and sympathy for all struggling! ✌️❤️

[@aimlessintopeka]

Great talk, Gabe. I really didn't understand addiction until food became my drug of choice. I struggle with it every day for the last couple of years. Before then, I rarely ate. I believe the benzo taper changed my brain but I still have to do the work to overcome this.

[@anonymous.1303]

Doing drugs is an open door to demons..they can keep you bound in it. Here's a video for deliverance in Jesus name. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZmvmGufqdGfeNU

[@virtusetglorie]

I pretty much agree with you. There's a little subjectivity from person to person, personality, circumstances, etc. But at the end of the day it comes down to pretty much what you said

[@volfan0940]

Growing up i saw the power of addiction and what it does to people , families, all that. But apparently i had to touch the fire for myself to feel the heat. 100% a choice. I feel like some people are more likely to fall into the trap

[@anonymous.1303]

Doing drugs is an open door to demons..they can keep you bound in it. Here's a video for deliverance in Jesus name. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZmvmGufqdGfeNU

[@tripzburner6744]

I think you got it right when you said its a disease we make ! Nice job brother, keep up the video’s

[@anonymous.1303]

Doing drugs is an open door to demons..they can keep you bound in it. Here's a video for deliverance in Jesus name. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZmvmGufqdGfeNU

[@dustygatrell-ru7tg]

Sin is a disease man. Its a disease an a choice. Its both.

[@absoluteauto4]

I think you hit the nail right on the head. The whole cancer comparison that I've heard in the past never sat right with me. I've heard people say you wouldn't deny a cancer patient their medication. I've heard that a lot when people are discussing MAT. Don't get me wrong Suboxone and methadone help a lot people and there's definitely a place for it but, like you said, a cancer patient doesn't wake up one day and decide they are over having cancer. Personally I'm not okay with comparing myself to someone with cancer. Addiction is its own animal and I don't think it could be compared to anything.

[@FitzSchlitz]

Right on!✊

[@al69420]

Stoked on the frequent uploads brotha! We have pretty much the same exact perspective on this. When I was younger I never really had sympathy for addicts and said it was their choice. But after going through it for some years myself, I realized the chemical changes in the brain that occur, that could possibly be described as a disease at that point. Still, there is some choice to it no matter what, so I disagree with the people that hide behind the disease thing and use that to justify their actions, because that is just wrong. Peace Gabe!

[@andrewlyon4692]

It starts with a choice and turns to spiritual oppression after awhile.

[@boommal5303]

You were on my heart today. Hope all is well my friend !

[@AJBuddha]

I think addiction is the repetitive action of either escaping reality or changing ones reality to reach ones desired state of mental tranquility

[@alexisaac9032]

I contest with that there defo is a atomicle change in the brain. This is a given absolutely, but you can be free from this disorder. I call it a disorder. Your speaking on the behaviours that are still residual after you beat the compounds your on. Defo you have built up plasticity in the brain that can be changed and that starts with a choice.. I dont think saying I'm a addict for rest of your life ain't healthy. And plus there is lots of things we can do to support us recovery mentally and phycdelic. Prayer medication if u need it and meditation. But end goal would be for one to choice to be off all narcotics. That's the choice one makes. It's a "HOT TOPIC GABE" Good u brang it up. I say this alot to ppl..peace v for victory 👊

[@raduarfloe8528]

This was a good video. Really good.

[@gabemccall3523]

Thank you for that

[@addictionrecoverylife2396]

I don't think it is neither. it can be a choice, or you can get hit by a truck, and all the sudden your addicted to pain meds because someone ran you over. Most addicts choose to be addicts. I agree with you though. Perspective is always relevant. If you play dumb games, you win dumb prizes! Yes, mental ailments do come from some long term, even some short-term use. I would talk more on it, but I will save for your vid lol never quit never fail

[@TheMightyDR84]

Agree w you 100% Thank God for the High Priest after the order of Melchisedec

[@gabemccall3523]

Amen to that!

[@lost4199]

Lol. U do a great job being so positive. I'll try to keep my videos more positive.

[@Terriloo1]

You're absolutely right

[@robertworton2394]

Dude I don’t know why but I had to admit my relapse to someone and I thought of you. I F”ed up Gabe, in a moment of weakness the devil got me. I was 4 months off everything doing great. Then I got really bad ear and sinus infection on vacation 2 weeks ago and ruined my trip and payed me up for 12 days. And out of the blue an old connect hmu and I ended up getting a kpin and a subutex. Sooo stupid because it’s 2 weeks later and I bought a couple more. I guess I’m telling you this to show how easy it is to fall. I was in a weakened state and I wanted relief, and I got it, temporarily. Now I’m much worse off. Anyway please pray for me, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t in a deep depression from this.

[@anonymous.1303]

When your addicted.. no matter how bad you don't want it.. your brains going to make you want it... Until it's had time to heal then it'll still want it but not nearly as bad. My experience

[@ECFREFLEX]

In a way this kinda goes to my question of the different types of addicts. Still very informative like always. Appreciate the content gabe!

[@anonymous.1303]

Doing drugs is an open door to demons..they can keep you bound in it. Here's a video for deliverance in Jesus name. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZmvmGufqdGfeNU

[@Tropicalfrooploops]

I think it's a lifestyle disease....like diabetes mellitus, obesity, etc....left unmanaged it can progress

[@thetahexhodlhands4550]

Well said. A lot of people are born pre diabetic without knowing. Just like addicts are born addicts and dont realize it until they take a drink. The proofs in the statistics lol that its just as genetic as every other disease

[@jdog7812]

It's a choice no cop outs

[@GoneNForgotten]

Gabe its been awhile since ive been to the channel, i got off of kratom back in December and it was a months long process, i felt like sh*t for a long time but i managed, then about a month and half ago i tried it again, im not addicted to it again but ive noticed even after one dose i get restless legs, temperature messed up and overall depressed for a few days but ive decided im not gonna let myself get sucked back in the whole of addiction, its 100% a choice imo, i chose to let it suck the soul and life out of me, and i chose to take it these last few weeks here and there, I’ve noticed since taking kratom and smoking weed since i went cold turkey just feels boring and doesn’t hit me like it use to

[@evananderson59]

You hit the nail on the head. Couldn't agree with you more on your opinion. I hate the disease copout as well, people confuse how difficult addiction is to overcome and label it a disease

[@Lucifer-uu9br]

10 years dope and fent user. Almost 2 years off everything. Only smoke Budd that's what works that's my teddy bear. People tou can do it. This game ain't what it used to be.god speed ...Gabe your the mfkn man

[@tyshred9251]

Yeah I guess it's both. I have a life time of experience lol. Nine years clean and still on methadone with zero relapses. But it definitely starts as a choice, a lot of bad ones that lead to you having that choice taken and then it becomes something else. Idk about it being a disease but I suppose it's the best word to describe it. You put it into words better than I could. You do change your brain chemistry with opiates and benzos big time. Glad I found your channel man. You make great shit. The cancer point is the same thing I've said when people call it a disease. But like I said it seems to be the best word to put on it. Because it makes people so helpless. I totally agree the disease angle takes away responsibility of the person's actions. It's just hard to put this shit into words lol. Well said though man. It was my choice to start and stop. I'm very anti god anything but I understand what you mean.

[@matthewespinoza7770]

Hey gabe. I’m going on 3 months for 2-3 dirty blues a day and gonna kick cold Turkey. Can everyone pray for me ? I just need people to talk to. I’ve done it off 8 months way more just scared. Feel like it scarred me big time. But I neeeed to do it. God help me.

[@wchristian2000]

This guy is a crazy good storyteller

[@philiphays8284]

It's just I can't find here, I live on a small island called the Isle of Man if you like bikes KZbin Manx TT

[@shawn.1932]

now I'm on subs and understand the consequences , from now one it's all choices now for me.

[@laneeret7585]

hi, just found your channel and have been watching alot already, do you have any experience with phenibut abuse or addiction or how it affected withdrawals from opiates? thanks

[@gabemccall3523]

I don’t, I know people who have used it and people have gone through phenibut withdrawal. It’s very similar to Gabapentin is what I’ve been told and that would make since cause of the receptors it hits on. I have quite a few videos on Gabapentin as well so u might find it helpful to watch those?

[@laneeret7585]

@@gabemccall3523 yeah thankyou i will

[@laneeret7585]

@@gabemccall3523 yeah thankyou i will

[@darielgomez816]

update : i beat it not completely but i’m done with the acute shit it was so easy i just took 6 gabbas through the day and was fine you saved me 2 months of tapering thank you this paws is hitting me so hard i’m so exhausted anything i can do to help with that ?

[@gabemccall3523]

Best thing for the exhaustion is diet and exercise. It’s still a grind. But if u can get yourself to exercise your gonna feel so much better I promise. Helps with energy level and sleep so much

[@killacram7150]

I call it an illness!!!! I'm tapering now! I've already gone from 16mg to 8 mg it sucked but I'm getter clearer by the day ! dude I'm hearing sounds better I'm thinking clearer 15 years on Suboxone I'm tired brother!!! but I'm viking by blood! time to bang 🛡️!!!!

[@GalCharlotte]

I have mixed opinions on this. Interesting take on it.

[@hotboys4027]

Do a podcast

[@nicoleyoung3927]

Hey, not sure if you still answer questions, but I have been following you since I quit Suboxone four months ago… And I was wondering when you got all of your energy back? Because I can’t tell if it’s in my head or not, when I’m at work, I feel great but sometimes when I’m at home, it’s just like I’m motivation… I don’t take anything at this point other than occasional alcohol but I’m just wondering if I’m there or still have a little ways to go to feel 100%? I think I might be there and just living the normal human life with regular struggles but sometimes I wonder if four months isn’t that long after 10 years on that shit.. Thanks.

[@ECFREFLEX]

And I think it’s definitely a choice to try that first addictive substance. But after you get off of a drug that has changed your brain for the worse. I totally think it’s gonna weigh on you more to relapse easily vs that first time. You’re know exactly how you’re gonna feel. And your brain is definitely playing tricks on you at that point, you will make excuses “okay just tonight I’ll do some but tomorrow is a new day” stuff like that. But to each their own, lack of discipline will plunge you way further into your addiction. You have and need to tell yourself the damage your doing to yourself with your addiction. If you’re not you are delusional in my opinion

[@anonymous.1303]

Doing drugs is an open door to demons..they can keep you bound in it. Here's a video for deliverance in Jesus name. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZmvmGufqdGfeNU

[@ryantralmer6479]

Still clean? Just haven't seen any new updates, hope all's good.

[@darielgomez816]

can you make more videos ive honestly watched all your videos they really motivate me and help me work. I’m 18 i’ve been addicted to opiates for a year i tapered off suboxone once and then i relapsed ten days later because of the paws it was so annoying and also my bestfriend dying from fet, im at .50 of sub right now but am having trouble tapering down i honestly don’t know how i did it the first time should i jump off at that or or get even smaller ?!

[@gabemccall3523]

I will definitely be making videos again and make them regularly. Just taking a much needed break and getting some things right in my life. I appreciate very much. I’d say Jump from that dose. It’s so low that if your struggling is totally just jump. It’s all about the long haul with getting off suboxone anyway. Acute isn’t fun at all but it’s not crazy intense like a lot of other opiates/opioids

[@darielgomez816]

@@gabemccall3523 it makes my day to see you reply thank you i’ll keep you updated

[@robertworton2394]

As long as you aren’t in danger of a relapse. If you’re in a good place mentally and physically then I suggest just ripping the band aid off

[@user-xv1rt9rz5j]

Hey man, Josh from UT.. checked out a couple posts...firm but fair lol. My question is does alcohol work for withdrawal? Thx 👍

[@gabemccall3523]

I’m assuming you’re asking about opiate withdrawal? If so, It will help for a little bit (while you’re buzzing) but then the withdrawal becomes worse the next day. It’ll dehydrate you as well and that’s the last thing your body needs in that moment. Alcohol is a no go imo. If you’re taking about Benzo withdrawal, it’s also not good. It’s gonna hit on you’re gaba receptors similar to a Benzo but also dehydrate you as we already know. Hope that helps.

[@lynncook7981]

God is using me mightily and I'm on methadone. I lay hands on people and watch the holy spirit remove demons and Jesus fill them with holy ghost. Now God told me himself he doesn't want me on anything and I repent everyday for being on it. I've came off methadone before and it one of the hardest things I've done. But like most I mess up and just to let you know God baptized me in the holy spirit while I was on methadone 7 yrs ago. He took my mess ups to draw me closer. God sees the heart and he uses our life experiences to draw others in. I love listen to you man and you have a calling on your life. Many are called but few are chosen.

[@komrad51st]

Wats up gabe . Im still off subz it’s been 7 1/2 months . But I did take oxy codone for 9 days when I broke I stopped instantly after those 9 days . Will that delay my suboxne paws? I’m worried I still felt the paws from suboxene even after I took the oxy 30 it barely helped what does that mean bro? I’m confused and lost idk what to do

[@gabemccall3523]

Anytime we take an opioid we r definitely delaying the process.

[@komrad51st]

@@gabemccall3523 the crazy thing is when I took the oxy codone I still felt the suboxne paws the anxiety and discomfort it barely helped & now I feel better than I did before I took the oxy I still felt the progress it’s like suboxne acts on other opiate receptors in the brain different than short acting opioids . But do you know if you jump off higher mg will the paws last longer I jumped off 8 to 10 mgs but I wasn’t never using daily I was using then relapsing for the whole year and half I was on it

[@ywarjanpalod9400]

Choice but it will turn to dezizzz

[@Big_Boss_Brendoe]

When did your armpit sweating/cold sweats shivering stop? Im almost 60 days off and still experience this. When did that end for you? Did urs last as long

[@gabemccall3523]

It lasted a few months. Lots and lots of sweats at night. 4 months? Maybe 5? But it improves each week….

[@Big_Boss_Brendoe]

@@gabemccall3523 right on thanks for replying, jts definitley dying down for me day 60 today

[@timothykotter8113]

Hey friend I been watching you on and off past several years I am curious how long have you been off suboxone now I am on day four AGAIN ?

[@gabemccall3523]

I’ve been off suboxone a little over 4 years now.

[@ManiacInTheShed]

Addiction is the result of being in pain, physical or mental pain, for a lot of people they have no choice to have the disease of pain, addiction is a by product of pain, addiction is not a sin.

[@philiphays8284]

Hi gabe, my names Phil hays I'm from the UK and iv been on 70mg methadone for well over a decade I'm trying to get some kratom can you help

[@waynelotz462]

😉👍 choice

[@itw1931]

Both

[@MrBigtrip33]

Hey bro are you good?? You barely ever post anymore atleast on KZbin. Give us an update if you're still sober and what's going on.

[@MisanthropyEST]

Hi gabe! Cool and motivating vid as always. I would Like to Ask you a follow Up question regarding the stuff you Said about addiction: do you think "free will" and consecutively actual "free choices" exist? I know its more of a philosophical issue but what If everything that you have been through in your Life Up to the Point of making Said choice is what makes you Decide the way you do? I know Kind of a passive mindset and ofc we should believe with all Our hearts that we can beat this demon, but we need For example willpower, which has to be acquired through Life, to make it happen. Hope you can follow me Here, greetings from Central Europe Btw also: No you cant choose Not to have cancer, but you can make eg lifestyle or therapy choices that increase your chances of getting Rid of it. Addiction also doesnt Just Go away because you choose so, but you can choose Not to use and learn how to live sober and maybe youll make it, so there is a big overlap. Cancer is worse though ofc and the influence you have through your choices is probably smaller than with addiction, but still. Totally agree on the Bit about responsibility though.

[@tonystark3385]

brain disease. your brain is depleted from neurotransmitters and new pathways form in terms of dopamine / reward pathways. it’s why people do recovery “programs” etc to change your perception and thoughts. i guess it’s different for everyone but i mainly got into substances because i wanted to escape my anxiety. so i self medicated, then it changed and got progressive .

[@solidstatejake]

my man has risen like a phoenix

[@Ibogaine_RivieraMaya]

You could probably just take some low dose ibogaine and you would feel normal again.

[@darielgomez816]

is drinking beer bad during paws ??

[@gabemccall3523]

Yeah it’s something that you definitely want to avoid. I’ve found that even drinking a little makes me feel like absolute crap the next day or so.

[@janewilder7490]

HELP my ex boyfriend became his drunk, mean drunk self on hoarded Suboxone from treatment. He was an alcoholic not a junkie to begin with. He turned into a mean "drunk" when he hoarded and used his subs for family and social events. It destroyed everything. 10 year relationship gone. He was prescribed large amounts but used only a tiny fraction of that to become "normal " and functional. He saved the rest. I knew he did that but he didn't tell me when he abused it. It was horrible .We were both alcoholics . I stopped. . He didn't. eventually he landed really screwed up.I started drinking young as did he. I was addicted early as was he. I think it is a disease only because some people just stop and function, some try and try and can't. I know plenty of people who are normal drinkers. I know I am not capable of normal drinking so my "cancer' cure for booze is abstinence . He has to abuse everything. Now the subs

[@loserdubbed8036]

Bro how can I contact you, I'm seeing myself in you, methadone, Suboxone, Adderall, Clonazepam, kratom , I've come off the Clons , methadone, and am. Trying to get off the rest and could really use someone who gets it. Let. Me know man!

[@gabemccall3523]

[e-mail] or find me on Instagram. It’s just Gabe McCall

[@BellaBaby321]

Addiction is a choice. Once addicted and your body is physically dependent and your brain is rewired from constant use…that’s when it turns into a disease. Getting rid of the disease is not an easy task . Its a choice to keep fighting the disease just like a cancer or any other disease. It’s a fight for your life to overcome this disease.