Ask the Addict: Ashamed to Go Out in Public

We received this note from Monica P. (emphasis mine):

I’ve been using chapstick since I was 14, I’m now 20. This is not a once a day kind of thing, I use it maybe 2/3 times in a single hour, if something happens and I can’t find it, I search franticly for it until I find it, It’s never more than 3 feet away from me unless I’m at home, if I’m out doing a photoshoot I’ll take 3 things, my camera, my keys and my chapstick, I hate it, I hate it, I hate it, this is the 2nd time I’ve tried to quit, which tells you the first time I failed, but this time I’m quitting cold turkey, I can’t do the weaning off thing, It’s been 30 hours and my lips sting, they’re peeling, I’m bleeding, I’m crying, I can’t go out in public because I’m ashamed, a few months ago I thought using the new EOS brand would help, but it hasn’t, I want out, I hate being chained to something so stupid as chapstick addiction. I just want to be able to get out my car without making sure I have my chapstick.

Monica, I am truly sorry to hear about your plight. It is heartbreaking and serves as a reminder to those who mock our struggle.

You didn’t mention your family or friends but clearly they are going to need to be a help to you during this time. They might be able to make the weaning process easier, and certainly will help you during the dark times if you go cold turkey. If your lips are bleeding you should consider seeing a medical professional.

Please do a search for a local LBA chapter in your area. There you will find the support structure that knows exactly what you’re going through. Best of luck.