It is my belief - as I continue to recover from addiction, a lifelong process - that smokers/compulsive overeaters/alcoholics/etc KNOW there is something wrong, they KNOW it is not good. Their drug of choice has become a god that won't let go.

"It is the pain of living that creates a hunger for healing that only God can satisfy." - J. Keith Miller

At this point in my life, it is my understanding that in order to begin to recover from any of these, God (whatever or whoever you conceive God to be) must become the centre of your life - not you. It's hard to surrender everything we do and are to a Higher Power, no matter how friendly, but it is the way to freedom. Freedom from the 'controlling god' that has your life right now. Death doesn't have to be physical, I know that much.

This does take work - which is what the 12 Steps are for.

My only suggestion is that those who smoke, are hooked, and know they are - check out some kind of treatment program or other some such. It's okay to hate it...just expose yourself to a different way of thinking and feeling. Go to open 12 Step meetings. See what else is in your community.

You alone can do it - but you don't have to do it alone.

Gayle, my prayers for your aunt.