My one potential uncertainty was this: “Many of my addict and alcoholic friends have reported that the process of getting clean and sober was a bit like having a lobotomy. All of the narratives, behaviors, conflicting self-beliefs, and amygdala-driven choices are removed. What are you left with? Someone you don’t know very well or haven’t even been introduced to.”
I’m not sure. Isn’t it the reverse? When we’re in our addiction, to me that’s the lobotomy state. When we get clean/sober, that feels like the freedom, exiting the lobotomized state. We go from dulling/denying our emotions to suddenly vividly feeling everything. Am I wrong?
Thanks for the thoughtful comment Michael. You’re absolutely right. We “self-lobotomize” for sure. For me it was exactly as you describe it--an awakening. But I have had friends describe early recovery that way. I spose it could depend on your drug of choice. If you were flying on something, clean and sober could feel rather dull.
Have you seen Session 9? It was a horror flick from around 2000. It was amazing, one of the best horror films ever made (I've seen a lot!), and it does feature a lobotomy (not much of a spoiler, IMO).
Beautifully written and argued. I largely agree.
My one potential uncertainty was this: “Many of my addict and alcoholic friends have reported that the process of getting clean and sober was a bit like having a lobotomy. All of the narratives, behaviors, conflicting self-beliefs, and amygdala-driven choices are removed. What are you left with? Someone you don’t know very well or haven’t even been introduced to.”
I’m not sure. Isn’t it the reverse? When we’re in our addiction, to me that’s the lobotomy state. When we get clean/sober, that feels like the freedom, exiting the lobotomized state. We go from dulling/denying our emotions to suddenly vividly feeling everything. Am I wrong?
Thanks for the solid read 👌
A very well written article about one small saying! Well done Dee.
Thank you Donna!
Thanks for the thoughtful comment Michael. You’re absolutely right. We “self-lobotomize” for sure. For me it was exactly as you describe it--an awakening. But I have had friends describe early recovery that way. I spose it could depend on your drug of choice. If you were flying on something, clean and sober could feel rather dull.
Excellent summary.
Have you seen Session 9? It was a horror flick from around 2000. It was amazing, one of the best horror films ever made (I've seen a lot!), and it does feature a lobotomy (not much of a spoiler, IMO).
I haven’t seen it. Not a genre I spend a lot of time on, but on your recommendation 🤷🏻♂️
Thanks Andrew!
Dee, it's really creepy! Like, spine-chilling. But check out the cast and give it a shot if you can stand it! It's great.