A high school student, who is not an addict, wrote to me, I always knew drugs were bad and plenty of people have told me that they are, even ex-addicts. Now I realize that addiction can happen to anyone. I used to think, foolishly, that addicts were all people from somewhat messed up backgrounds with sad lives. Obviously, this horrible stereotype is completely inaccurate and your family’s story clearly showed that. I realize that it could be my family or one of my friend’s. It made me realize that we’re not invincible.
My reflection: The young writer above sent me this message after hearing our family’s story. Her generalization that addicts were all people from somewhat messed up backgrounds with sad lives is one that many people still believe. While the medical community categorizes addiction as a disease, others consider it a moral breakdown. Whatever you believe, addiction can grip any family regardless of economic status, social standing or educational level.
Today’s Promise to consider: Addiction happened in our family when I wasn’t looking. Maybe I didn’t want to see, but in time I had no choice but to acknowledge that the demon of addiction had taken my son. Today, I won’t ask why my son or why my family? Today, I’ll educate myself and open my eyes.
Yes Libby, I thought the same way that you did about addicts and where they might come from. After my son found recovery, I did some volunteer work at the Rehab center he was in. One time they gave me a bunch of files to make follow up calls to persons who had been in recovery 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. I had to interview them and ask them how they were maintaining their sobriety. It amazed me to read over their personal information, their occupations? Bank Vice Presidents,students, CEO’s of well known companies in the Maryland area, janitors, etc. Addiction does not pick and choose one group of people. So true.
Todays meditation is so true and it needs to be said. Addiction does NOT discriminate. I have known judges, that we elect, that are drug addicts. Just because they have power over people, doesn’t mean they have power over themselves. Thank you for the reminder, Libby.
Claire, I appreciated your posting. So true!
An important topic and great post Libby. I so agree and appreciate Claire and Barbara’s post.
It is sad how few people truly understand this disease. The myths about addiction are numerous and they stand in the way of addicted children and their family’s getting the help they truly need.
Prayers for all who have suffered due to this disease.
Addiction does not discriminate. It is an equal opportunity employer and it will own you 24/7 until you hand in your resignation and walk away ready to stop . It sucks every one in without them realizing….until they become aware, accept and take action to not get pulled in.
It is insidious, and comes in through the back door and open windows.
I had to educate myself fully. I did not have an education on this stuff. I am an educated woman and a nurse and I did not have the education on ow to handle this. Few people do.
Addiction happened in my family and I was not aware until it slapped me in the face. Then it was a long journey. Still is but I am different now. I am educated, I have a program, I have support and I need it all still! It is a chronic disease that will be there. I have resources. Get resources……you need them….this is tough stuff.
Love you
Jane
Claire, Barbara, Jane and Pat, Your words are well said, I couldn’t agree with you more.
They often say hindsight is 20/20 and in my case it rings true.
Even when my daughter was struggling with “something” I wasn’t looking for or expecting addiction. After all she had a great upbringing with opportunities, education and a loving family. Addiction didn’t happen to people like us that was reserved for those less fortunate like the homeless on the street.
How shameful now when I think about it and how humbling for me.
We so desperately need to look past our preconceptions about addiction and educate ourselves and others to bring about change. Addiction does not care who you are or where you come from and it will slap you in the face before you know its there.
Today I am educated, still struggling, but educated.
Sue
thank you for posting about addiction not discriminating. We are an upper class NJ family. All of my children are college graduates who had what I consider a wonderful childhood with both parents present in the home. One of my sons broke his ankle (trimaleolar fracture). He was off work from his State Govt position for a year. Went from wheelchair, to walker, to cane, to… Prescribed pain killer addiction and then IV heroin. He lost everything! People look at him and treat him like he is a low class person with a troubled background that caused him to use to numb some mental pain. This includes councelors in treatment facilities as well. They all seem to think there is some underlying cause from his past that he needs to work through. It is just addiction. These drugs are quite powerful over the mind. They get in there and they wreak havoc on everyone involved.
Sometimes when I see those commercials about talking to your teens so you can prevent drug use I want to cry. Or laugh. Not sure which. Talking and even love cannot prevent addiction. Yes, this is the journey of being humbled over and over again. Accepting those things I cannot change. Well, I am a little better at that. I cannot change the fact addiction is in my family. But over the years I have changed my mind towards those the disease claims- I was so naive — and now I hope I change the minds of a few others. Addicts are saints in the making– Dr,. MacAfee said. After almost 20 years my son has stopped illegal drug use and has found a happier life –on methadone and in counselling. No, It is never “OVER”. ” Every day he keeps to his program Is a victory. He is my saint. Every day I stick to my program I am more peaceful. Every day I pray for all of us to go on , grow on, keep the faith: Healing is happening even when we least think it is. Miracles happen every day. Sobriety, to me, is a miracle.