BRATTLEBORO — Someone you know might be an addict; in fact, you might love an addict yourself.
Addiction to illegal substance - yes, drugs - destroys families. Using is personal to each individual, who often believes their actions affect only themselves. That is not surprising, because addiction to drugs is often described as an egocentric disease.
As the user destroys their life, those people around them are drawn into the insanity. Thus, they become “sick,” too.
For the addict, hope is on the horizon. More services are becoming available and, while stigma still exists, I believe people in our community are becoming educated, more knowledgeable, and interested in making a difference by helping others who find themselves ready to take the plunge into recovery.
That said, I want to focus on hope for family and friends who need just as much support as the people they love suffering from the disease of addiction.
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Many years ago, when addiction crossed over my threshold and entered into my family, I had no clue.
I expected it to be a minor inconvenience interrupting our lives. I was sadly mistaken.
After several years of feeling broken and exhausted, I learned about a support group for myself called Nar-Anon Family Group. When I discovered that not one existed within a 50-mile radius of Brattleboro, I learned more about bringing a chapter to our community.
That group has actually been in existence for over 20 years now.
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If you are damaged and suffering behind closed doors, not knowing where to turn, all as the result of a loved one with the disease of addiction, please consider attending our support group.
Make a commitment to attend at least six meetings and draw from the experience of those of us who can offer education, support, and hope (and most importantly a listening ear).
Nothing can cure addiction, but - simply stated - you can develop tools for survival from this insidious disease.