The Blind Face of Addiction

Did the death of Amy Winehouse cause you to think that addiction does not know its user?

Addiction doesn't discriminate against  race, gender or wealth. It affects everyone. Celebrities struggle with addiction. Musicians have tragically become members of  the '27 Club'. Unlike many others, they have the wealth and resources to receive what many would call "the best help there is". However, addiction is not overcome by wealth. It is only persuaded when the user chooses help.

People die every day from addiction. We only hear about the celebrities. We don't hear about women who work the street, die on the street, either from violence or the addiction. Surprisingly, incarcerated women have higher drug use than incarcerated men. Men are affected also; imprisonment for drug offenses is the most common charge among men.

News shows follow the downward spiral of  the celebrity- show the videos, the crazy behavior and pay people for the uncensored shot of the celebrity. We even have reality TV to document the addiction. Most people don't get this attention. Addicts live in an very isolated world. If they don't get help, they end up on the street, in jail or dead. Addiction rarely finds the grey area.

Those who know an addict share something in common. Russell Brand, no stranger to addiction himself, summed it up well in his own blog:

When you love someone who suffers from the disease of addiction you await the phone call. There will be a phone call. We all know drunks and junkies and they all need help and the help is out there. All they have to do is pick up the phone and make the call. Or not. Either way, there will be a phone call. 

It is an great post. Worth a read.

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