We live in an addicted society. We are addicted to quick fix, feel good, instant gratification resources. We are addicted to the simple, easy, quick, fast, painless which often manifests itself in our quest for that singular pill to solve our problem.We come home from work and we self-medicate with a “double on the rocks” or a couple of glasses of wine. And, as if we do not have enough drugs to help us feel better, we are now on a campaign to legalize marijuana “for medicinal purposes.”
Just what we need – more drugs!!!
Our society is massively addicted to something to help makes us feel better. As Jeff Shore writes in his book, “
Be Bold and Win the Sale” we are even “addicted to comfort.” We are all addicts in one form or another.It is only when the addiction to our drug of choice prevents us from functioning in society does one become judged, classified and stigmatized as an addict. Until then, as long as the addiction doesn’t affect our performance or hurt others, it is socially acceptable to be addicted to whatever it is we are addicted to.
As a result of my experiences with my youngest son’s life journey with heroin, I have learned a little bit more than I desired to about addiction — and substance abuse, counseling, recovery, the judicial system and jail visitation policy. It is not the kind of areas I ever planned to become overly knowledgeable about. I am here in the place just the same.
Because of these experiences and the continuous rantings of less than knowledgeable and judgmental individuals, I am taking this moment to remind everyone reading this article of the ironic contradiction in their pious, arrogant, often ignorant stances.
Everyone is an addict. Don’t believe me? Check your medicine or liquor cabinet, look at the cigarettes in your pocket, or the food in your weekly diet. You are addicted to crap that can and will kill you — except its legal, socially approved, and, more significantly, it is acceptable for you to get medical help for the choices you made that nearly killed you for having made them. Now, tell me how irresponsible a young man is for becoming addicted to a drug that he had no intention, desire, or belief he would be.
Young kids make bad decisions, they make stupid choices, and there are often very unfortunate results. Instead or judging, criticizing, or dismissing their stupidity, I would encourage each of us to examine our own crazy choices — the ones we made in the past and the ones we make everyday.
Do our young children deserve to be judged and dismissed or do we need to become more responsible and creative in encouraging better choices, becoming better educated on the risks, and productively forgiven for their poor judgement?
If you agree they need more support than criticism, take a moment and learn from the mom or dad of an addict. Discover and understand their pain. Try a little empathy and love. Then, take a moment to collaborate with these parents to see how we, as a society, can begin to address this increasing threat of addiction on our young adults.
Then, look at your addiction and see what you can do to change your life by taking on your own recovery program. It sets a great example for your children and it will make a big difference in your world!
