
Words can be very hurtful. For instance, saying someone is “Clean”, what? Opposed to “Dirty”
Saying someone is an “Addict” opposed to a person with a “Substance Use Disorder”
I’ve heard people refer to someone with a S.U.D. as “That Population” or “Those People”
I’ve heard others say, “What kind of Parents, or Home Life did this Kid have?
I’ve heard “ We Should Let Them all Die” “They will Never be Productive Members of Society”
I’ve heard “They Chose to do Drugs” They Just Don’t Want to Stop”
Even worse, there is the "Public Perception" of these beautiful human beings. I’ve heard words like; they are just a Junkie, Scum, Liar, Manipulator, Loser, Worthless, Selfish, Lazy, Pariah, Failure, Weak, Immoral, Irresponsible, Cursed, Hopeless, a Waste.
These are wonderful families fighting for normalcy, health and peace. To hear these things being said about them and their loved ones is gut wrenching and ignorant.
You never know someone’s story. As with any disease, there is always hope that someone will recover. Always hope for a brighter future. Over 23 million people can attest to that.
Try reaching out to these families. Ask how you can help. Support someone. Offer resources or a smile. Don’t judge. You’re blessed that you aren’t dealing with this…yet. I sincerely hope you never have to.
Let’s stop the stigma and stop the ignorance.
What if it were your kid?