![\"Writing](\"https:\/\/talesofatwentysomething.files.wordpress.com\/2011\/03\/2583772937_b209546326.jpg\")
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Here in the Philippines, hundreds, if not thousands, die out of drug addiction-related complications, as well as of crimes brought about by the influence of drugs and alcohol. Drugs has deeply ingrained itself in our culture that it is not just causing deterioration in the lives of individuals and their families, but in the whole of society as well.<\/p>\n
*the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), offeres 24\/7 text hotlines: 0999-8888-PDEA (7332) \/ 0927 915 0616 \/ 0925 573 PDEA (7332)<\/p>\nThe letter was published on Shatter Proof<\/a> last January 31, 2014.<\/p>\n
\nTo My Dear Sick Child:<\/h6>\n
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I find the word \u201caddict\u201d a disrespectful label and therefore shall use the term I prefer, addicted person, to preserve regard and respect. The general public by and large fears addicted persons because of the high crime rates associated with the addicted persons\u2019 need for another fix.\u00a0 However, as a bereaved mother who lost her grown son to drug intoxication eleven years ago, I have a different perspective.\u00a0 I respect you and your right to life.\u00a0 I want you to live a long life.\u00a0 You don\u2019t scare me and your behavior doesn\u2019t scare me because I understand your illness.<\/h6>\n
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Are you fused to your drugs? Has the line blurred between where you begin and the drug ends\u2014and vice versa? Or has that line disappeared completely?<\/h6>\n
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Addiction is a brain disease in which the human brain is held hostage by drugs.<\/h6>\n
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The part of the brain that helps us survive is fooled in believing that the body needs drugs like it needs food and water. Perhaps, therefore, absence of drugs may feel like you are starving to death or suffocating. Yet the very thing the person who is experiencing cravings to use drugs must do, is literally, come up for air, \u201ccome-to\u201d and develop the strength and awareness to return to reality.<\/h6>\n
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The brain is under siege and the only way out is for one\u2019s mind and heart to rush to the rescue.<\/span><\/a><\/h6>\n
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To me, drug addiction is like a psychic cancer, and as a parent who lost a grown son to drug addiction, I will tell you that I\u2019d rather be dead than endure the experience again of trying to help him get off drugs and not being able to do a damned thing about it.\u00a0 It is hell.\u00a0 The pain and anguish experienced by family members of persons who are addicted can not be described in words.\u00a0 They feel and are helpless watching their loved ones choose self harming behaviors.<\/h6>\n
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Like any patient with a manageable disease (the experts tell us that while drug addiction is not curable, it is manageable), such as diabetes or other chronic endocrine disorder, an addicted person must take responsibility for his treatment\u2014and ultimately recovery\u2014if he hopes to live a life not punctuated by relapses, hospitalizations, and loss of life\u2019s joys. That involves a commitment to stick with it, though there is a perilous, thin line between \u201cone more hit for the road\u201d \u2013 and the forest of ne\u2019er return\u2014death.<\/h6>\n
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It means cultivating other interests in life, perhaps sports or art or other intellectual study.<\/h6>\n
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It means developing faith in a higher power\u2014God; Allah; Buddha; Krishna, whomever your spiritual guide is, in the depths of your soul\u2014however you call that loving power and know that loving power. If you can\u2019t find faith in a higher power, ask someone who prays to pray for YOU!<\/h6>\n
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Recovery<\/a> means having a support net and accountability.\u00a0 For many, this means going to meetings.\u00a0 For others, this means committing to open, honest communication with trusted friends and family.\u00a0 Lying to yourself and\/or others never works.<\/h6>\n
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For many, recovery means working with addiction psychiatrists and\/or psycho-pharmacologists.\u00a0 Many benefit from talk therapy.<\/h6>\n
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PLEASE, if drugs are the only thing that makes you happy \u2013RUN\u2014don\u2019t walk\u2014for help.<\/strong> Go to your nearest emergency room. Find a sponsor you can call at 3am in the morning or call the national 24\/7 free hotlines.<\/h6>\n
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Recovery is up to YOU and I know it\u2019s easier said than done.<\/strong> <\/span>I am rooting for you. I know it\u2019s a life-and-death battle, a do-it-or-die intimidating project and a struggle of epidemic proportions, a monkey on one\u2019s back that one must choose to push off\u2014moment by moment-each and every day\u2014when it seems easier to just ingest another hit already. I know that drug addiction is unremitting and persistent. It is bigger than all of us. I salute you for trying to end your addiction! And I hold you in highest regard for trying again to turn away. Please try again.\u00a0 Don\u2019t stop trying. I pray for you and wish you recovery, wholeness and well-being.<\/h6>\n
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It is up to you in the end, the \u201cyou\u201d underneath the cloak of addiction. I challenge you to reach deep down inside and pull out the YOU that has lay so dormant and hidden for God knows how long. You are hired for your new job: Recovery. It\u2019s a grueling one with no breaks or time off. But the pay and benefits are priceless.<\/h6>\n
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Are you willing to live without drugs?<\/h6>\n
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Make your recovery “shatterproof.”<\/h6>\n
\nYou can may also call Bridges of Hope: Phone:\u00a0519-2730 \/ 986-3883 \/\u00a0622-0193
\nMobile:\u00a0(0915) 645-2703<\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"