In January of 2017, I got the news that my father had passed away. My dad had been battling a long-term fight with addiction and God decided to take him home. For the majority of my life, I didn't understand what my dad was going through, and I still don't to an extent, but I've come to realize how much stigmas can drastically alter our perceptions towards one another. Even towards those closest to us and whom we love, like our own father.
In the summer of 2020, I received a package with all of my dad’s journals from his time in rehab. These journals have provided me with so much insight into my dad’s life and how addiction affected him and those nearest him. Reading my dad’s thoughts, stories, and experiences not only helped me better understand what he walked through, but it also enabled me to see what most addicts walk through. In today’s light, stigmas continue to affect the way in which addicts, addiction, and recovery are perceived. These perceptions have led so many people down a long road of isolation and have silenced way too many voices.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 19.7 million adults in America battled a substance use disorder in 2017 alone (NSDUH). That’s a very large number, and behind each of these numbers (the 19.7 million of them!) lies a parent, grandparent, partner, sibling, child, friend, or colleague.
Millions of us are affected by addiction and substance use disorders, yet there seems to be so little dialogue surrounding the topic. In one of my dad’s journal entries, he expressed how encouraging it is to hear other people’s stories because you realize you’re not the only one. My hope is to create a space where stories aren’t left unheard because I realize how much power lies behind each word. Our words and stories have the ability to connect, heal, help, impact, encourage, and unite us, but way too many of us are eliminating this power by sitting in utter silence. In the last journal entry that my dad wrote he stated, “I want to be one of your success stories”. My father may not be here today to speak with others and share his success story, but that does not mean his story, my story, and our story, cannot continue. Too many lives are at stake and impacted by addiction, silence for me is not an option. The continuation of this success story begins now.
In the summer of 2020, I received a package with all of my dad’s journals from his time in rehab. These journals have provided me with so much insight into my dad’s life and how addiction affected him and those nearest him. Reading my dad’s thoughts, stories, and experiences not only helped me better understand what he walked through, but it also enabled me to see what most addicts walk through. In today’s light, stigmas continue to affect the way in which addicts, addiction, and recovery are perceived. These perceptions have led so many people down a long road of isolation and have silenced way too many voices.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 19.7 million adults in America battled a substance use disorder in 2017 alone (NSDUH). That’s a very large number, and behind each of these numbers (the 19.7 million of them!) lies a parent, grandparent, partner, sibling, child, friend, or colleague.
Millions of us are affected by addiction and substance use disorders, yet there seems to be so little dialogue surrounding the topic. In one of my dad’s journal entries, he expressed how encouraging it is to hear other people’s stories because you realize you’re not the only one. My hope is to create a space where stories aren’t left unheard because I realize how much power lies behind each word. Our words and stories have the ability to connect, heal, help, impact, encourage, and unite us, but way too many of us are eliminating this power by sitting in utter silence. In the last journal entry that my dad wrote he stated, “I want to be one of your success stories”. My father may not be here today to speak with others and share his success story, but that does not mean his story, my story, and our story, cannot continue. Too many lives are at stake and impacted by addiction, silence for me is not an option. The continuation of this success story begins now.
Speaking Engagements
Addiction has drastically affected my life, and I would love to continue sharing my story from a unique perspective- as a child of an addict. Are you part of an organization, rehab facility, school, or business, that is looking for a speaker to engage in this area of discussion? Or are you a child of an addict looking for guidance or someone to speak to? If so, please click the button below and fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page.