In my experience, denial, dishonesty and manipulation are the actions we most see from substance users.  Denial provides the wonderful delusion that everything is alright and smooths the way for addicts to spiral further down into the addiction.   As sickening as the behaviors are we must realize that the substance user inhabits a different mental world than we do.  As addicts lose touch with reality, all common ground between us and them gets lost.  It is up to us to keep our grasp of reality.  We, too, must recognize hope and blessings.  The poet, Nikki Giovanni, wrote these beautiful words:

“There is always something to do.  There are hungry people to feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well.  And while I don’t expect you to save the world I do think it’s not asking too much for you to love those with whom you sleep, share the happiness of those whom you call friend, engage those among you who are visionary and remove from your life those who offer you depression, despair and disrespect.” 

Her words resonate with families and friends of substance abusers.  What is the addiction in your life, the action you are willing to take, and the vision you have set for your life?  Do you have the courage to believe in the possibilities of life?  For your sake and those around you, I truly hope so!

“Strong lives are motivated by dynamic purposes.”
 – Kenneth Hildebrand