August 3, 2010
When I grow up, I want to be a mother of a heroin addict! NOT
I was reminded of a public service announcement on TV for drug & alcohol awareness. It depicted several small children, all darling and innocent. One says “When I grow up, I want to be fireman”, another says “when I grow up, I want to be a heroin addict.” What? Wait. Of Course! No one intentionally chooses addiction– it’s complicated!
What reminded me was listening to a public official tell an audience, “eat dinner every night with your children” in response to a question about what parents can do for prevention to drug addiction. Of Course! Eat dinner with your family every night – What? Wait. We did that. Do you really believe it’s that simple? I felt betrayed because I know I provided a healthy environment in my home during the formative years for my children, yet IT still happened.
Charles Rubin, in his book, Don’t Let Your Kids Kill You, notes that “whatever the situation, it is the child who says yes or no to drugs-it’s a choice. And that choice is, ultimately, answerable to the child and by no one else. So are the consequences”.
I hope we can all let go of the finger pointing, nature versus nurture controversy, and old notions about addiction and prevention. Today’s culture is not yesterdays. By letting go of old beliefs, partnering with others, and thinking “outside the bun” we really do have the ability to tip the current drug epidemic to a “choose not to use” majority. We must agree the solution may be both simple and complex.
Susan Morrison said,
August 3, 2010 at 9:18 am
Thank you for your words of wisdom. I am a good parent and I have two children stuggling with addiction. The only thing I could have done to prevent them from becoming addicts was to not have them. The other would have been to keep them in a bubble and there are many days I wish I could have. I continue to be a good mother by loving them every day. I do agree the solution is both simple and complex.
Thanks