Addictions are no laughing matter. They are serious and every day they wreck lives, marriages, families, businesses, and careers. Perhaps the most disturbing thing about addictive behavior is how it stalks victims from every walk of life and social strata. Alcohol and drug addiction is no respecter of education, income, race, religion, gender, or social position. Those of us involved in the work of recovery know that no matter how hard loved ones, professionals, co-workers and friends are willing to fight for someone's sobriety, it must begin with the individual. Sadly, too many times co-dependent family and friends acknowledge the problem and its destruction, but they are paralyzed and actually enable the addiction instead of helping. Among the saddest and most pathetic stories I've heard recently is that of the once famous Clemson and Chicago Bear great, William "Refrigerator" Perry. His story is tragic and sad. In order for this blog to make sense you need to read the entire story (click here)
This is not complicated. It is a sad story of willful, self-destruction. For every family, every spouse, child, sibling, and friend living with/around someone caught in a similar addiction, I beg and implore you to intervene and do whatever you have to do to help the addict in your life wake up. However, at the end of the day, you are not responsible for their response and behavior. Recognize that at some point you may have to exercise some serious boundaries to protect yourself from becoming codependent. Remember, exercising a boundary does not mean the absence of love. In fact, when accompanied by fervent prayer it demonstrates the depths of our love.
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