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The New Face of Addiction
Posted by:Jenn--Thursday, May 24, 2012

A Mother’s Journey Through Love and Loss

"The face of addiction has changed. Addiction does not discriminate by age, gender, race or socioeconomic class. The addict is no longer that homeless man on the corner begging for change to get his next fix. The addict is no longer that rebellious kid with the tattoos and mohawk that comes from a troubled past full of abuse and neglect. The new face of addiction is the cleancut boy from a “good” home and attending a well-respected private school. The new face of addiction is your neighbor’s child. Or my child. Or even yours."

Lori Swanson knows all too well about the new face of addiction. She saw it in the face of her son, David. Click here to read her heartbreaking story of love and loss, as shared with RockfordParent.com.

Lori’s advice to other parents dealing with children struggling with addiction: “Acknowledge it! . . . Do not be ashamed to let others know you are seeking help . . . Most of all, love your child, especially when it is most difficult.”

Posted by:Jenn -- Thursday, May 24, 2012

1 comment:

Wilma said...

Jenn,
Thank you for posting this powerful story. In seeing the pictures of David with his "tattoos" I am reminded of happier times with Bam Bam and his "tattoos", drawing on his face and body with magic marker. He used to be an out-going, fun kid organizing trips to the haunted houses or skate park with me as chauffer. I like to think that Bam is still somewhere inside "Drug Bam". When he was younger he wanted his hair cut into a mohawk and I said "why not, its only hair." and he didn't care what anybody else's opinion was he knew that was the style he wanted whether anyone else liked it or not. Out of over 700 kids in his elementary school the lunch ladies all knew the kid with the mohawk! Once he started drinking and drugs that kid was replaced by someone I didn't know-an angry, violent, secretive teenager.

As the mom, Lori, in this story has said we need to acknowledge the addiction and to not be afraid or ashamed to let others know we need help. By coming to PSST Meetings and reading the blog I have found so much help and support and, yes, friendships, too on this journey.
even though my son is in placement now getting the help and treatment he needs I know it's not a quick fix. I hope and pray something "clicks" for him this time and that when he is released the drugs and alcohol won't have the strangle hold on him that they have now.

Wilma

May 28, 2012 at 10:23:00 AM EST

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