The Faces of Addiction

Over the past few months, I’ve had the humbling privilege of going out to the Recovery House, a faith-based treatment facility for women dealing with alcohol and drug addictions. Some of the ladies are there voluntarily, some of them are there by order of the court. In sitting and talking with them, I’ve learned their heart-breaking stories of mistakes and tragic circumstances that have led them to the point of brokenness.

You’d be surprised at the wide range of ages represented. I’ve met women as young as 21 and as old as their late 40s. Some are childless, some have grandchildren. Some look like life has been rough on them for decades. Some look like upstanding soccer moms, and would blend in with any group of suburban ladies.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the stories I’ve heard, the faces of addiction:

• a young lady grew up in a healthy home with two loving parents. She partied off an on throughout high school and college, but got addicted to pain pills and alcohol after college. She had a series of abusive boyfriends and lost everything (including a profitable business) as her life spiraled out of control.
• a mom of three young kids that would look like she would fit in any PTA meeting or soccer field. Trying to keep up with kids, career and a family was too much stress for her. She turned to prescription pills for comfort, which led to alcohol.
• a young lady who never knew her dad, lost her grandfather at a critical stage, and decided to take her anger out on the world. Pick a drug, she took it. By 21 she had spent time behind bars for armed robbery and various other things.
• a mom of three teenagers who was born and raised in church. In fact, her father is still in the ministry. Alcohol got its grip on her and she slowly but surely spiraled out of control.
• a smart (but quiet) young lady who has her Masters in Psychology. She was kicked out of the program for sneaking alcohol into the facilities.
• a beautiful young lady who simply had too much fun living it up in high school and college. If there was a party, she was there. That led to addictions, which led to stealing to fund her addiction. She came to the program to stay out of prison.

They are all precious ladies, trying to put the pieces of their lives back together. I’m thankful for places like Recovery House, and I’m convicted to do more to help those in need.