In todays society it is too often that we do not tell people what sometimes really needs to be said. Why is this? Are we afraid of the outcome, are we afraid of confrontation, or hurting the other person or is it just too easy to not say anything to someone and push it under the lumpy carpet along with all of our other thoughts and worries.
About a year and a half ago I lost my mom to alcoholism. I do not remember anyone saying anything to her about it and confronting her with her illness. I am one of those people. Do I regret not saying anything? Do I regret not sharing my concerns with her? Absolutely. But this falls under the category of not wanting to cause hurt or confrontation. It was a situation of not wanting to make someone hurt more than they already were, even know they were slowly killing themselves.
Alcoholism is sometimes not taken as seriously as this disease is. When you think of someone who is alcohol dependant you think of some vagrant walking the streets drinking out of a brown plastic bag, hell sometimes no plastic bag at all. But in reality it is much more than that. It is the father who works and provides for his family while not being able to go a day without drinking. It is a mother who drinks first thing in the morning when she wakes up because she could not make it through work without. Its aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, friends and loved ones. We need to stop being so closed minded about addiction and look at it for what it really is.
Raising awareness about Alcoholism and truly knowing and understanding what this disease is, is only one step in becoming more aware. Learning to not be so judgemental when someone is struggling with an addiction, and accepting the fact that it is a disease. If we know someone who is alcohol dependant we need to express our thoughts and concerns for that person. Maybe by having just one more hand to hold though the process someone will find the strength within themselves to fight.
Losing my mother at the age of 47 was the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. It breaks my heart to know that she was fighting something so strong and terrifying sometimes all by herself. So I have decided to write this blog, in hopes that maybe someday we can all learn more and help someone who is battling this horrible disease.
If you or someone that you know is battling with an addiction, please know that you really are not alone. It may be the hardest thing for you to do but there is help. Know that you can fight this and it is possible. With hard work and determination nothing is impossible.
For information on Alcoholism and Addiction:
Alcoholics Anonymous - http://www.aacanada.com/
Canadian Liver Foundation - http://www.liver.ca/
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