As a dedicated mom, I was the one who volunteered for every school event, organized carpools, and led the local Girl Scouts. We shared family dinners at our dining table, instilled good manners in our children, and enjoyed vacations together. My husband and I had stable jobs, and our daughter, Emma, was a bright honor roll student, an active volunteer at the local community center, and an enthusiastic athlete.
Then everything changed.
Growing up, I had a distorted view of what a drug addict looked like. I pictured individuals in dark alleys, criminals, or the stereotypical free-spirited hippies from the 60s and 70s—people I believed had come from broken homes. I never imagined my own daughter could fall into that pattern.
Looking back, I feel a deep sense of shame for those thoughts. My understanding of addiction was limited to what I had seen in movies and on television. We lived in a suburban bubble where I thought such issues didn’t touch our lives.
How wrong I was.
Addiction wears many faces. It’s the star athlete who gets injured and is prescribed painkillers, only to find himself hooked. It’s the neighbor who drives her kids to school while secretly picking up more pills, having run out of her month’s supply in just ten days. It’s the babysitter who, after being warned about the dangers of alcohol, turns to pills at a party instead. It’s the brave veteran battling PTSD and addiction. It’s the corporate executive managing stress with Xanax. It’s the elderly person recovering from surgery who unwittingly becomes dependent on narcotics.
And sadly, it’s my daughter.
This crisis is unfolding in our homes, our communities, and our schools. No one is exempt—addiction affects people of all ages, races, and backgrounds.
It’s time to wake up. If you think this could never happen to you or those around you, take a closer look. It’s occurring right under our noses, often hidden as addicts isolate themselves in shame and despair. We must respond with compassion.
Recently, while walking to my car, I noticed a man sitting alone, seemingly lost. Instead of ignoring him, I approached and asked if I could join him. We ended up talking for over an hour. He was a military veteran who had been injured in combat, had started using Vicodin, and was now trapped in addiction. He promised he would never turn to heroin—after all, that’s what “junkies” do. But when the cost of pills became too high and withdrawal hit him hard, he succumbed to heroin just to feel normal again. My heart ached for him. I offered him my card, encouraging him to reach out if he ever wanted help. Two days later, he called. He is now in a six-month treatment program, fighting for his recovery, and finding renewed hope.
As a community, we must unite. These are not merely “junkies” on the streets—they are our friends, neighbors, parents, and children.
Next time you encounter someone who seems down on their luck, don’t look away. Stop and extend a hand. Once, it was my daughter feeling lost and hopeless due to her addiction. You may end up saving a life.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, know that resources are available. For further reading on this topic, visit Modern Family Blog, and for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, check out Healthline.
Addiction is an epidemic that can touch anyone, and it’s crucial that we approach it with understanding and kindness.