The Addiction Boogeyman

Addiction has always been a boogeyman of sorts that even the closest families and friends didn’t discuss openly. Recently, with the horrors of the opioid epidemic those conversations have become less taboo. It seems that everyone knows someone who struggles with addiction and many see the toll it takes on all that love the addict. The addicts need us to talk about our experiences. Loved ones, recovering addicts, and those still suffering in their bondage to substances will all be positively impacted the more we can normalize these discussions. In recovery circles, the phrase ‘secrets keep us sick’ is popular for good reason. Addiction thrives on shame and secrecy. It is fueled by isolation and fear. We at Harlan Serenity Foundation refuse to be a part of that age old culture of sweeping things under the rug. We choose to learn from the experiences of those who have found recovery and spread awareness in hopes of helping others who are still lost.