Addiction

…Working at the Detroit Medical Center I witnessed first hand what substance abuse was, and the toll it took on the human body. I had transferred from the Central Processing Department to work as a Currier for the Hospital Laboratories. I would miss my friends in Central Processing but I got to work with some real professionals in the laboratories and my new boss was fantastic. They had been recruiting me and I wanted to work a steady day shift, with every other weekend off, and the opportunities science offered me seemed endless. They helped me pass my Chemistry and Anatomy classes no doubt., but what I learned watching autopsies would stick with me forever. The pathology of disease and much of it self inflicted. Lung cancer and sorosis of the liver were many of the disease pathologies I witnessed upon examinations. I seriously cut back on how much I smoked and drank after viewing those autopsies.

…The Pathologist always quizzed me on the anatomy and if I could tell what the patient died from. They had hoped I would pursue a career in science, and I actually believed I was going to do so as well. However, that was not to be my future path. I didn’t know it at the time. I took the autopsies I was invited to view seriously, and I answered their questions when quizzed. Later in life I witness what the effect of drinking and smoking had on my father. He had his first heart attack at 55 years old and suffered a severe stroke at 66 years old. That stroke eventually took his life while he was was in rehabilitation for the paralysis it caused to the left side of his body. He was sober for at least 10 years but the damage caused by the addictions he suffered from earlier were too much. He never made it out of rehab. He had a massive heart attack and passed away.

…At the cemetery my younger brother stayed with me to witness my dad’s burial. I didn’t realize at the time that the same addictions would take him also at the age of 50 years old. Not more than 14 years from burying my father I would witness his burial as well. Unfortunately, his death was described as an accidental poisoning. He was scheduled for hip replacement surgery and overdosed on his presurgical medication. What I’ve learned most recently is that we all have, live with someone, or know someone in our families who have a disease that we didn’t cause, we can’t control, and most definitely can’t cure. They may never admit they have a problem, and believe they are just enjoying life. Unfortunately, they may never admit it until it’s too late.

…However, There is a group of people dedicated to helping those family members who are living with someone who has an alcohol use disorder known as AUD. They are known as Al-Anon and they provide a support group of people experiencing relatives who have the disease, and refuse to admit it. At the same time, their continued abuse wreaks havoc in their households. They usually don’t admit that either. The stress that creates can be unbearable at times for those living with them.

… There is also another group for substance abuse/narcotics users. They are known as Nar-Anon. I highly recommend family members find these groups and utilize them if you are experiencing the problems caused by the abusers. You will no longer feel isolated and realize there are others who are experiencing the same unpredictability from loved ones these diseases impact. The camaraderie provides a support group for those experiencing the many issues substance abusers bring to their families. A very much needed and appreciated peace. My Life’s Journey Continues…. Ecclesiastes 4: 8-12