“Good Person, Bad disease.”

That’s how it was explained to me when I sought treatment for alcoholism over ten years ago. The human mind, each as varied and unique as stars in the sky, have the same ability to succumb to disease. When we live in a world that the human mind has created, and imagine now what will be manifest tomorrow, we can forget sometimes, the incredible ability of the human mind to deceive itself.

The treatment of underlying mental problems with a doctor can help bring to an end the problems surrounding the addiction, but as part of successful on going recovery from addiction, knowledge is the strongest medicine anyone can receive. Knowing why one continues to engage in reckless behavior, arms that person with the ability to keep the mind in check.

Treatment of Disease vs. Criminal Offense

By treating a disease as a violation of law, we ask our police and first responders to assume a task, they were NOT interested in pursuing- psychologist. Instead of treating diseases of the mind as they should be, with trained medical professionals and support from others, we arrest people who repeatedly go back to their addictions after “time served” or “sentence fulfilled”. More cops to ‘treat’ more ‘victims’ of an epidemic.

“This Man needs Emergency surgery! I’ll call the Police…”

No! And that’s not who should be taking care of people who are dealing with the disease of substance abuse. Support, education, opportunities, and regular contact with a professional who can advise and prescribe whatever is needed to treat this disease of the mind.

IF we turned our attention to this topic, it would relieve a HUGE amount of stress from the back of law enforcement. It would save lives. BUT we must give those who seek it, the ability to succeed. Addiction cannot be solved in prison, yet criminals can be addicts as well. Let us find the Wisdom to know the difference.

Keep your head UP!!

JC