I was recently contacted by a young woman named Jami. She is a 29 year old LDS woman who became addicted to prescription drugs. She is dealing with her addiction and attending the LDS church's 12 step program classes to help her rise above the power of her addiction.
Addiction is an isolating trial. It carries so much shame and denial. Those who suffer with addictions are often quickly judged and defined by their addictions. But this in itself is a tragedy because it is through support that addictions can be overcome and managed.
Jami sees this and she recently started a blog to provide a place for others suffering from addictions or with loved ones suffering from addictions to go. I have had a few people email me who suffer from addictions or suffer with a loved one who is an addict. I thought this blog would be a good resource for any of us in such circumstances.
So I invite you to visit her blog and in the anonymity of your own home find a friend in Jami. Perhaps she can help others to heal through her blog as she works through her own addiction.
And to Jami -- I applaud your courage in taking this bold step and following the direction your heart has led you. May the Lord bless you in this life long journey.
Here below is Jami's self introduction to her blog:
President Boyd K. Packer said “addiction has the capacity to disconnect the human will and nullify moral agency. It can rob one of the power to decide." Nobody wants to become an addict. Nobody wants to lose complete control of their will and their lives. Unfortunately, it happens. Addiction is running rampant in the world today, and nobody is exempt from this disease. I am a 29 year old, LDS woman who became addicted to Pain pills. I have struggled with this addiction for years, feeling there was no way out, and feeling unworthy of my Heavenly Father’s help. As I struggle daily with this disease I have sought the support of my loved ones, other addicts, and most importantly, my Heavenly Father. Because addiction is an isolating disease, addicts feel very alone. I have started this blog (www.thoughtsofanldsaddict.blogspot.com ) to help those who struggle with addiction. If we all look at ourselves and our lives, I believe we are all affected in one way or another by addiction. Whether we struggle ourselves, or we see a loved one struggling, we are all affected. This blog is an open book. It is a place for people to ask questions, give advice, and feel the support of others. It is to help both addicts and their loved ones. It is to share experience, strength and hope, as this disease can be thwarted. We can recover, only with the Lord’s help, one day at a time. Please feel free to come to the site, leave comments, ask questions, or just learn. We are not in this alone! Thank you for your support! Jami
