Do you care?

[Mangee]

It is time that the public as well as the detractors that pop up here every once in a while realize that there is more to an addict then addiction. Although they have somehow become addicted to whatever and are going through a private hell in order to free themselves of it, underneath they are just as human as the next person. No addict wants to stay and addict.  No addict wants to be a drag on society. No addict wants their family or friends to see them that way. Every addict does his/her best to be something other than an addict but those who look down their noses at an addict can do more harm than good. It is easy to force an addict off the track simply with the use of biting remarks. When an addict takes on the momentous task of withdrawal he/she is extremely sensitive and any untoward remark or action can disrupt the journey. To add to the anxiety, the paranoia, the depression etc. that and addict in withdrawal is going throughadds to the burden and may cause the addict to collapse under the weight. If there is no way you can help anyone in withdrawal to complete the journey, step back out of the picture and allow him/her to carry on. The same goes for those who are seriously thinking of entering the terrible world of withdrawal. They need support and good wishes to help them through.

[Mikeinthesouth]

Hear Hear

[GoingToMakeIt]

These are great words of wisdom. Thank you.

[Zepora]

What you have written is so true.You are the person that you were before the addiction, you are not just the addict or the person suffering withdrawals. It takes so much strength and courage to make the decision to go through the pain and suffering of withdrawals, when it's probably the reason that we turned to our drug of choice in the first place.
Pain & Suffering is something that a lot of us here are familiar with, only too well.
So know that you're never alone, even when that's all you feel.
Hugs & Prayers
zepora

[allaboutmary]

Nice post and great advise  :)