R.I.P. Phillip Seymor Hoffman

[jerrymrc]

I am around addicts everyday I work, I work in a jail. Go figure. I used to really despise and loathe them. I mean how can you do that to yourself, and have any self respect. I still treated them with respect/professionally but that's the way I used to feel.

Now after having several family members end up like them has caused my thought process to change. Some of them liked to party and got started that way. Another was an athlete who was injured and had a doctor who liked to over medicate and yes there are more. Another was found in pretty much the same position Hoffman was, with a needle hanging out of his arm between the toilet and tub.

IMHO it is easy to say a lot of things we all say when it doesn't directly impact us, but once it hits home at least some of the old attitudes and beliefs change, and not always for the better. I guess I have matured, meaning gotten older, and still hate the drugs and those who peddle them but I also now hate the sin but not the sinner as I once did.

I wholeheartedly agree with the other members about his kids, as they were collateral damage from his disease and drug use.

My .02

And I will agree to a certain point. I fully understand how even a brush with smack can drag one in or make one realize just what is going on. That said there also comes a point where even understanding does not excuse the fact that when your addiction overcomes ALL common sense where you threaten family members with bodily harm unless you get what you want will unleash the hounds of hell on your ass..... Do not be surprised when one drives 1300 miles and has a talk with you.

Just some thoughts on this subject.

[Bailey Guns]

That said there also comes a point where even understanding does not excuse the fact that when your addiction overcomes ALL common sense where you threaten family members with bodily harm unless you get what you want will unleash the hounds of hell on your ass..... Do not be surprised when one drives 1300 miles and has a talk with you.

Just some thoughts on this subject.

Huh...know someone that did that, do ya?

[jerrymrc]

Huh...know someone that did that, do ya?

My Brother needed some family guidance.

[Kmanbay]

And I will agree to a certain point. I fully understand how even a brush with smack can drag one in or make one realize just what is going on. That said there also comes a point where even understanding does not excuse the fact that when your addiction overcomes ALL common sense where you threaten family members with bodily harm unless you get what you want will unleash the hounds of hell on your ass..... Do not be surprised when one drives 1300 miles and has a talk with you.

Just some thoughts on this subject.

I don't disagree with you and I don't excuse them for the path they put themselves on. If they had not taken the first step there would be no addiction for them or the pain and destruction they leave in their wake.

The problem with them driving any distance to see you is the reason they came. Unless they are in a 12 step program actually working the steps and are up to the 8-9 steps; they stopped by to get something from you. Usually money a place to stay or something else. They are the most accomplished liars in the world, well right next to politicians. They will use you until you are all used up and then come back for more. You can still love them or at least who they were before... But you will never be able to trust them, ever.