I’m a former addict

I was treated as less than human for the majority of my using years. I was in and out of jail, kicked out of my own home, my parents didn’t want anything to do with me, and I was treated poorly by medical professionals. I’ve been clean for almost 8 years, and I still remember those things the way I remember how to ride a bike. <br><br>I think it would be a lot easier to get clean if we were treated with dignity instead of shame. <br><br><br>Edit: OMG this blew up. Thank you all so much for the kind words, awards, and love. It seriously made me tear up a little. I wish addiction was really talked about and actively prevented, but I guess that’s unrealistic. I’m very glad to see that there are a lot of people here who are recovering addicts, or have loved ones who are recovering addicts, who are passionate about the matter. Thank you guys for sharing your stories, it really touched me. <br><br>Edit 2: If you think this is a post saying that addicts aren’t responsible for their actions, you sadly misread it. The last 2-3 years of my using were me realizing I HAD to get clean, and it was the hardest shit ever. I DID end up getting clean of my own accord, and I’m now an amazing dad, boyfriend, employee, and person. I was merely saying we ALL deserve to be treated with dignity. Imagine the most unlikable, shittiest person in the world, I still think even THEY deserve to be treated equally. Yes, addicts are responsible for their actions, but that doesn’t mean we should be treated poorly. We all deserve to be treated with dignity, even if we ruin relationships, run a red light high, or lie constantly. It’s just my opinion, and I think that’s how it should be.