*This is a fictional story in order to portray a problematic health issue that many are ignorant about.*
My brother was diagnosed with cancer yesterday. They said the cancer may be terminal, as it has reached his brain.
"You did this to yourself, you made choices in your life that caused this cancer to come into fruition. I'm sorry, but there is not much we can do. Unless you want help, there is actually nothing we can do."
My brother said, "What are my options?"
"Chemo. Radiation. Radical surgery. Otherwise, nothing. These are the few options we allow for rehabilitation. You will most likely die otherwise." They glared at him, disgusted by his diagnosis. He chose this life, they think. "That, of course, is just the beginning. You will need to alter your behavior, regulate your emotions, and make better decisions in your lifestyle. You will need to leave behind those people you call friends, the ones that probably made this issue worse. You will need to change everything you are, forget about where you have been and work hard, everyday, to keep the cancer away."
But, they don't tell him, you will be stigmatized, no matter how hard you work. Cancer, a diagnosis only losers are worthy of.
Since the cancer has spread into his brain, his mind has become clouded, affected by the rapidly-dividing cells evading his tissues. He places his face in his hands, overcome with grief. He is dying, and no one seems to care. He wants to get help, but the cancer kind of feels nice...different...it alters his brain in a way nothing has before.
"How did this happen?" He wonders out loud.
"Well," they begin, "you have terrible coping mechanisms. You're a sensitive person, too sensitive, and you have been damaged by the world. Yet, you weren't able to deal with whatever life threw your way. The sense of abandonment, the pressures of the world... such a shame that you are not strong like the rest of us. Cancer will make a person do some really bad things, it will rip your family apart. Cancer is a choice...you chose this life. Your way of dealing with life, different from ours, has caused this cancer. And this, we're afraid, we cannot feel sorry for."
"They" portrayed above is the ignorant half of society. And "cancer", a well-known and beautifully-spoken about medical diagnosis in our world, represents substance abuse. How weird was it to read that "cancer is a choice" and that my brother is "undeserving" of compassion because of his "cancer diagnosis"?
Unfortunately, this is a world in which we live--where certain diseases are celebrated, survivors are revered, money is acquired to raise awareness and fund research. Substance abuse is seldom this disease. There are still so many ignorant comments being made. I get it--many of us are touched by substance abuse, whether personally or through a close family member, friend, acquaintance. Some of us feel angry about it. Why should your child know a father or mother who is never there, because they are getting high? Why should your jewelry be robbed by an addict, who needs a means for getting high? Why should your mother spend restless night, crying and worrying about a brother, nodding out while he smokes a cigarette?
Your right. WHY?
Let's face the facts:
1. Substance abuse and cancer are both medical conditions that can negatively affect a patient and their family.
2. Both are diseases that are influenced by environment, personal choices/lifestyle, and genetics.
3. NEITHER are a choice-- it is asinine to say someone tries a drug with the intention to become an addict. The same way one does not say, "I hope to get cancer one day!" (Replace cancer with any other medical condition...)
4. One comes with a stigma, a permanent brand by society, deemed as undeserving of compassion. The other is celebrated in walks, charity, research.
5. The treatment options for substance abuse are slim. It is in serious need of reform. We are in serious need of education.
6. Prevention is KEY--against both cancer and substance abuse.
7. People with either illness are deserving of compassion and help. They deserve empathy and options.
8. Even if a person does not want help (i.e. rehab from drugs, chemo/surgery for cancer, etc) there are many other options to increase an individual's quality of life. Some are taboo, but we must be willing to meet the patient where they are in life. (i.e. harm reduction for substance abuse; use of aromatherapy/herbs for cancer).
I have heard so many negative comments about individuals who abuse substances. Call me biased, because I have been touched by these individuals, but I have come a LONG way. I used to be full of anger, disgust, no remorse for these "people". I felt it was a choice too, that they did not deserve my empathy or compassion. Until one day, that anger polluted me. I couldn't take it anymore, I couldn't stand crying about it and incessantly wondering, "WHY?" So I finally answered those questions. I educated myself. I forgave the people in my life who have been diagnosed with an illness, a misunderstood DISEASE. And I will work, everyday, to shed light on it. Because we are all in need of a little more compassion, understanding, and empathy. Regardless of our medical conditions, lifestyle choices, genetics, and circumstances.
For more information about drug abuse visit:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-abuse-addiction
https://www.drugabuse.gov/
http://www.samhsa.gov/
Also... food for thought:
