Addiction is Painful
Earlier Sunday I had been reflecting on the incredible pain and power of addiction. As I work with addicts and alcoholics I am reminded of the complete and utter demoralization that comes from the devastation of addiction. The best of intentions are lost. The dreams and hopes of life are set aside at the drop of a hint of the chemical or desire.

Then Sunday evening USA Network was showing the powerful Johnny Depp movie, Blow. The last 45 minutes of the movie are as good an example of the power of addiction as any. No, not in gut-wrenching scenes of withdrawal (like Ray or Walk the Line, but in the broken promises followed by broken promises followed by broken hearts and finally, broken lives.

The heart-wrenching promise that George makes "on his daughter's life" and the inability to follow through, to give up, even for who he loves the most is addiction at its fullest.

Sentenced to 60 years- that didn't bother me.
I'd broken a promise, everything I love in my life goes away.

Fortunately, there is hope. Recovery is possible. It doesn't come easy. It doesn't come without pain- pain far greater than withdrawal. But it is possible. Yes, I work in recovery- treatment counseling- for a living. But I know it works. I have seen the miracles over and over.