02/06/2026
This Disease Does Not Discriminate!!!!
I am not writing this to highlight the differences- I am writing to bring awareness to the "Sameness."
The tragic death of an acting legend on February 2nd. 2014, due to an overdose of He**in is not only heartbreaking but very eye opening. Even Barbara Walters had to ask; "Why?"..... she among many do not understand the disease of an addict or alcoholic.
It is obvious Philip Seymore Hoffman was at the height of his career. He had won many awards including an Oscar for his performance. He was blessed with three wonderful children, very well loved and respected by his peers. He stated during an interview of having 20 plus years of sobriety, And yet; "How could this happen?"
There is a guy named Mike that has been living homeless now for about 2 years, he lost his job and his family due to drugs and alcohol. He recently decided to stop drinking and has been sober for about 3 months. His wife has opened the once closed door and allowed him to have a relationship with his children. He shared with others his excitement over a job interview scheduled for next week. He finally has "Hope for his future!" Two days before Mike's job interview he is found in an abandoned building, overdosed with a needle in his arm.
Everyone accepts this as sad, but no one ever ask the question, "How could this happen?"
The same way it happened to Philip Seymour Hoffman. Philip had just put himself back into a "Rehab Facility" last year. I would suspect his desire was...... not to die, but to LIVE! After hearing this, I doubt that a relapse turning into death was anywhere near his consciousness.
When an Alcoholic or Addict is in any pain, physical or emotional, they will always reach for the one thing that made them feel better. The alcohol, the drug, or both. This is a Brain Disease!! The Unconscious mind can over ride and convince the conscious mind and body that it can feel better because that is how the brain remembers the past experience. Without thinking of the consequences, the Addict or Alcoholic has reached for the one "pain-reliever" that they know they can count on. Unfortunately the old friend they once counted on has now turned on them and the "wonderful" feeling it once gave is no longer available. But, that doesn't stop them from going for more, they think the good feeling will be found, and the search continues.
It doesn't matter how many years have passed the disease never stops growing. The "good times" or the "incredible high" that they once felt can never be found. Compare this desire to the feeling of a first kiss. Not in comparison to the strength of the desire, but just that it is the first and there will never be another first. There is no such thing as a "second first!"
For the Addict or Alcoholic still in pain, searching for that drink or drug to fill the void within you, "I pray that you will get connected with a Recovery Group that will love you, support you and walk with you through the good and bad times ahead. More importantly, reach out to the one that stays the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow The one that will never leave you nor forsake you. Our Heavenly Father!!
"You can't show up on a job site with an empty tool box and expect to get the job done!"
"Stay truthful to yourself about the Devil looking like DEATH, and not like an Angel of Mercy...Because an Angel he is not and mercy he does NOT know!!"
Your Biggest Cheerleader,
Robin Allman
