Bad news... related to addiction
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 10,912
Bad news... related to addiction
I was hesitant to share this, I really don't like sharing negative things much... (something I still need to work on for myself).
Just got the news an hour ago that an old friend of mine committed suicide this morning. He had a long history of addictions (different drugs and alcohol also in the mix). He had an "up" phase in January when I also decided to get sober for good and we discussed recovery a lot for a while... but then he disappeared and I sort of knew why. I tried to have him seek help in various ways... including all sorts or medically supervised solutions and also just coming to SR for support and company. He said he might check us out, but never happened as far as I know.
Won't say much about how a haunted mind he was and how we felt similar in many ways... that sort of storytelling would not help anyone here, would not help me either here and now.
I've been following his downward spiral for years. I know there was probably nothing else I could have done, but it's devastating.
I'll just finish this with a banal emotion: I HATE addiction.
***********************************************
I think it's worth remembering and celebrating that we are alive today!
Just got the news an hour ago that an old friend of mine committed suicide this morning. He had a long history of addictions (different drugs and alcohol also in the mix). He had an "up" phase in January when I also decided to get sober for good and we discussed recovery a lot for a while... but then he disappeared and I sort of knew why. I tried to have him seek help in various ways... including all sorts or medically supervised solutions and also just coming to SR for support and company. He said he might check us out, but never happened as far as I know.
Won't say much about how a haunted mind he was and how we felt similar in many ways... that sort of storytelling would not help anyone here, would not help me either here and now.
I've been following his downward spiral for years. I know there was probably nothing else I could have done, but it's devastating.
I'll just finish this with a banal emotion: I HATE addiction.
***********************************************
I think it's worth remembering and celebrating that we are alive today!
Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 31,179
I'm so sorry for your loss. My stepmom died of an accidental OD (she was an addict but refused to admit it) and I had done my best to help her, too.
I hate addiction, I'm grateful for recovery, and I choose to live my life the best that I can in honor of those I've lost to addiction.
Hugs and prayers,
Amy
I hate addiction, I'm grateful for recovery, and I choose to live my life the best that I can in honor of those I've lost to addiction.
Hugs and prayers,
Amy
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Canada
Posts: 3,996
Dear haennie,
This is such a sad loss. Addiction kills, we know it. It sounds as though you did the very best you could to aid your friend. I'm sad for you. Know that you are on the right path and look after yourself.
This is such a sad loss. Addiction kills, we know it. It sounds as though you did the very best you could to aid your friend. I'm sad for you. Know that you are on the right path and look after yourself.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 10,912
Thanks so much everyone for the thoughtful and loving comments.
I love SR!
Not sure if it's appropriate to share this, but I'll do anyway... I've been thinking of the movie "Gia"...
I love this ending of the movie
Gia - Final Scene! - YouTube
Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Mid-Atlantic USA
Posts: 2,441
I'm sorry for your loss haennie. Addiction is a pernicious foe. It appears you tried to help your friend. Unfortunately, some of us just can't seem to bear life with or without some type of substance. It's a horrible place to be; a place I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: California
Posts: 2,643
It's so sad when people need help and either don't seek it or are unable to get it. I'm sorry for your loss Haennie, and I'm sorry that your friend sank to levels so low that he thought that suicide was the best option. May he rest in peace.
Sobriety is Traditional
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Orcas Island, Washington
Posts: 9,066
I am sad to hear this has happened... again.
It's a sorry state of affairs when the government finally starts paying attention to suicide because there is an epidemic in the military.
And a glimmer of hope here in Washington: mental health and addiction services will be consolidated and this will expand availability.
It's a sorry state of affairs when the government finally starts paying attention to suicide because there is an epidemic in the military.
And a glimmer of hope here in Washington: mental health and addiction services will be consolidated and this will expand availability.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 10,912
Originally Posted by Coldfusion 
I am sad to hear this has happened... again.
It's a sorry state of affairs when the government finally starts paying attention to suicide because there is an epidemic in the military.
And a glimmer of hope here in Washington: mental health and addiction services will be consolidated and this will expand availability.
It's a sorry state of affairs when the government finally starts paying attention to suicide because there is an epidemic in the military.
And a glimmer of hope here in Washington: mental health and addiction services will be consolidated and this will expand availability.
There are many similar stories around the world, I think. I'm originally from a European country; it's been sad to see the "progression" of mental health care system over the years and the consequences... Improvement of these institutions don't tend to be in the priority unless there is an associated interest...
Again, thanks everyone.
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Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 5,937
I'm sorry about your friend. About ten years ago a friend and coworker of mine committed suicide. He was actually the first guy I met when I moved to town 20 years ago. He'd been an alcoholic since high school and had suffered severe depression all of his life. He quit his job and dropped off the radar, and a couple weeks later he was gone. I know some of what you feel, especially that nagging feeling that if I just would have called him that day it might have been different. Of course, his actions were a long time coming and were his own.
The takeaway is enjoy your life! That and face your problems now...they will only get worse if you wait.
The takeaway is enjoy your life! That and face your problems now...they will only get worse if you wait.
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