Editor’s note: This letter, sent to staff writer Jon Silman, is being printed with the permission of its author.
I think alcoholism is a subject that gets joked about far too often in college. I’m hoping that some people will have read your column and taken a step back to evaluate themselves.
My mom was a drug addict and alcoholic for most of my childhood. While I have never had to struggle with it myself, I have had to live with it second hand for most of my life.
I’ve been to several AA and NA meetings and the stories I have heard there always surprise me.
Addiction is something that can strike at any point in one’s life and can happen to anyone.
It is definitely a misunderstood subject. I sometimes see warning signs among my friends and I often hear them joke “I’m not an alcoholic until I graduate.”
I think some people assume that because they’re in college, they’re going places, that they can’t fuck up, that they don’t have a problem. I’m glad you told your story, and I hope it opens some people’s eyes. It must have taken a lot of courage to write.
My mom, by the way, has been sober for over two years now, and this time I really hope it sticks.
I also hope for your sake that you are able to stay sober. I know it’s a struggle, but you should never have to feel that worthless again.
I also hope for the sake of any family you might raise someday that they don’t have to go through what I did growing up. Don’t give up, and always think about your future!
Note: This letter refers to this column.
