Evolving

Be moderate in everything, including moderation.”
~Horace Porter

The July issue of Evolving takes on the sensitive topic of addiction. For me, anything pleasurable has the potential for addiction—whether it’s food, work, sex or physical exercise. There is always the potential to overindulge, taking a pleasant act to one with potentially dire consequences. Even mountain climbing, if taken to the extreme, holds the possibility of addiction. I believe Horace Porter was right and that the key is to try to maintain moderation. Because we truly are a product of our habits.

Then there are the more destructive addictions: alcohol, drugs, cigarettes. This month I share a personal story about one of my daughters. When I decided to print a letter I wrote her last year about her addiction, the staff of Evolving was torn: Is it too personal a story to share? Although it is extremely personal I believe that sharing our stories is part of what empowers us through difficult times. While my daughter was enduring her struggle I read Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction by David Sheff. I was completely moved by his honesty. Then I read his son Nic’s story, Tweak: Growing up on Methamphetamine. I gave both of these books to my daughter, hoping they would touch her as well. And then I wrote the letter to my daughter that is printed in this issue. You can read the July issue of Evolving online.

Fortunately, my daughter is now drug-free. I am sincerely grateful and proud of her courage in allowing me to share her story. There is so much secrecy and shame surrounding addiction—for those in the throes of addiction as well as their loved ones.

Please feel free to share your views on how addiction has affected yours or a loved one’s life.