Celebrating Scott’s Sobriety

Addiction is a disease. It affects the addict as well as their family and friends. Those with an addiction, whether to alcohol, drugs, or other vices, will always face these demons. As much as those who love the addict want to help, it is the addict who must be willing to face the disease and accept that they are powerless over their addictions.

Today my dear friend Rachael and her family are celebrating her brother Scott’s one year of sobriety. This is a monumental accomplishment, and I am elated for him. Though addiction, unlike many other diseases, cannot be cured, addicts can live in recovery, leading joyful and fulfilling lives. Simultaneously, the addict’s mantra, “one day at a time,” still rings true. While this is a major accomplishment, Scott will need to continue to choose sobriety each and every day in the face of addiction.

A few months ago, Rachael shared a video of her brother singing a song he had written about his darkest day as he drove from Colorado to Arizona. That trip became the catalyst for Scott to finally accept help and work on his sobriety. To honor Scott and his journey, I want to share his song and the beautiful post that his sister, Rachael, wrote about the stigma of addiction, highlighting the fact that addiction doesn’t discriminate and how incredibly proud she is of him for taking his life back.

Congratulations, Scott, on one year of sobriety!

From October, 2017, written by Rachael in support of her brother Scott’s addiction recovery:

The three most deadly diseases in America are cancer, heart disease, and addiction. Out of these three, treatment for addiction is proven to be the most effective, but sadly, because of the stigma around addiction, it is also the one that the fewest people seek help for.

Like cancer or heart disease, a person is predisposed to addiction. Addiction is not something we should shame people for. It is something we should help them with. NO ONE should feel embarrassed to say they have a problem or to ask for help. This is a conversation we should ALL be having, because I GUARANTEE you there is someone in your life that is struggling or has struggled with addiction in the past.

We have lost too many people to this awful disease, and part of the problem is our reluctance to talk about it. Educate yourselves. Don’t be ashamed to ask questions. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. Don’t be too scared to approach someone if you’re worried. Sometimes, starting a conversation can be the turning point to help someone get the help they need.

While addiction is a disease that cannot be cured, addicts can live in recovery and learn to live healthy, meaningful, happy lives. When this happens, it is good for everyone as these people live in our communities, support our economy, and become good friends and neighbors.

Addiction does not discriminate against sex, age, race, or ethnicity. It can happen to anyone. By sharing our stories, talking about it, and eliminating the stigma, we can start to make a change in the way people view it, and help more people come forward to get the help they need.

A beautiful, extremely raw song straight from the heart of my truly talented brother Scotty. You are amazing. I love you and I am so proud of you.

-Rachael

*Lyrics below

Lyrics:
Crossed the border into Utah

The sun sets down, the sky turns red

And I see rocky shadows disappear.

I got a fire running through my veins

It’s in my heart it’s in my bones

This life is just a product of my fear.

I think that I’ll just drive all night.

Fate’s calling now and I call back

But something tells me that this time is different.

Different place, but same old me.

I get caught up

I’m screaming now

Nobody’s gonna listen.

Each time I say it’s the last time

How quickly I forget that I’m a prisoner of my mind.

Planes, trains, and open roads

Won’t save me when I’m running from myself

They won’t make me, they’ll break me.

Each time I say it’s the last time

How quickly I forget that I’m a prisoner of my mind.

Planes, trains, and open roads

Won’t take me anywhere when I’m just running from me.