How Addiction Changed My Life

I am the product of a long line of alcoholic families. Addiction and alcoholism run in my family’s blood. My father has been clean and sober for over 30 years. His sobriety started long before my birth, but I have still seen him struggle with his addiction. His father before him was an alcoholic his whole life and recently died of liver problems. Last month I attended the funeral of my aunt who died suddenly as a result of something nobody is sure of except that she was drinking too much alcohol and taking too many prescription pills. Also, I have watched my older brother struggle with addiction for the majority of my life, going in and out of rehabs and jails for crimes and probation violations. He also contracted Hepatitis C from sharing dirty needles. I don't believe there is anything more difficult in this world than watching someone who you love and care about kill …show more content…
Addiction has taught me to love unconditionally and fully because it’s impossible to know when our time here on earth may be over. It’s taught me to forgive easier and to remind myself constantly of what is really important. It’s taught me to make better choices for myself and for my health not only because it's what’s right for me, but also because my choices affect those whom I love. It’s taught me not to judge others based on what I think is happening in their lives. Above all, these experiences have taught me that love is the most important thing in life and that spreading kindness can make all the difference in the world. It is because of these experiences that I am who I am today. I am someone who is emotional, compassionate, and dedicated and my goal is to make a difference in the lives of as many beings as I can, humans and animals alike. Love is the only thing in this world that will survive through time eternally; therefore, if I am able to spread love, then a part of me is