The Importance Of Addiction In Sonny's Life

The issue of who’s at fault between Sunny and his older brother is one that cannot simply be answered by pointing figures. Addiction is a disease that causes psychological and physical harm not only to the addicted person but also to their loved ones. Dictionary.com defines addiction as, “…the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming…” The vital word in this definition is ENSLAVED. When one is enslaved does one actually have control over their thoughts and actions? Unfortunately the answer is no. Due to this harsh reality, it is hard to blame Sonny for the events that have occurred throughout his life. At the same time it is difficult to put the blame on Sonny’s older brother. He was hurt, confused and afraid that someone who he loved was making decisions that could potentially one day ruin that loved one’s life. Studies have shown that healthy support groups are essential for an addicted person’s recovery. NCADD.org states, “Constructive and active family engagement in the recovery process is essential if the family is to heal from the destructive impact of addiction.” When it comes to this Sonny’s older brother failed. Though Sonny’s …show more content…
Most of the time there are no winners. It affects the individual and the individual’s loved ones. Hope comes in the form of loving support groups, compiled of individuals who are understanding. This is what Sonny lacked, this is where the older brother failed. Neither Sonny nor his brother are at fault, but the older brother—not suffering from daunting disease of addiction—has the bigger problem. He was unable to open his mind and heart to enable Sonny to have a smoother path to happiness and recovery. Instead, the older brother’s habit of “bottling” up his emotions along with his selfish and controlling attributes impeded Sonny from complete recovery and growth as an individual and as a member of