As we’ve discussed in previous posts, every addiction is unique, and many commonly held beliefs about who is and is not likely to turn to substance abuse often don’t allow for the complex nature of this dependency. Though it’s easy to assume that substance abuse is a form of escape for more withdrawn, anti-social individuals, there are plenty of instances where affable and high-achieving people ultimately fall prey to a destructive addiction.
Earlier this month, The New York Times covered the story of Richard Fee, “an athletic, personable college class president and aspiring medical student” whose ambitions were derailed by a drug addiction. The source reports that Fee’s decline began when he was prescribed Adderall to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, though those close to him say that the 24-year-old never suffered from the condition, either as a child or while in college.
“Conversations with friends and family members and a review of detailed medical records depict an intelligent and articulate young man lying to doctor after doctor,” NYT states. detailing how Fee’s addiction led him to deceive medical professional in order to obtain his next high. And, unfortunately, Fee succeeded in obtaining the prescriptions he sought, deepening his addiction and ultimately resulting in his death.
For many addicts, fueling their need for alcohol, prescription pills, or whatever substance they routinely abuse takes top priority over everything else – including their loved ones, their aspirations and even their own lives. If someone you care about has developed an addiction that threatens to derail their future, don’t hesitate to contact a professional interventionist for guidance. A substance abuse intervention may be the first step toward recovery for your loved one.