In the Oct. 21 article, “Recovered addict resumes life of crime, sentenced to 5 years,” Mr. Long’s situation was described as a “recovered addict,” who had a “fall from grace,” according to his attorney, and “returned to his criminal ways.” His addiction is a substance use disorder, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Recovery from addiction is complicated by the effect of substances on brain chemistry and the psychological needs a substance can serve for a person (trauma, depression, ADHD, etc.). It takes years to recover because of this combination, and it can be easy to slip when there are stressors.
While Mr. Long’s actions have hurt his community and their healing is important, we must not forget that “his criminal ways” were not inherent, but a result of trying to access the drug that his brain chemistry required and his memory had conditioned to seek when facing stressors. People attempting recovery face wait lists to enter treatment facilities, few beds for detox, stigma perpetuated by ideas of the disorder being a “habit.”
I would urge The Herald to take into consideration that their readership also includes people in recovery and to make sure when a story is written on this subject to demonstrate the complexity of this issue to fight the stigma that surrounds substance-use disorders and avoid simplifying people to “addicts.”
Chris Garrido-Philp
Mill Creek
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