All of these addictions are really symptoms of deeper unresolved issues and simply put, mental illness. Our society reeks with it and although I work to stay away from labeling people or situations and stay out of judgment, I see mental illness everywhere, especially when I happen to turn on the TV. It is what it is.

We are sensitive creatures and our sub-conscious minds are very impressionable. As babies (and even all throughout life) we learn from our models, and as a society we have to take responsibility for what we’re modeling. Look at the outcomes we’re producing! Its not a pretty scene.

Addictions, violence and negativity are rampant so much so that they’ve created a TV show about it. I’ve never seen this show, and it is my hope that this program won’t turn into another form of entertainment, but really serve to uplift others and heal, hearts and minds. Sounds like it is as the people who have to step to the plate to be part of the interventions have to be strong and brave. And without the collective team energy, you’re right, it would not be possible to bring the person back.

True transformation starts with becoming aware of our negative and destructive thought patterns and the unconscious mechanisms that drive us, which are nothing but bad programs. We are wonderfully made, but we don’t realize that when old programs dominate our thinking and actions. Or when our playmates, play places, and play things don’t activate our highest potential as a growing human being. That’s another topic to be addressed!

Now here’s the thing: we can’t use our heads to get out of the mess (which got us in the mess in the first place). We have to invoke a power higher than ourselves as taught in the principles of AA and NA. Outside of any religious context, each of us has our own way of connecting to the Source of Life. My favorite program is the HeartMath approach which activates a deep abiding intelligence within each of us and for me invokes the Divine. Check out http://www.HeartMath.org

I’ve had the experience of participating in more than one intervention and its a very tough situation to be in. I’ve also worked for many years to eliminate my own “mental maladies” and simply ridiculous bad programming that led me to destructive behaviors. This takes work, and more than anything else, it takes submitting to a higher power to really bring about the transformation in thinking and being.

And it takes work to replace old habits of thinking and actions with ones that are life-affirming. Simply put – practicing good mental hygiene, submitting to a Higher Power, and creating new friends.

And blessings to all of those who stand and fight for those who are weak, striving to wake them up out of the negative mass trance and bring them back home to their true selves as children of the Most High.

Its a journey and as I’ve heard it said, “We’re not here to see through one another, but to see one another through.”

Thanks again for yet another thought provoking and sensitive post my Friend.