Can’t blame parents

Lynn Everson’s letter to the editor (“Problem begins at home,” Nov. 24) is an example of how poorly educated people are in regard to the disease of addiction. Granted there are those who become addicts due to abuse, but to stereotype all addicts is wrong.

I am a recovering meth addict, clean now for four years. I had a wonderful childhood. My parents raised me with love and I never went without, nor was I ever abused. I resent the implication that it was my parents’ fault.

My addiction was a direct result from a health-care system not believing I had chronic pain (spinal disease and several surgeries). They refused to help me, thinking that I was a drug seeker, so I turned to self-medication to numb the physical pain.

I did what it took to feed my addiction, which was paying rent, or no pain. Not a choice, but a reality. We, as a community, need to be better educated about addiction and find a solution, instead of someone to take the blame.

It is a long road back from life as an addict, but with understanding, love and a good 12-step program, it is possible.

Becca Itterman

Spokane