"It Will Never Happen to Me!"

Abstract

Addiction is an insidious disease process that robs the person of her/his ability to exercise choice. The author, who has worked for decades in the area of addiction, has seen that it affects every aspect of society, be it social, racial, religious, economic or ethnic. Addiction is an “unsanctioned illness,” that prompts a sense of “disgrace shame” that results in attempts to keep it hidden and secret from others. More often than not, especially among those working in a ministry role, the pervasive idea is that “it will never happen to me!”