Addiction affects entire families

To the editor:
    As I was reading your article in the Pioneer Times this week, I want you to know how very grateful I am that you have the courage to write about the addictions that have caused you such turmoil. I want you to know you are not forgotten nor are you alone. I pray that for your children’s sake their Mommy will be free to give them a life of love, security, respect, honesty and praise.
    In this world we will have trials and testings of faith and hope; none of us are exempt from any of this. Our family has lost so much because somewhere, someone got involved with marijuana, prescription drugs and alcohol. At the early age of 13 or so, our granddaughter Melissa started using, she got hooked. After nine years, at age 22, she overdosed (the drugs – Methadone and Valium). It was July 14, 2003 – five years ago.
    My heart breaks for the families that are going through years of pain, sweats and depression. Please keep trying, keep going. Just look at the dear little faces you have with you. Do it for them. Do if for you. I know that you can make it.
    Be determined. Your family needs you, you need your family, we all need God. He is our hope. You have my support.
Minerva Buxton
Houlton