Addiction hurt us too

I’d like to thank Lisa for writing such an incredibly true letter (YOU Say, 27 October). I put my family through exactly what she’s going through and I can happily say that with their neverending support I’ve been clean for more than three years.

What she says about an addict not waking up one morning deciding to be an addict is true, and no one who has not gone through addiction or helped someone overcome it will ever understand how hard it really is.

My thoughts and prayers are with her and her son. CAROL, EMAIL I’ve just read Lisa’s winning letter and it left me feeling as if I’d written it myself! Lisa, you really struck a chord. It felt as if you’d been inside my head. Thank you! It’s comforting to know I’m not alone. BEV, SMS

Lisa, I know exactly how you feel and I feel like that every single moment of every single day. I’m also the mother of an addict. My daughter is 21, has matric and for the past four years has been on drugs. She’s been in rehab once and I’m now in the process of trying to get her into a state facility, which is hard as you hit a brick wall each turn you take.

Apart from addiction, she also has mental issues which we’re having to deal with.

I wish I could turn back the clock to a time when, if I’d known, I could have stopped her from using, but after going to Narcotics Anonymous meetings I’ve realised it’s not my fault. I didn’t choose this path for her to follow. I just hope that one day she’ll realise she needs help – before it’s too late. DEBBIE, EMAIL I’m one of those moms others judge. But I believe that God will make my dreams come true. We can’t give up. DREAMING MOTHER, EMAIL I was brought to tears by this letter. Best of luck to you and your son, Lisa. NADIA LEMMETUIS, YOU FACEBOOK