Being Cindy Lou Who living with a Grinch

It's the most wonderful time...of the year, right? Typically. most college students are excited to go home for the holidays. Me? I'd do anything to get away. You see...my family is "different." One of my brothers is addicted to drugs and it is a ROUGH time dealing with him to say the least. He can go on such a tantrum that he may smash every single Christmas item or present in the house because he doesn't want anyone to be happy because he is not happy. Me on the other hand? I've had my Christmas tree up for almost a solid 3 years because I love Christmas that much! I go all out every year. If I could wear elf hats and Christmas sweaters all year...I would. I am a real life Cindy Lou Who living with a Grinch.

When a person has a drug problem, they have a disease that can hurt the family. Drug abuse puts a lot of stress on anyone who is part of the home.

When family members take drugs:

• You can't count on them to do what they say they will do.
• They might lie or steal money to buy drugs. (verrrrrry common)
• They may do bad things they would never do if they weren't abusing drugs.
• Attempt suicide as an attention grabber
• Fake injuries for drugs from hospitals or even money

Family members might fight a lot because of the problems the drug abuse is causing. The drug user might do and say things that upset neighbors and friends, and make the family ashamed. Some people who are addicted don't believe that they are sick and out of control, so they don't look for treatment. They don't see the problems they are causing themselves and those around them. 

While I will try to enjoy the holiday time, it will be rough. It is every single year. But I will put in closing a rhyme like the good ol' Dr. Seuss would do.

"Being surrounded by Grinches and Scrooges is really hard to do when you just want everyone to be happy when you're a Cindy Lou Who."