Attention Getter: How many people have ever actually gave their change to the guy standing on the corner? Have you ever looked at that guy standing on the corner and thought what if that was me? Well, I believe we all have seen those people as a nuisance. But, have you ever thought about what really goes on in that person's daily life? According the the Alcoholics Anonymous the disease is cunning, baffling, and powerful. Addiction strikes all kinds people. Some have it all together until a tragic car accident puts them in excruciating pain that leads them to start taking pain-killers. Others choose to use a drug for recreation, and find that the urge to use is so overwhelming that they can not quit. While some, just use for the hell of it, …show more content…
I have been in and out of jail and rehab. I have tried everything I knew how in order to stop, but the urge to use was still there. Something horrible would come along and make me depressed to the point that the easy choice was to get high. I lived on the streets for several years, sometimes not knowing where my next meal was coming from. My family disowned me and I lost all will to live a normal life. I struggled with getting sober. I would hide away at times and stay clean, but then when I thought I was strong enough to come out, I would be getting high again. Eventually, I got pregnant and the love I had for my child drove the desire to use away, but that is not the case with everyone. Thankfully, I have gotten my life back on the right track, but that will never take away the memories I have of being wasted and feeling horrible about the person I had become. Thesis Statement: My purpose for speaking on this issue is the bring awareness about addiction and the suffering addict. They are people just like you and I. Addiction is a cunning, baffling, and powerful disease that will take hold of one's life and never let go, unless they find the strength within themselves to look beyond the disease and start to make life altering choices. Sometimes the person that gives them that strength is you, handing over that change so they can make through one more day. That day may be the day that they decide …show more content…
In contrast to other chronic diseases, funding for addiction treatment disproportionately comes from government sources. More than three-quarters – 77 percent – of treatment costs are paid by federal, state and local governments, including Medicaid and Medicare. Private insurance covers only 10 percent of addiction treatment costs, with out-of- pocket expenditures and other private funding making up the remaining percentage. In contrast, private insurance pays for approximately 37 percent of general medical costs. Screening and treatment is not integrated into the health care delivery system. Less than seven percent of those receiving treatment were referred by another health provider. In contrast, slightly more than two-thirds of those receiving treatment got there through self-referrals or the criminal justice system. Transition: After closing reviewing the definition of addiction, along with my personal experience, I have come to believe that Alan Leshner author of “Addiction is a Disease,” describes it in a way that I believe most of you will