Second Chances
by Nicole Marie
The word "junkie" is not something that we usually associate with strength, courage and friendship. It usually comes bundled with a tirade of assumptions, judgements and disdain. These junkies have names, families and pain though, just like the rest of us. And just like the rest of us, they want to be happy; except their bodies and brains are pretty convinced that happiness is heroin. Their "friends" agree, oblige and encourage.
The strange thing about heroin addiction is the seemingly casual way that it begins for many people. In small steps, and hidden in a stack of decisions, we can easily lose control over ourselves, our will, our morals and our mind. When we reach this point, totally alone, physically dependent; the decision to stop is mountainous, the reality of it almost impossible to endure. It takes a gigantic step out of this world in order to leave it. All contacts must be severed, patterns must be broken and agonising pain suffered. If this lonely step is not taken, death is certain.
In Melbourne, public detox centres can only offer addicts a maximum of five days of assistance. The physical traces of heroin leave the human body in just three days, but mentally will most likely linger with an addict for the course of their lifetime.
The Immaculate Heart Community, situated in Maidstone, is an abstinence based, residential and therapeutic Community; providing an environment conducive to building a new life. They accept men who have gone through detoxification programs and help them deal with the mental and moral difficulties of substance dependence. Rebuilding the dignity and self-respect of community members is seen as one of the key goals.
As a visitor to this community, I was humbled by my new friend's story, encouraged by his spirit and reminded that assumptions are selfish concoctions that just block beautiful new paths in life.
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