Rest in Peace Corey Haim

Actor Corey Haim died today, allegedly of drug abuse. The first time I ever saw him was in the movie "Lucas". It's a movie that will give you tears and cheers. 

Corey Haim had a history of addiction. This YouTube video shows an interview where it was difficult to understand what Corey was saying: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amB0c-PPUCs

Corey Feldman, his friend and costar of several films, explained in the video that Corey Haim is "a sick guy who is trying to get better. He's not a bad person." 

I think that's a good way to explain addiction. It really is similar to someone being ill. Just as nobody wants to be ill, nobody wants to have an addiction. Just as people try to get well, people try to get over their addiction. Sometimes when people try to get well on their own or get over their addiction on their own, it works. Sometimes it doesn't. That's when people need professional help. When people are sick, if one treatment doesn't work, people can try and try again until they find a treatment (or rehab) that does work. Or, maybe going back to rehab several times is similar to a sick person going through a series of different medicines. Nobody judges a sick person for going back to the pharmacy for a refill on their medicine when their drugs run out. So, we shouldn't judge anyone for going back to rehab repeatedly either. Doing whatever it takes to get well is the right thing to do, no matter how many treatments it takes. 

I only wish there was no shame attached. We as a society need to decide not to judge people anymore just because they have an addiction. We need to help people instead. I know that addiction can bring people so much shame. Maybe without this shame, people would be more likely to seek help. I only wish there were more affordable options in this country to help people. 

I don't know how often Corey Haim sought help, so I am not applying what I am saying about addiction to Corey Haim in particular. But, Corey Haim's death made me think about all the people out there who are addicted, ashamed, and afraid. Seek help from someone who loves you. Find a way. There must be some possible way.

I think some people are afraid that they'll always have a label attached to them even if they move past their addiction and into a new life. They fear that they will be judged as someone who once had a weakness. I can tell you that I personally never feel judgement towards anyone who has conquered an addiction. I have nothing but true admiration for them because it's as though they climbed the highest mountain in the world. I view people like that as particularly strong people. Some people find bungee jumping or skydiving to be one of the bravest things a person can do. It's brave, yes. (I don't want to do it). But, it really just boils down to making one physical move of leaping or leaning forward until you fall. Conquering an addiction involves day after day after day of determination to go forward, no matter how difficult every moment is. It involves never giving up, even when you stumble. It's beautiful. It's awesome.

Rest in peace, Corey Haim. He was once one of The Lost Boys, but now he is found. Now he is at peace.