Recognizing Addictions and Granting Second Chances
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This week in the news, addictions took a center spotlight and actually, dare I say it, garnered a little sympathy from a tired and somewhat callous public. Miss America came incredibly close to losing her crown due to an apparent drinking problem which was compounded by her underage status (up until a week ago when she turned 21). The Miss America Foundation immediately decided that having an addiction was not Beauty Queen material and threatened to yank the crown off her head. Donald Trump, chairman of the Board, instead offered a solution and sent her to rehab.
Now, first of all kudo to Trump for realizing that addictions are illnesses that require treatment and protocols in order to manage (notice I didn’t say cure). Miss America, while looking so perfect on the outside, proved to many Americans that she was still a person (with strengths and flaws) on the inside.
I’m glad they have recognized her illness and gave her a second chance. I wish more people would see addictions for what they are instead of making snap judgments about how people should be because of what they do or don’t have. Status or lack of it, does not determine addictions. This news article about Miss America really helped to show that stereotypes are just that, stereotypes.
I wish her well in her recovery.
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