Addiction poem

A disease of the body; a malady of the mind.

 An incurable illness of the fatal kind.

Looking back on my life, an addicts traits you will see clearly,

 despite changes in the choice of substance that is now primary.

The addict lives life at a hundred miles an hour, 

unable to enjoy the journey,

 no control over the full throttle power.

As a drug addict, what image are you seeing of me?

 Well certainly not a favourable one, I guarantee!

The common perception of an addict to drugs,

 a down and out, a loser, a thief, a thug.

 Hard to comprehend an addict is ill, 

someone who is suffering and always will.

Addiction bankrupts an addict of all self esteem, 

with a brain so addled, they no longer dare to dream.

Now if I had cancer which would kill me in the end,

 how sorry you would feel for me, your best wishes you would send.

I am not looking for sympathy, just a chance to explain; 

an addict is ill and very much in pain.

No one chooses to become an addict,

 it's a illness with anti social, complex symptoms so tragic.

Little is known about addiction to date,

 even whether it's truly an illness is still a debate.

 Many suffering are not even aware, 

it's an illness they have which so many others share.

Suffering and shamed as they are misinformed, 

isolated in a world in which they haven't conformed.

How many more lives will this illness take?

how long until the stigma we shake?

Where is an addict supposed to turn,

 for the help, the support, the kindness they yearn? 

An addicts life is painful and alone,

 often resulting in prison or a mental home.

While drugs and addiction remain taboo, 

I hope to God the illness spares you! 

Tammy Donoghue