Chandler's Mom - 2016-12-14 10:03 PM

What happened?

Chandler's Mom - 2016-12-15 11:26 PM Drugs take some of the best young people from our society. Such a waste. (Assuming that was the cause. But so so sad no matter what happened.) Prayers for his family and friends.

1DSoon - 2016-12-16 6:34 AM


I don't mean this as confrontational but define "best"


 

WrapSnap - 2016-12-16 8:51 AM


I can tell you that as a person who was cross addicted for many years and has now been clean and sober for many years that addiction makes no one less of a good person than they are. Having spent much of my recovery working with both active and recovering addicts, I can also tell you that many addicts are highly compassionate, empathetic individuals. There is something to be said for the character of an individual who cares for others, sometimes more than themselves.

Garrett Gomez was very honest about his struggles. He spoke quite publicly about his ongoing battle with addiction. As soon many addicts do, he found himself more successful at certain times than at others. One thing that people don't seem to understand is that addicts don't choose addiction. While the loss of this young man will impact his family, friends and the racing industry immensely, I know that Garrett will now experience an inner peace, which he couldn't ever seem to find on Earth.

WrapSnap - 2016-12-16 8:51 AM


I can tell you that as a person who was cross addicted for many years and has now been clean and sober for many years that addiction makes no one less of a good person than they are. Having spent much of my recovery working with both active and recovering addicts, I can also tell you that many addicts are highly compassionate, empathetic individuals. There is something to be said for the character of an individual who cares for others, sometimes more than themselves.

Garrett Gomez was very honest about his struggles. He spoke quite publicly about his ongoing battle with addiction. As soon many addicts do, he found himself more successful at certain times than at others. One thing that people don't seem to understand is that addicts don't choose addiction. While the loss of this young man will impact his family, friends and the racing industry immensely, I know that Garrett will now experience an inner peace, which he couldn't ever seem to find on Earth.

Chandler's Mom - 2016-12-16 8:51 PM


I didn't mean "best" as opposed to "worst". I've not only dealt with an alcoholic (on a daily basis for many years) who ultimately lost his battle earlier this year at the age of 45, but I've had drugs (both street and prescription) bring down family members and close friends. I understand that addiction of any kind respects neither age, gender, race, socio-economic backgrounds, religion (or lack thereof), or anything else for that matter. I could go deeper into what I know of drugs and what they do to a family and friends of the addict, but I'll just say I meant absolutely no disrespect towards anyone. My sincere prayers go out to anyone dealing with an addiction or with an addict. Until you've lived it, there's no way to understand it. . . . .

WrapSnap - 2016-12-16 9:10 PM


I totally understand that you have a true grasp on the affects of addiction. I thought that your post was sincere and expressed true compassion. My response was to 1DSoon asking you to define "best".

WrapSnap - 2016-12-16 8:51 AM


I can tell you that as a person who was cross addicted for many years and has now been clean and sober for many years that addiction makes no one less of a good person than they are. Having spent much of my recovery working with both active and recovering addicts, I can also tell you that many addicts are highly compassionate, empathetic individuals. There is something to be said for the character of an individual who cares for others, sometimes more than themselves.

Garrett Gomez was very honest about his struggles. He spoke quite publicly about his ongoing battle with addiction. As soon many addicts do, he found himself more successful at certain times than at others. One thing that people don't seem to understand is that addicts don't choose addiction. While the loss of this young man will impact his family, friends and the racing industry immensely, I know that Garrett will now experience an inner peace, which he couldn't ever seem to find on Earth.

luluwhit - 2016-12-17 8:37 AM

Chandlers mom, I dont understand it.  and I havent lived it.  But i did learn early on that if i did try drugs that they are highly addictive. and armed with that knowledge i lived a clean life.  So it is very hard for me to relate.  And its even harder for me to watch the distobution of norcan, clinics where you can pick it up for free.  Especially when drugs like the epi pen are outrageous for familys whos children have life threatening allergies. 
Please dont think i am heartless, i just dont understand, i guess its because for me it was a lifestyle choice and thats how i wrap my head around addiction.  

Chandler's Mom - 2016-12-17 6:04 PM


I made that choice also. And I've POUNDED into Chandler's head that if you never pick up a pill or needle or bottle or cigarette then you never have to try to put them down. After my wreck I was refusing pain medication after a few weeks because I was afraid I would get addicted; the doctors finally told my parents I needed to take it so I could rest and my body could start healing. But sometimes things happen in people's lives, and drugs and/or alcohol can take over. I'm not talking about people who do it for the "high" and fun of it. I can't offer an explanation from a personal perspective as someone who has done drugs. But I watched my aunt spiral into a world of prescription pills after her 15 year old son was killed in a car wreck. She had also lost a child at birth prior to John dying. Her marriage was falling apart and my uncle turned more and more to alcohol. It was horrible to watch. I can't say what I would have done in her shoes---if i lost Chandler I think I would lose my mind and no telling what I'd do. (Aunt Angie went to rehab and she and Uncle Johnny worked things out. She passed away in July at the age of 62. I'm sure all that took a toll on her, but I also think part of it was a broken heart. Out of 3 sons, she had one alive when she died.) Unfortunately there are others close to me that either have or have had problems with drugs. . . . All I know is sometimes it's so easy to judge another person when we don't know their situation. And I did it a lot before drugs came into my life via close relationships. Once that happens, it changes the way you look at it. Or at least it did me.

I also cannot say enough that the people who get clean and stay clean are so strong, and I have such respect for them.