Let’s Learn How To Be Human Again

Recently, I (and thousands of other internet users) came across a photograph of 2 unconscious adults in a car with a 4-year-old boy in the backseat. The driver, James Acord, and passenger, Rhonda Pasek, were reported to have overdosed on heroin. The photo and story have gone viral throughout social media. The piece I read came from BuzzFeed News, but originated from the state of Ohio, on The City of East Liverpool’s Facebook page.

I typically stay away from the comments sections on most of the articles, stories, and news I read because I just get irrationally angry and too caught up in the negativity from the ignorance many individuals spew into the virtual world. However, I have found myself quickly scrolling through some comments on particular articles of interest, just out of curiosity. On many of the stories I read where something terrible came from substance abuse, I find horrible comments outweigh positive ones.

I get that we have freedom of speech (and believe me, I respect that each individual is entitled to their own opinion), but when did we decide that speaking freely means we should say whatever terrible, demeaning thought we have on the subject at hand? Most of the comments I read are some variation of wishing death and suffering on the drug user (or in some cases, applauding a death by overdose). Does anyone stop to think about the fact that a human being is suffering or has lost their life to a painful illness, and that he/she has loved ones in mourning?

Each person we encounter is going through something. Whether it is a physical illness, mental illness, or just an internal struggle that weighs the person down. Sometimes we cannot even see what a person is dealing with, and the ailment may be invisible to our eyes, but it certainly does not have to be invisible to our hearts.

Hopelessness and the Heroin Epidemic

Heroin has crept back into the public eye, and becomes an increasing concern in this nation’s neighborhoods. I am sure many of you have heard the term, “addiction does not discriminate.” This is very much a true statement. I’ve worked with people who come from low-income communities and were homeless from time-to-time (which is a stereotype of addicts). I have also worked with people who had Doctorates and Master’s degrees, with a big house, expensive cars, and could afford to spoil their children. I have watched and guided people through their toughest of times who had no hope for a better future.

Hopelessness is partially why many substance abusers continue with their use, in addition to countless other stressors in their lives. Shame and embarrassment that the addict may feel also contribute to feelings of hopelessness. So, how could publicly shaming someone with an addiction possibly help the situation?

In my experience working in the field and in school I have learned that much of the reasoning behind addiction is the need for connection. Sometimes people feel that they have trouble dealing with emotions and don’t know how to reach out to others for help and compassion. The lack of connection with people can manifest into finding a sense of belonging and comfort from something else. This can be from alcohol and other drugs, gambling, sex, food, and absolutely anything else that offers a synthetic love to the user.

A Neuroscientist, Jaak Panksepp (aka “The Rat Tickler), actually studied the act of play in rats. He talks about the importance of playing among humans and even other animals. By playing we learn our social skills, which helps us make personal connections and teach us how to deal with our emotions.

Our environments also shape us in ways that makes forming a relationship with our peers extremely important. Canadian scientist, Bruce Alexander, also studied rats and how their environments influenced their behaviors. The rats left in empty cages alone would choose to drink water laced with cocaine, instead of just pure water. Other rats that were placed in “Rat Park” had many toys and other rat friends to socialize with. These rats didn’t want the cocaine-laced water, even though it was freely accessible.

These ideas help us to understand our environments, relationships, and emotions can seriously influence our behavior. When we watch humans who don’t understand their own emotions and have an “empty cage” environment, it is no wonder he/she would try to find anything to make them feel something positive.

So, when you look at a picture of a couple overdosing with a 4-year-old present why don’t you ask more productive questions? Or, how about you focus on how we can prevent and help people who felt that a drug was more important than a child’s safety. Let us start a conversation that helps others who are hurting, instead of condemning them. Let us learn how to build a “Rat Park” for these human beings so they learn that they don’t need the drug-laced water, they need positive connections and genuine love.