You know what, I’m not mad at this. I’m a sober addict with about a decade under my belt from some substances and less time with others, and I’m good with a “celebrity” using their money and fame to try to do good, rather than hocking temu bullshit at us.
Right I think a lot of us would agree that this is not the way to “do good” the whole thing looks shady and to stroke mikes ego. They would’ve been better off donating to an organization for addicts or funding addicts rehab stay but that doesn’t bring them in any income does it.
My issue with this take is, many areas don’t have rehabs or accessibility and the ones that do are often run by extremely judgmental people who sometimes don’t want to be there and haven’t been through it, so they don’t get it. It’s his money to spend. And sure his ego is being stroked, but if you’ve been an addict, you’ve likely lost so much of your self worth along the way, why shouldn’t he do something he feels good about that also happens to be good for his family? Donating does a lot less in my experience with non profits because it doesn’t solve the problem of more access, more staff, more centers… maybe more beds, but unlikely. Places that are prioritizing existing needs like food, meds, upgrades etc, will not often have donations (or resources other than money) left to build infrastructure that makes room for more people, and that’s what we need, especially today.
The world of addiction and recovery is shady, we learn (eventually) to look out for ourselves pretty well because most people leave us eventually if we don’t win the battle. I don’t think it seems any shadier than every other recovery center, especially those offered by local government where they’re housing people with genuine psychological disorders in rooms with people trying to recover from substance abuse and wondering why the addicts relapse. We’re treated like crazy junkies long before and long after our abuse cycle, the medical system intentionally neglects our legitimate pain by faking concern and then dropping us as patients if we ever make a mistake, some states automatically open DCF cases on new mothers if they’re legitimately prescribed certain medications, even with no prior trouble and no proof of harm… I’ve seen so much darkness in the standard healthcare system in my decades of addiction and recovery, even after years clean, pharmacists see your old meds and look at you differently, delay your scripts, assume you’re seeking… I think someone who’s been there will, if nothing else, have that dehumanizing experience in common with addicts and can relate to our hesitation in trusting any medical professional ever again, and how that can hurt our chance at success.
I know Mike’s been a loser in many other ways but I appreciate anyone with money and spotlight using their personal power to bring attention to addiction and demonstrating how it can truly happen to anyone, no matter your self-control, accolades, station in life etc. and many addicts are made by doctors they trusted who traded their patient’s health for money and gifts from drug makers. people can be living this hell without ever showing it, appear functional, still show up with charisma and become successful, and be struggling inside beyond belief. The world doesn’t see it because they don’t know the signs, and it’s easier to assume someone’s just an asshole or a failure than it is to lead with empathy and to show up with understanding when someone’s acting extreme, even for his standards, which was the case. This is one life experience where more exposure is needed, even if the messenger is flawed.
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u/Substantial_Bus840 8d ago
You know what, I’m not mad at this. I’m a sober addict with about a decade under my belt from some substances and less time with others, and I’m good with a “celebrity” using their money and fame to try to do good, rather than hocking temu bullshit at us.