PoemsBrowse PoemsSlamsFresh DropEchoes
LearnWriting TipsPoetry TermsPoets & ArtistsBooksFor Teachers
ExplorePoetry GenomePoem MapEchoesTake ActionGroups
AboutWrite a PoemDonateSign UpLog In

Hereditary


The Handbook For Generational Hereditary Addiction

One: Don't do drugs.  Yes, that includes weed and alcohol.

Two: If you do smoke or drink, be prepared for the 'gateway drug' lecture

Three: Know and memorize The Twelve Steps by heart.

Four: Go with your mom to the meetings.  It's not for you.  It's for her.

Five: Know addiction isn't a choice.  It's an illness.

Six: Know taking the drug the first time is a choice.

Seven: Accept that your parents' addiction was not your fault.

Eight: Be prepared for the long lectures about 'not throwing your life away'.

Nine: This step is a long, lonely step.  Figure out what You want.

Ten: Know your limits.

Eleven: Repeat step six.

Twelve: Go to the meetings.  It is for you this time.  Even if mom doesn't know.

Thirteen: Debate therapy for a while.

Fourteen: You're gonna realize it's not the right time for therapy.

Fifteen: Another realization: You can't act okay anymore.

Sixteen: Your supply is running low.

Seventeen: Stay sober.

Eighteen: keep working on the last one.

Nineteen: repeat steps 5, 10, 7, 8, 6, 1.  In that order.

 

 

©All Rights Reserved

Something wrong with this poem?

Share

Replies are closed for this poem.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988, 24/7. Crisis Text Line — text HELLO to 741741.

Escape.artist

View all poems →

Your Poem's Voice

See what makes your poem unique — its voice, energy, themes, and the literary traditions it draws from.

Comments (0)

Comments are closed for this poem.