We have discussed Coach Reid and his family situation several times on this blog, and I think my opinions are clear, so I do not want to rehash what I’ve already written. Just want to say that I’m extremely impressed and touched by the newest story surrounding the Reid family.
Apparently, they (Andy and his wife, Tammy) have decided to talk about their experience parenting children/young adults with addiction problems. The motives of this public interview from very private people is to educate other parents that may be experiencing similar situations to know that they are not alone.
The actual interview has not come out yet, so I do not want to render an opinion on the effectiveness of the message or the appropriateness of the interview’s direction, but I do want to say that from this ESPN article it seems like they really do get it. On a daily basis, I work with people with addiction problems and it is terrifying because no one is immune to addicition. I am convinced that substance abuse is a mental illness and ought to be treated as such. Why do we, in this country, offer full treatment services to schizophrenics but not to addicts? I do not want to get into social commentary on a sports weblog, so I will stop here. I just thought it appropriate to mention, since it is a topic about which I am extremely passionate.
I look forward to reading the interview and hope that it will help other people who find themselves in similar positions.
