Transcript available here.

In this episode we are going to hear from the Miller family and their struggle with Conall’s addiction.
In a world that is ever more complex, our relationship to it is increasingly being simplified. We are living in an age of information overload. There is not enough time to consume, verify, digest, and form an opinion on everything being presented. So we take short-cuts. In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to dive less deep so that we can cover more area, hoping to know a little about a lot. Soundbites and stereotypes work their way into our understanding and beliefs of the world around us. These short-cuts have a big downside.  Without a genuine understanding of an issue, one that includes differing views, we are susceptible to the polarization and dehumanization that occurs within the Us versus Them mentality.  Taking time to understand the complexity of an issue, the gray areas, the sticking points between opposing views isn’t a battle for winning, but rather an opportunity for understanding.  To be on this journey of understanding, we need to listen. Specifically, to those with lived experiences around the issue being discussed. 

Drug Addiction.  As vast and complex as this topic is, chances are you already have strong opinions based on past experiences. Perhaps you’ve had a bicycle stolen and you’re sure it was taken by someone addicted, looking to sell it for their next fix. You negatively refer to that unknown person as a “junkie”. It becomes your opinion of the drug issue.  Perhaps your sister overdosed and died. As a result your parents couldn’t find a way to emotionally support each other so they divorced. The grief was too great. Because of it, you’re angry at anyone who takes drugs. Perhaps you are addicted yourself and have burned every relationship you’ve ever had, including those in your family. You feel lonely, isolated. You believe nobody cares. Every person that has been touched by drug addiction, either personally or through a friendship, a close one or even a brief encounter, has strong visceral feelings about this issue. Feelings that are accompanied with endless questions. Most of which are difficult, emotional, and often unanswered. To find the answers we need to get past the soundbites and stereotypes. We need to dive deeper. 

Conall plays in two bands. Pondering Distortion and All We Have Is Now
Check them out!

PNW Resources for families seeking help with addiction or homelessness as well as link to organizations Rex and Tomasz feel you should consider contributing to or volunteering with.

Union Gospel Mission Recovery Program that is mentioned in the episode.
Emerald City Resource Guide Up to date and comprehensive list of services in the Seattle Area.
Facing Homelessness Window of kindness and The BLOCK Project volunteer opportunities.
Sound Foundations NW Weekly tiny homes constriction volunteer opportunities
Urban Rest Stop Hygiene services offered to those living on the street.
People's Harm Reduction Alliance Health and Harm Reduction Services.
Ballard Food Bank Volunteer opportunities.
University Food Bank Volunteer opportunities.
ROOTS Young Adult Shelter with Volunteer opportunities.