Current:Home > MyHunter Biden: I fought to get sober. Political weaponization of my addiction hurts more than me.-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Hunter Biden: I fought to get sober. Political weaponization of my addiction hurts more than me.
View Date:2024-12-23 11:24:29
Over four years ago, I chose life over the slow strangle-death grip of addiction, which in my case consisted each day of a bottle of vodka and as many hits on a crack pipe as possible. I am prouder of that choice and of my recovery than anything I’ve ever done.
My experience is not a unique one. At least 20 million Americans today suffer from substance abuse disorder. I don’t know a family that hasn’t been impacted in some way by addiction. What is distinct about my situation is that I’m the son of the president of the United States.
My struggles and my mistakes have been fodder for a vile and sustained disinformation campaign against him, and an all-out annihilation of my reputation through high-pitched but fruitless congressional investigations and, more recently, criminal charges for possessing an unloaded gun for 11 days five years ago – charges that appear to be the first-ever of their kind brought in the history of Delaware.
I accept that the choices and mistakes are mine
I am not a victim. By any standard, I grew up with privilege and opportunity, and fully accept that the choices and mistakes I made are mine, and I am accountable for them and will continue to be.
That is what recovery is about.
What troubles me is the demonization of addiction, of human frailty, using me as its avatar and the devastating consequences it has for the millions struggling with addiction, desperate for a way out and being bombarded by the denigrating and near-constant coverage of me and my addiction on Fox News (more airtime than GOP presidential candidate Ron DeSantis) and in The New York Post (an average of two stories a dayover the past year).
Conspiracy theories:GOP's Hunter Biden hysteria makes even less sense after plea deal gets put on hold
The science of addiction and recovery has made great strides in just the past decade. However, far too few will ever experience the miracle of recovery unless we change the stigma around addiction.
For those of us who live in recovery and for those who love someone in recovery, we know how hard fought our newfound lives are in letting go of the shame and making amends.
'Getting clean is easy, all you have to do is change everything'
Someone once told me, “Getting clean is easy, all you have to do is change everything.” That is one of the most profound truths I know today.
The weaponization of my addiction by partisan and craven factions represents a real threat to those desperate to get sober but are afraid of what may await them if they do.
Mental health care:My mom's suicide wasn't a personal failure. When she needed community, the system let her down.
It is not hard to see why: My recent haircut turned into a wild conspiracy to evade drug tests, tabloids steadily splash nude pictures of me on their covers, and even a member of Congress displayed revenge porn of me on national television.
My addiction doesn’t justify Steve Bannon and Guo Wengui posting altered nude photos of me with “editorial creativity over the pictures.” My addiction shouldn’t permit the likes of Rudy Giuliani or a former Peter Navarro aide to debase and dehumanize me for their own gains.
It is already a near-impossible decision for addicts to get sober, and the avalanche of negativity and assault of my personal privacy may only make it harder for those considering it.
I am blessed with a family that gave me the support and space to seek sincere redemption – and they too endure this shaming and humiliation of their father, son, brother and uncle. After what I have gone through since my brother died in 2015, and the perpetual public humiliation of me, I am now certain I can survive anything (except a drink or a drug).
And I am certain that part of my living amends is to not only survive this, but to also use my experience to be a living example of the promises we are told await us in sobriety.
The effort of recovery is something that should be celebrated, and I hope that despite my role as the punchline and punching bag for some, others will also make the effort I have made, one day at a time, and get honest with themselves and the people who love and rely upon them.
The effort is worth it. You are worth it. I am living proof of that.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, you can call theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357) any time of day or night.
Hunter Biden is the son of President Joe Biden.
veryGood! (68139)
Related
- Detroit-area police win appeal over liability in death of woman in custody
- Conn's HomePlus now closing all stores: See the full list of locations
- Ex-Louisiana mayor is arrested and accused of raping minor following abrupt resignation
- Ex-Louisiana mayor is arrested and accused of raping minor following abrupt resignation
- Satire publication The Onion acquires Alex Jones' Infowars at auction
- Justin Timberlake’s License Is Suspended After DWI Arrest
- Freddie Freeman's wife explains All-Star's absence: 'Scariest days of our lives'
- For Marine Species Across New York Harbor, the Oyster Is Their World
- A $1 billion proposal is the latest plan to refurbish and save the iconic Houston Astrodome
- Scammers are taking to the skies, posing as airline customer service agents
Ranking
- November 2024 full moon this week is a super moon and the beaver moon
- Florida-bound passengers evacuated at Ohio airport after crew reports plane has mechanical issue
- Increasing wind and heat plus risk of thunderstorms expected in fight against California wildfire
- Things to know about the largest US-Russia prisoner swap in post-Soviet history
- The Masked Singer's Ice King Might Be a Jonas Brother
- Mariah Carey’s Rare Update on Her Twins Monroe and Moroccan Is Sweet Like Honey
- Only one thing has slowed golf's Xander Schauffele at Paris Olympics: Ants
- Saturn throws comet out of solar system at 6,700 mph: What astronomers think happened
Recommendation
-
Dramatic video shows Phoenix police rescue, pull man from car submerged in pool: Watch
-
Watch as Wall Street Journal newsroom erupts in applause following Gershkovich release
-
Matt Damon's 4 daughters make rare appearance at 'The Investigators' premiere
-
A Tennessee sheriff’s deputy killed a man who entered a jail after firing shots in the parking lot
-
Unexpected pairing: New documentary tells a heartwarming story between Vietnam enemies
-
Utah’s near-total abortion ban to remain blocked until lower court assesses its constitutionality
-
Books similar to 'Verity' by Colleen Hoover: Read these twisty romantic thrillers next
-
Attorneys for man charged with killing Georgia nursing student ask judge to move trial