Letters

Nancy Germond, ARM, AIC
Phoenix

They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
David Holthouse's article on Cris Kirkwood's downward spiral of addiction is very disturbing ("Shooting Star," November 12). I am so sorry to hear of his illness and of Curt's void of his brother. Many people don't understand, and therefore don't know how to sympathize with the addict and all the people who are affected by watching their loved one lose control. I understand the pain Curt must be going through watching Cris losing control of his life. I watched my brother suffer a crack/cocaine addiction for three years. My brother's addiction robbed my brother of his life. His value of himself diminished, and he became a walking shell of himself. He became his worst enemy.

My brother was unable to get the help he wanted and needed because my family had no insurance, and the addiction would take control of him for long periods of time. My family became the victims of a very bad system. Addiction does not discriminate; it attacks young, old, black, white, rich, poor or, in our case, middle class. Drug and alcohol addiction is plaguing so many people, and the effects it will have on future generations are frightening. No one is above this problem.

My parents, my brother's girlfriend, my husband and I tried "tough love" intervention, and we went to Alanon to learn how to cope with his illness. I also went to a psychotherapist to help me understand some way to cope; I felt so helpless.

We loved my brother to the end, and I believe that is the best thing we could have done for him. My brother, Gene Alan Wright, died on June 27, 1995, in my father's arms, in my parents' home, the day after my father's 47th birthday. My brother was 26 years old.

The reality of this disease is devastating for the addicts and the people whom they have touched in their lives. I am sincerely sorry to read of Cris' suffering, and I will pray for Cris, Curt, Derrick and all loved ones involved. The music of the Meat Puppets has made my life richer, and I thank them for sharing their talent with us, the listeners.

Cheryl Smith
Stirling, New Jersey