When I heard that Whitney Houston died — I felt sad. Theories abound about the cause of her death, but at this writing there are no conclusions.

I didn’t know her, have never met her, but I know her from afar like many other fans. My feelings of sadness caught me off guard. I think some of the sadness was remembering the beautiful music she had produced so long ago and also recalling her addiction that was so public for all of us to see. Addiction has no boundaries between the famous, the rich and the rest of us.

Whitney’s issues with addiction made me think of all of the people I have worked with in the course of my many years in mental health. I have seen people lose it all (homes, money, family, and self-respect) due to addiction. Some ultimately found recovery and some didn’t.

Do you wonder if you or someone you love has an addiction? Denial tends to go with addiction, so I try to avoid labels unless the person labels it an addiction themselves. I have a definition of addiction that seems to help people determine it for themselves.  My definition of addiction is: If your use of alcohol, drugs, money, gambling or food causes you a problem then it is a problem.  

Addiction can cause a myriad of problems for the person and their family. Here are a few examples:  

• Physical — loss or gain weight, liver disease.
• Family — abandonment, children taken away
• Financial — loss of money, loss of home
• Employment — loss of job or underemployment
• Legal — DUI, incarceration
• Emotional — moodiness, depression, mania

I want anyone reading this to hear that there is a way out and recovery is possible. Some options are to see a counselor or go to 12 step meetings. If you have tried recovery before, try again. Try something different. I know it can be hard to admit that you are addicted or admit that you relapsed. Keep at it until it works. Relapse can be a part of recovery. Leave judgment aside and get back to the business of recovery.

If you or someone you know is addicted or has some kind of problem with substances, get help now. If anything good can come out of this tragedy with Whitney Houston, I hope it is that someone says, “I am done with this addiction” and seeks recovery.

Kim McLaughlin, LMFT is a licensed therapist (MFC27667) providing counseling in the Roseville area. This blog is not meant to be a substitute for mental health treatment, counseling or therapy. If you are in need of mental health services seek out a licensed therapist at www.counselingcalifornia.com or contact Kim McLaughlin, LMFT for assistance. You can learn more about Kim and the services she offers on her website www.feedyoursoultherapy.com.