To the Journal editor:

I was born in 1984, in Menominee, Michigan. I lived most of my life between Menominee and Colorado.

The reason I decided to write this is to shed light on the ongoing problem of addiction throughout the Upper Peninsula.

I was introduced to substances at the age of 15. A couple of months before, my grandmother died, probably the most loved member of the family.

From there on, my fiendish desires set in stronger than ever. I remember a time when I felt great. And, during this time, I lived in Marquette. There were a lot of trials and tribulations. I stayed twice at Great Lakes Recovery Center, where I wrestled with my deep emotions.

Like any other small city, you can always find the unthinkable lurking around some random corner. It did not take me long to find what I was looking for.

Since the last time I lived in Marquette, it seems the city has grown. The darkness seems to have grown with it, to some a land of opportunity and ambition, to others, a gateway for people to find what they need.

The first two weeks in Marquette, I tried to get into a program, since I attained a UPHP card. Coping with drugs, in between everything else, I tried to get help.

I lived in Marquette with the intention of being brutally honest with myself, and telling the doctors more than what they needed to know in some cases.

I sometimes broke down in tears, for times when I was denied any sort of help. A person of my nature struggles with poor excuses to use substances on a daily basis. I wrestle with my wits to become a better man.

I know there are better and worse off people than myself. But does honesty get you anywhere, particularly in my case when so many doors have been closed or shut, when people tell you, “sorry there is nothing we can do for you?”

Do I have pride and integrity with my addiction? It comes down to sink or swim, you’ve got to want it for yourself. Is addiction more powerful than love? I would like to think not.

Remember you aren’t alone. We need to help one another, and psychiatric professionals as well as doctors of medicine ought to have an open mind. Get busy creating your life, or let it fall apart.

Your decision.

A.J. Morois

Marquette