Melissa Gilbert, star of the famous TV series Little House on the Prairie, has opened up about her past alcohol addiction and her public combat against prescription drug abuse to the news world. Sometimes, we forget that the disease of addiction affects everyone.
From Laura Ingalls to Leading Advocate Against Alcohol and Drugs
Trapped by the bottle
Similar to others trapped in addiction, Melissa’s history includes rocky relationships and early experimentation with drugs and alcohol. But for Melissa, alcohol got out of control when she was in her late 30s. After her grandfather passed away, “something just triggered” in her and she found herself drinking two bottles of wine a night in an attempt to stop the pain and relieve stress.
It took an embarrassing incident for Melissa to realize she had a problem, but once she did, she sought help from a therapist and began attending meetings.
A new calling
Eight years later, she is not only sober but actively helping others who struggle with abuse. Melissa works with The Partnership, an organization designed to help children and teens who struggle with drug and alcohol addictions.
“The thing that’s at the heart of it that gets me is that when a parent finds out that their child has a drug problem, they immediately feel like it’s just them,” she said to Entertainment Tonight.
But it’s not. Part of Melissa’s goal is for addicts and parents of addicts to realize they are not alone–there is always hope in mutual encouragement and power through education. In this video, Melissa Gilberts speaks of the hope that comes from knowing you are not alone.
Hope only comes from being around people who have been through whatever you are going through at that time.”
Do You Have a Recovery Story?
The child star of the 80s has come a long way in her personal recovery and, thankfully, she has taken the time to share her powerful message of hope and recovery. How about you? Are you sharing your story with those around you, so they are encouraged to enjoy a life of recovery and find hope and freedom? If you’d like a unique way to share your story, we are always looking for good recovery stories we can share on our blog.