There was a time that I was normal. And by normal, I mean there was a time in my life that I didn’t think abut demons, ghosts, and other non-physical but really mean entities. Believe me, demons, especially, are really mean. Ghosts, though, can be mean or not that mean, depending on why they’re hanging around bugging real people. But I never sought to know the meanness of demons or ghosts. I just wanted to make a difference and help people not get too drunk or high and not become jack-ass versions of themselves. I became a LADAC and I really wish I would have watched The Conjuring before I attained licensure.

Instead, I found out that there’s no way to rid the world of drug and alcohol abuse without talking about demons. Addicts have, on different occasions, referred to both heroin and meth as the, “devil’s drug” and in both cases, they’re right. I’m pretty sure the pharmacology and response of both substances allows the devil and his charges to enter into a person’s soul. That, or they change the brain’s wiring so much that it becomes psychotically arranged towards believing that a demon has entered the soul. Either way, addicts talk about demons and their experiences with them all the time.

Now, don’t get me wrong, angels also hang out within the addiction world. I suppose they have to. AA implores its adherents to seek a higher power. i’m sure angels are compelled to honor that search and wait around like an on deck batter waiting for a turn at the plate. it’s just that addicts tend to ignore angels and almost seem to prefer to hang out with demons. That, or demons are just better at outreach and make a better case for partnership.

Still, I never thought I’d have to learn about demons, ghosts and other ethereal entities. But choosing to treat drug and alcohol addiction also means choosing to encounter the spiritual world. When it comes to addiction treatment, it’s almost impossible to separate the physical world from the spiritual world and if you don’t believe me, ask a meth addict and I’m sure there’s a good chance you’ll learn about skinwalkers. it’s a lesson I don’t recommend.