Her drunken antics were sought out at night, and in the name of entertainment, strangers filmed her plight.
She climbed into fountains in the cold winter’s bite, performing inebriated like a clown in the night.
She sang for attention, her soul in chains, whilst her laughter masked her emotional pain.
“Dance for us,” they roared, oblivious to the darker implications that lay in store.
They cheered and jeered behind their screens, unaware of the depth of her unmet dreams.
What they didn’t see were the tears she cried when she was alone because her life had been reduced to a social media digital clone.
The truth is that behind the smiles, she craved normality, but sadly, alcohol had robbed her of her sanity.
Whilst alcohol may have been her vice, her life was far from easy, and it certainly wasn’t nice.
This wasn’t a life she would choose; her life was more than just clicks and views.
She was a human being, deserving of care, not something to be used as a spectacle for the world to share.
There will be some who argue they didn’t know, but the truth was the bruises on her face said it all.
And ask yourself this: “How would you feel if that was your loved one on show?”
In the future, if you see someone on the streets, try asking them what support they need instead of thinking about clickbait for your next social media feed.
And finally, next time you’re out on the town, consider leaving your phone alone and spare a thought for her loved ones who are left behind, trying to mourn.
Remember, addiction isn’t a joke. It can happen to anyone.
AKA #Unapologeticwriter
Remember – I don’t write for financial reward or gain. I want to help share my lived experience with others, hoping it helps. Plus I love to write, so if you fancy getting the occasional email (NO SPAM) with the most up-to-date blogs from yours truly, please feel free to subscribe at the bottom of the main page.
BE THE CHANGE
There is an invisible fine line between using substances for pleasure and becoming dependent or addicted. People need support, not stigma or ridicule. As a society, we can and must do more. Be the change. Pledge your support to help us create a community that lifts people up instead of dragging them down. Let’s transform stigma into understanding together.
To pledge your support to Sheffield Inclusive Recovery Cities Campaign
https://sheffieldrecoverydirectory.co.uk/sheffield-inclusive-recovery-cities/