Addiction Doesn’t Discriminate

BY TODD SAVARD

You know those memories that come up on Facebook where they show you a post from 1, 5, 8, or more years ago? I rarely pay attention to them, but one recently caught my attention. Four years ago, I wrote about addiction and, this time around, one of the commentors caught my attention.

He was a young man I had met a couple of times on my journey of recovery; he was my roommate in not one, but two different rehabs in different cities that were five hours apart. To make the coincidence even more unlikely, these visits were two years apart.

This young man was probably around 20 or 21 when we first met and I was 20 years older than him. He was down and out on life, but, damn, he was so intelligent for his age. He was an old soul for sure, like a philosopher of sorts or a poet. He could hold a conversation on any subject. He spoke with eloquence and he could really tell a story.  

We didn’t get a lot of time to know each other the first time, I overlapped with him on the tail end of his 28-day stretch. Fast forward two years and once again I checked into rehab. It didn’t feel good. I was ashamed to be back and fearful of what lay ahead. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a young kid knocking on the door. We locked eyes and smiled. Suddenly, checking into rehab didn’t feel as lonely this time.

The situation was the same as the last time; he was on the tail end of a longer stretch but we immediately reconnected and, again, we had some incredible talks – his insight into addiction was amazing.

When I read his comment, I realized it had been a couple years since we had connected. We spoke a few times over the years, but not often. His comment was pithy and wise and though it was now four years old, I reached out to him. I have been struggling with depression for a while now and I thought if anyone could give me a philosophical boost, it would be him.  

I searched for his name and in no time was on his page. I scrolled down to see if he is active on social media and that’s when I saw the post. He passed away as a result of addiction almost two years ago. He was only 26 years old.

My heart sank. My heart hurt and it still does. When it comes to mental health challenges and addiction, they don’t discriminate. They can impact anyone, no matter how young, intelligent, and insightful.

Even in death that young man taught me something, even in my depression I can see how lucky I am to still be here. If you or someone you know is struggling, whether it be with mental health or addiction, know that you are not alone. Please reach out for support, because your life matters to more people than you know.

After being placed on disability in 2018 due to his mental health, Todd Savard made the decision to fight for his stability. Today, Todd works part-time as an insurance agent while attending Lake Superior State University in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula; working towards his Bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in counseling and is aiming for his Master’s degree in social work.