Even when I was a drug user…

I would have not associated with people from the DTES. I guess I was a little judgmental. During my drug use that spanned 5 years, I remained a good human being. I did not steal from or cheat other people and the only lie I told was the secretive double life I was living by keeping my drug use a secret from friends and family. Instead I quietly suffered and in my way attempted to suppress the childhood trauma that had up to that point killed my spirit. I remained a good human being throughout my deterioration from drug use. Even during my drug-induced psychosis and time spent at St. Paul’s Hospital, I remained a good person capable of being honest and respectful. Move forward 15 years and I’ve worked hard and gotten myself back. I completed an undergraduate degree in human services and decided to work in the field. After 5 years working in this industry I’m done. I can admit through experience that earlier judgments regarding the types of people struggling with addiction in the DTES were somewhat incorrect as I discovered that there are many good people that are living in single room occupancy hotels in the DTES, however, my instincts were also correct, there are many more dishonest, thieving human scumbags that inhabit the DTES. I have personally witnessed so much deplorable human behavior. Even with addiction and mental health there are good people and there are awful people. So now, unfortunately, I will not provide unconditional support to people with drug addiction or any demographic for that matter. Respect and trust are EARNED by being a practicing good human and it only takes a small display for it to be recognized in a person.

5 Comments

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Samson

Mar 21, 2018 at 1:48pm

Bravo....Stick most of them in jail and be done with it.

Yup

Mar 21, 2018 at 2:07pm

I’ve been an SRW on the DTE for 10 years now. The sense of entitlement is so bad now I can’t stand it. I’ve lost my compassion. I hear you, I’ve been thinking about changing jobs too.

29 8Rating: +21

Uh oh

Mar 21, 2018 at 3:08pm

I just started working on the DTES. I def hear you guys and understand where you are coming from. I find its often difficult and quite exhausting being supportive of the people around here. I do enjoy the connections with people but secretly wonder how long I can hack it. Thanks for your work OP and Yuk! Im sure you made a difference in many lives. I hope you find something that makes you happy.

I would

Mar 21, 2018 at 4:23pm

rather work at a doggie day-care

19 8Rating: +11

Lovely L.

Mar 21, 2018 at 7:49pm

I’m really proud of you whoever you are. X

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