After I lost my son, when I had to go out into the world, I often thought about wearing a t-shirt that said, MY SON DIED, imagining that I would be dealt with gingerly or given a wide berth wherever I went. In time, that idea evolved into a different declaration. I wondered what would happen in the mind of a parent, child, sibling, friend, or partner of an addict who saw me wearing a t-shirt that said, I LOVE AN ADDICT. To me, this conveys that addicts are worth loving; addiction is common; I’m not ashamed; I’m strong; and I care about you if you love an addict too. It’s worth conveying to addicts and society that they and the people who love them matter. This declaration would not curb addiction, but showing addicts and their loved ones compassion and acceptance could put a dent in the shame, disconnection, and stigma that surround it. These products, designed with my late son's drawings, are companions to my book; What To Do With Your Addict, (or anyone else you love) Before They Die. See below to purchase book.