(CW: Subtance Abuse) A lot of people on this hellsite (rightfully) look up to John Mulaney for a number of reasons, so with the news of his return to rehab to handle SUD-related issues, please be kind to yourself and to anyone you know who’s struggling with addiction.
Addiction is not a weakness or a character flaw. Sobriety is often a lifelong endeavor. John Mulaney has been candid about his substance abuse in the past; he’s been working on his sobriety for over 15 years. He isn’t any weaker for a relapse, and his desire to go into rehab is commendable and honestly brave. He is absolutely still a person to look up to: his worth as a person has not “changed” with this revelation.
Addiction is isolating in regular conditions. Given the hell year we’ve had, where our existence has become even further defined by distance and isolation, people who are struggling with substance abuse and addiction are probably even more isolated than ever. Be kind to yourself, and be kind to any loved ones who are feeling isolated or struggling with SUD.
For US friends, here’s the SAMHSA resources page — their referral service doesn’t require insurance and is completely confidential. If you don’t have insurance, they can get you in contact with state sponsored offices; they also have a directory to search for programs.
(If anyone has more info on how to seek counseling and rehab for addiction with/without insurance, please add it in the notes!)
While I wish John Mulaney the best as a fellow human and want to thank him for all the happiness he’s brought me with his comedy, I don’t want him to work on his sobriety simply because I want to hear his next comedy special. I don’t want anyone’s battle for sobriety to be framed in terms of how they can return to their normal function, to their “usefulness” to society. I just want him to be happy and healthy with his wife and his dog and himself, full stop. I’d like to remind everyone that nobody — Mulaney, me, or the person reading this — ever, ever owes anyone a joke or a smile.
Stay safe and healthy this winter !
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