Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.Dear Brothers and Sisters of the SIU:
Recently, I was admitted to the Seafarers Addictions Rehabilitation Center (known as “The Farm”). This came about due to bad choices that I made concerning drugs and alcohol. I had the choice to enter rehab or quit sailing.
I have been sailing for quite some time with the SIU, and quitting was not the option. I entered the program reluctantly and learned how serious my problem was.
I was a functioning alcoholic and was on the slow path to ruin and death. The SARC has shown me literally how to save my career and my life. I will be clean and sober and able to make the right decisions in the future. The SIU and SARC care about us and will help us overcome the scourge of alcohol and drugs that can ruin our lives.
If you or a shipmate has a substance abuse problem, please talk with someone about it. You will be treated with confidentiality and respect. You need not feel alone because, believe me, you are not.
The Brotherhood of the Sea can save your life.
A grateful SIU member
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