Sister of Young East Lyme Addict Shares Story in School Paper

A 16 year-old East Lyme High School student took to the school paper last month to share her story of living with an older brother who is struggling with drug addiction.

Hanna Gellar’s brother, Justin, 18, overdosed on pills in the eighth grade according to her piece. This began a downward spiral of violent outbursts and eventually lead to homelessness, among other negative effects.

Her brother was forced to leave his high school before checking into a rehab facility, far from the comfort of his home.

His sister’s piece for The Viking Saga, entitled “The Truth About Addiction,” expanded on the idea that one night of partying when using drugs and alcohol for some can lead to much larger consequences for others and those around them.

She also hammered home that addiction can be like a disease and effect everyone around you. It is not just her brother who has struggled with this addiction, but consequently her family.

“My brother’s addiction has taken over my entire family’s lives as they are now dedicated to the addiction,” Gellar said in her piece. “Addiction is a disease, but not one to ignore...,if you don’t want to stop; then just think. Think about everyone in your life you are about to affect, the list may seem short, but frankly it goes on and on.”

Read her full story at vikingsaga.net.