A streak of recklessness and “mental issues” are excellent signs of alcoholism
“There’s certainly a streak of recklessness in the family, despite how much they’ve achieved.â€
So said Ron Kessler, author of a book on the Kennedy clan’s patriarch, Joseph P. Kennedy (The Sins of the Father: Joseph P. Kennedy and the Dynasty He Founded), in commenting on the family’s latest front-page antics. Unfortunately, Mr. Kessler lacks an understanding of the key ingredient to alcoholism: a biochemistry that, with use, causes addicts to view themselves as godlike. This egotistical self-perception makes the addict truly believe he or she is invincible, which often manifests in reckless behaviors. And, those who think they’re God tend to develop a need to control others. Overachievement provides a ready means by which to control fans, constituents, co-workers, employees, friends and family. As a result, reckless behaviors do not occur despite achievement in alcoholics; rather, alcoholism impels the addict to engage in reckless behaviors and overachieve.
And this month, a bonus myth-of-the-month:
“The defendant, unquestionably, had some mental issues.â€
So said Assistant District Attorney Bob Gordon, in describing the mental state of Jan Erickson, 28, who was found guilty in April of murdering his father, Stephan Erickson, 65. Jan stabbed his father 37 times and used a meat cleaver to castrate him in what police said was one of the most horrific crime scenes in recent memory. The victim reportedly fed his 20-something, troubled, unemployed and crack-addicted son and let him live with him rent-free. His mother testified that she indulged her son by shopping, job-hunting, using methamphetamine with him and helping him solicit transvestite prostitutes (meth addicts truly do the craziest things). His sister, perhaps unknowingly lending support to the idea that addiction has nothing to do with upbringing, testified that the family previously had a nice life in Marin County, California. Erickson explained that he committed the murder because his father coddled him and fostered his drug addiction, but failed to explain why he didn’t take out his mother as well.
Yes Mr. Gordon, Jan Erickson had mental issues. Most people who hear such comments probably think of Bipolar or other Personality Disorder. They would be misled. Jan Erickson was simply an addict. As such, he was capable of anything.
Jan was right, however, about his father enabling him. If Stephan Erickson had understood the imperative of addiction”uncompromising disenabling and intervention at the earliest possible moment”he might be alive today and his son might be a sober and free man.