Hillbilly Elegy

both: Research does reveal a genetic
disposition to substance abuse, but those
who believe their addiction is a disease
show less of an inclination to resist it.
Mom was telling herself the truth, but the
truth was not setting her free.
I didn’t believe in any of the slogans
or sentiments, but I did believe she was
trying. Addiction treatment seemed to
give Mom a sense of purpose, and it
gave us something to bond over. I read
what I could on her “disease” and even
made a habit of attending some of her
Narcotics Anonymous meetings, which
proceeded precisely as you’d expect: a
depressing conference room, a dozen or
so chairs, and a bunch of strangers