It is difficult, but necessary

When someone is in recovery from an addiction, only those in recovery know how intensely difficult it is. And I know it can be difficult, but please, do not define the person in recovery by their past. Recovery can be so difficult - and delicate - that placing more guilt, stigma, and shame, on the recovering addict that it can completely destroy the hard work he or she has already done. They cannot deal with additional issues over things that happened when they were using. They need compassion and encouragement. Please, end the stigma.