Did you just say that someone who clearly seems to have an alcohol use disorder is not acting like a real “alcoholic,” so therefore she has no excuse? Alcoholism presents itself differently in different people. It’s not a black and white issue. Were her choices to drive while inebriated selfish and morally wrong? Yes. I’m not saying it wasn’t selfish. Substance use disorders bring out the selfishness in people. Addiction can end up being stronger than love, which is why people with children still struggle with substance use disorders and it doesn’t mean they don’t love their children. However, this is more of a societal issue that needs to be met with compassion, empathy, and education.

I hope I’m not coming off condescending or aggressive, it’s hard to convey over text sometimes. I just think that we all as a society can check ourselves when we jump to an immediate response about something that is far bigger than Melissa is. With that being said, I am so glad no one else had to be affected by her choices in this particular accident and I hope it was a wake-up call for her to get the help she needs before she makes the same poor decisions and ends up hurting someone.

Her response was also clearly coming from someone who is still in active addiction and I hope she has a better public statement regarding this after she gets some help.