Many of us know firsthand just how heartbreaking drug addiction can be.
Whether you've been though the ups and downs of recovery yourself, or you've seen someone you love struggle time and again with their demons, one thing is for sure: wherever drugs go, they leave damage in their wake.
People have always had their vices, and we've seen plenty come and go over the ages, from the opium crisis of the 19th century to the heroin epidemic currently gripping America from coast to coast.
Drug addicts lose huge pieces of themselves to their addictions, and they cause incredible harm to their bodies, their minds, and to the people who love them.
As we fight every day to lift people out of addiction and help recovering addicts rebuild their lives, it's important that we never forget the insidious seduction of drugs.
A poem, first written by Samantha Reynolds in 2000, but adapted and shared many times since then, does an incredible job of revealing the raw pain and damage that drugs cause.
Now, the author of the poem is listed simply as 'Drugs.'
Scroll through below to read it in full.
The latest version of the poem was posted to Facebook by Duran Rakestraw, where it quickly went viral, racking up more than 100,000 reactions, and was shared over 350,000 times.
Rakestraw writes, "I saw this on Facebook and really felt the need to share it. I have NEVER seen a more perfect poem, written in the saddest way."
Underneath, he posted the poem. Scroll through to read it in full.
"I destroy homes, tear families apart – take your children, and that's just the start.
I'm more costly than diamonds, more costly than gold – the sorrow I bring is a sight to behold.
And if you need me, remember I'm easily found.
I live all around you, in schools and in town.
I live with the rich, I live with the poor, I live down the street,
and maybe next door."
"My power is awesome – try me you'll see.
But if you do, you may never break free.
Just try me once and I might let you go, but try me twice, and I'll own your soul.
When I possess you, you'll steal and you'll lie.
You'll do what you have to just to get high.
The crimes you'll commit, for my narcotic charms, will be worth the pleasure you'll feel in your arms."
"You'll lie to your mother; you'll steal from your dad.
When you see their tears, you should feel sad.
But you'll forget your morals and how you were raised.
I'll be your conscience, I'll teach you my ways.
I take kids from parents, and parents from kids, I turn people from God, and separate from friends."
"I'll take everything from you, your looks and your pride, I'll be with you always, right by your side.
You'll give up everything – your family, your home, your friends, your money, then you'll be alone.
I'll take and I'll take, till you have nothing more to give.
When I'm finished with you you'll be lucky to live."
"If you try me be warned this is no game.
If given the chance, I'll drive you insane.
I'll ravish your body, I'll control your mind.
I'll own you completely; your soul will be mine.
The nightmares I'll give you while lying in bed.
The voices you'll hear from inside your head."
"The sweats, the shakes, the visions you'll see.
I want you to know, these are all gifts from me.
But then it's too late, and you'll know in your heart, that you are mine, and we shall not part.
You'll regret that you tried me, they always do.
But you came to me, not I to you."
"You knew this would happen.
Many times you were told, but you challenged my power, and chose to be bold.
You could have said no, and just walked away.
If you could live that day over, now what would you say?
I'll be your master; you will be my slave.
I'll even go with you, when you go to your grave."
"Now that you have met me, what will you do?
Will you try me or not?
It's all up to you.
I can bring you more misery than words can tell.
Come take my hand, let me lead you to hell.
Signed
DRUGS"
Were you shaken by this raw poem about the dark power of drugs? If you or someone you know if struggling with addiction, find help and learn more at SAMSHA.
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