Bill Williams and his family know all too well the toll addiction takes on the family. Their beloved son William lost his life to addiction shortly after his 24th birthday.
The Williams family initially kept William’s battle to themselves, in an effort to protect both his and their privacy. They experienced the shame and embarrassment that ride the coattails of addiction. Slowly, however, through circumstances and need, the Williams’ began to reach out for support. They began to see that secrecy is a part of the disease.
After William’s death, his father Bill wrote a powerfully moving account of their family’s experience for the New York Times online edition. Bill’s story can be read here.
