Addiction

It’s unusual to be in the construction world and not be touched by addiction in one way or another.

Whether it’s someone we know, are very close to, or even if it’s us, drugs and alcohol seem to be a part of the construction culture more than other occupations.

A Candid Story 

This month, one of the very best pieces of media that I came across was this Youtube video from Mark Christensen. 

That name should sound familiar as Mark, owner of Tarkus Tile in Utah, has been a part of the online tile community for years. Not only was he one of the founding members of the Facebook group Tile Geeks but many of us knew him before that from the John Bridge Forum.

No matter where he has been, he has always been well-liked, popular, and posting amazing photos of the work that he’s done. In fact, not only is he a past CID award winner but he even taught himself how to mud before the internet turned mudding into a core trait of manliness.

The struggle

There was an extended period of time when Mark disappeared from the internet and quit posting. What I didn’t realize is that he had taken a deep dive into drug addiction. 

Following some medical care, he was, understandably, prescribed pain killers. But he had some experience with them in prior years and this time the reintroduction was too much to resist.

In the video, he details losing his family, his local reputation, his house, the lies and deceit, then hitting bottom, and the long and unglamorous climb back that saved his life.

Success!

Mark, who is speaking in front of others who are also struggling, is very candid, humble, and raw in his emotions about his past.

He’s been back a couple of years not and I’m glad to see it. I hope others watch this. Especially, those touched by addiction. Check out what Mark, and others, have to say about keys to good mental health.