It seems like almost every day we hear of another family member, friend or someone close to us who has fallen victim to the disease of addiction. And in some cases, it is a friend of a friend or stories of people we really don't even know at all, and yet our hearts are broken for them too.

We are all familiar with the many faces of addiction such as drugs, alcohol, food, pornography, gambling and others, but somehow the faces of the addicted seem to get lost, painted with the same brush, or muddled and lumped together into one large stereotyped grouping. They have become nameless faces who are, or were, just too weak to fight their urges and addictions.

Maybe anger, frustration, embarrassment are a few of the feelings that fuel our disposition and outlook, and I am sure you can think of a few other feelings as well such as resentment, sorrow and regret because the harm or damage we personally incurred or because we believe we may have been able to do something to prevent the addiction from happening. However, if it's OK, I would like to share a different perspective about the feelings that may arise when we look into, or remember the faces of the addicted. Feelings of love, kindness, forgiveness, beautiful memories and hope.

Recently I stared into the eyes of a very close friend who shared that they had a child who was in the throes of a drug addiction. His eyes filled with tears, his hands holding onto anger and resentment, and his heart was breaking. You see, it's not just the faces of addiction or the faces of the addicted, it is also the faces of the family and friends who must endure the addiction and find a way to love the addicted while protecting their own heart and peace of mind. It is truly such a difficult situation.

Some of you may be saying to yourself that it is not so difficult and that these were personal choices, and if they can choose their addiction they should be able to choose to stop. Well I can tell you, friends, that it is just not that easy. It takes hard work, competent treatment, loving support, and sometimes an entire village to get through it. And that goes for the addicted and for the family and friends who have been forced into the situation.

I am sharing this with you during the holiday season because sometimes this can be the hardest season of all for many in the battle and for many supporting someone in the battle. Think of the mom who may have lost a son to an overdose and finds herself looking for answers. Think about the dad whose daughter is away in a rehabilitation center and who is fighting back the tears because they will not be spending the holidays together. Or think about the spouse who may have endured years of struggle and hardship watching as their other half slips further away.

I am not sure about you, but I know some of these people in the battle. Their faces are strained, worn, tired, hurt, lonely and looking for hope. And yet they remember the faces of their spouse, child, friend, or loved one before the addiction; bright, happy, beautiful, loving, strong and full of life.

So this holiday season, try and avoid judgment and instead replace judgment with encouragement. Look into their faces and show them that there is hope, there is a future, and that regardless of their situation, that you can love them and not judge them. This show of love may be come in the form of warmly spoken words, a timely hug, or it may just a simple loving gesture.

So how about you? Have you been able to get past the face of addiction and look into the faces of the addicted and their families? They are closer than we think, they may be right in our own homes or right next door. I would love to hear your thoughts at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can look past the lies, manipulation and fear and instead look into the faces of the addicted with love, encouragement and kindness it really will be a better than good week.

Michael Norton is a resident of Castle Rock, the former president of the Zig Ziglar Corporation, a strategic consultant and a business and personal coach.