From Heroin to Betrayal

Colombia’s Vice President France Márquez Claims She’s Been “Discarded” By Petro government

Colombia’s Vice President France Márquez has broken her public silence regarding her perceived marginalization within President Gustavo Petro’s management, stating that her identity as a Black woman has been “celebrated, instrumentalized, worn and discarded.” speaking in Cali during an event commemorating the International Day of Women and afro-descendant Girls, Márquez articulated a profound sense of disillusionment.

“Today I do not come to talk only about me. I come to speak from an Afro-descendant body, a black woman body that has been celebrated, instrumentalized, worn and discarded,” Márquez declared, addressing a crowd in Cali.

Márquez,whose relationship with President Petro has reportedly soured and whose influence within the Executive has waned,described her initial role in the electoral campaign that brought Petro to power in August 2022. She was then considered “the face of hope, the Afro-descendant woman who brought the echo of the rivers, of the humble houses, of the popular knowledge.” However, she lamented that this evolved to being “the political phenomenon, the heroine, to be the traitor.”

“When a woman ascends, she is suspected”

The Vice President, who had not spoken publicly for over two months, also highlighted the systemic challenges faced by women in power in Colombia.”When a woman ascends, she is suspected,” she stated. “The system does not ask about her abilities, but in case she is in the place she deserves. If she comes out of the assigned margin, then she is arrogant, she is unfair, clumsy, she is unable, dangerous.”

“I will not pretend that it does not hurt,” Márquez continued, her voice resonating with emotion. “I want to shout, to tell how this country drags us in its destruction narratives… How is a Black woman eliminated from power in a contemporary democracy? With narratives that serve as a prelude to explosives and bullets.” She revealed that she has experienced “many episodes of detriment, sabotage and exclusion” as the campaign.

Márquez, who was a pivotal figure in the campaign and made history as the first Afro-descendant woman elected to a high office in the Colombian government, symbolizing the rise of marginalized voices, now holds little to no significant role in policy-making within the current administration. her portfolio, the Ministry of Equality, was also recently dissolved by Petro.

This move followed a highly publicized ministerial meeting on February 4th, during which Márquez openly criticized several ministers closely aligned with the President. This criticism reportedly triggered a significant crisis within the government, marking a turning point in the relationship between Petro and Márquez. As that council meeting,their dynamic has been irrevocably altered.

how does the neurological impact of heroin use specifically contribute to deceptive behaviors, beyond simply needing the drug?

From Heroin to Betrayal: Navigating Addiction, Trust, and Recovery

the Cycle of Addiction and Deception

Heroin addiction isn’t a solitary struggle; it’s a complex web that often ensnares not just the individual, but their entire support system. A core component of this entanglement is betrayal – a pervasive element stemming from the deceptive nature of the disease and the desperate measures taken to sustain it. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for both those battling opioid addiction and their loved ones.

The Initial Trust Erosion: Addiction begins with a breach of trust, frequently enough self-betrayal.Promises to oneself about controlled use quickly dissolve.

Deception as a Survival Mechanism: As the addiction progresses, lying and manipulation become commonplace. this isn’t necessarily malicious intent, but a neurological result of the drug hijacking the brain’s reward system. The individual prioritizes obtaining heroin above all else.

Financial Betrayal: Substance abuse frequently leads to financial instability. Individuals may steal from family, friends, or engage in illegal activities to fund their habit, causing deep emotional and financial wounds.

Emotional Betrayal: Secrecy, broken promises, and emotional unavailability become hallmarks of the relationship with an addicted loved one. This creates a climate of distrust and resentment.

The Neurological Basis of Deceptive Behavior in Heroin addiction

The brain undergoes significant changes with prolonged heroin use. These changes directly contribute to the deceptive behaviors observed in addiction.

Dopamine and Reward Pathways: Heroin floods the brain with dopamine, creating an intense feeling of pleasure. Over time, the brain adapts, requiring more of the drug to achieve the same effect (tolerance). This drives compulsive drug-seeking behavior.

Prefrontal Cortex Impairment: The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and judgment, is significantly impaired by chronic opioid use. This diminished capacity makes it harder to resist cravings and to consider the consequences of one’s actions.

Increased Stress and Anxiety: Withdrawal symptoms are intensely unpleasant, leading to heightened stress and anxiety. Individuals may lie or manipulate to avoid experiencing these symptoms.

Cognitive distortions: Addiction can lead to cognitive distortions, were the individual rationalizes their behavior and minimizes the harm they are causing.

Recognizing the Signs of betrayal in an addicted Relationship

Identifying the patterns of deception is the first step towards addressing the damage and seeking help.

1. Inconsistent Stories: Frequent changes in narratives or explanations for absences or behaviors.
2. Secretive Behavior: hiding phone calls, text messages, or financial records.Sudden need for privacy.
3. Unexplained Disappearances: Missing time without a reasonable clarification.
4. Financial Issues: Unaccounted for money, missing valuables, or unexplained debts.
5. Emotional Distance: Withdrawal from emotional intimacy and a lack of genuine connection.
6. Defensiveness and Anger: Reacting with hostility when questioned about their behavior.

The Impact of Betrayal on Families and Loved Ones

The ripple effects of heroin addiction and the accompanying betrayal extend far beyond the individual struggling with the disease.

Trauma and PTSD: Witnessing a loved one’s descent into addiction and experiencing the betrayal can be deeply traumatic, leading to symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Codependency: Family members may develop codependent behaviors, enabling the addiction by covering up for the individual or taking on their responsibilities.

Loss of Trust: The betrayal erodes trust within the family system, making it difficult to rebuild relationships.

Emotional Distress: Feelings of anger, resentment, guilt, and grief are common among loved ones.

Financial Strain: Supporting an addicted individual can create significant financial hardship.

Healing and Recovery: Rebuilding Trust After Betrayal

Recovery from heroin addiction and the subsequent rebuilding of trust is a long and challenging process, but it is possible.

Professional Treatment: Opioid addiction treatment options include detoxification, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

Individual Therapy: Addressing the underlying issues that contributed to the addiction and developing coping mechanisms for managing cravings and triggers. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are often effective.

Family Therapy: Repairing damaged relationships and establishing healthy boundaries.

Support Groups: Connecting with others who have experienced similar challenges. Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Al-Anon are valuable resources.

Accountability and Transparency: the addicted individual must take full responsibility for their actions and be completely transparent with their loved ones.

Time and patience: Rebuilding trust takes time and consistent effort. There will be setbacks, but it’s important to remain committed to the process.

Resources for Help

SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – A confidential, free, 24/7 data service, in English and Spanish, providing referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. [https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline](https://www