Hiding in plain sight
When you think of addiction you might think about someone stumbling down the street with a needle in their arm; however, addicts are in boardrooms, classrooms and churches in our cities. Addiction touches everyone. It doesn’t care who you are or what you have achieved or where you are from.
It’s been called the silent epidemic. How many people in our towns do we have to lose before we decide not to be silent anymore? Why not try to understand addiction, end the stigma and save lives in our communities? It’s time to break the silence and have an open conversation.
What is addiction?
Addiction is about seeking relief or escape regardless of the impact to self and loves ones. It is not about willpower or self-control. It is a physiological and psychological battle. When a person is addicted, their brain’s chemistry is altered and the cycle begins. A once coping mechanism transforms into a destructive force. It’s not a moral failing, it’s a medical condition that requires treatment, compassion and support. Addicts aren’t just chasing a feeling, they’re seeking relief from pain. The problem is the temporary relief becomes the only way to cope with life. The more the addiction takes hold, the harder it becomes to see a way out.
Lose the labels
Addiction is a health crisis that requires empathy, education, and action.
The stigma surrounding addiction is costing many individuals their lives. It prevents people from seeking help for fear of judgement. Those struggling with addiction feel ashamed, guilty, and worthlessness but the stigma causes dangerous isolation. The problem gets worse, goes untreated and continues to cause damage to the individual, their families, workplaces, and communities.
People may view those struggling with addiction as weak or irresponsible. This is not accurate and very harmful. Addiction is complex, it’s a disease that is impacted by genetics, environment, mental health, and social factors.
The choice
It’s a very simple choice: continue to ignore the issue, or talk about it, address it and support those facing it. We can continue to lose loved ones in our communities or lend a helping hand. Until we admit that addiction doesn’t discriminate, and it exists in our communities, people around us will struggle in silence. If we don’t talk openly about this disease, we won’t be able to tackle it. We need to provide the right support systems. Offering treatment options can help people build healthy coping skills and prevent addiction from taking more lives.
How can you help?
Communities, schools and workplaces all have a role to play in creating an environment that supports mental health and open dialogue about addiction. It’s up to you to become part of the solution.
- Start with acknowledging that the problem exists
- Education yourself & others
- Be supportive
- Push for change & encourage conversations
- Speak up
Together we can change the stigma and build a supportive community where recovery is possible for everyone.
The choice is yours.
