Marijuana Drug AddictionI am a recovering alcoholic and a drug addict who has lost the obsession to drink and use. Does that make me a bad person? After Philip Seymour Hoffman died, there were extremely negative and horrible things that were said by people, such as calling him a “another junkie” who got more famous for dying from a drug overdose. It makes me sick to hear things like this because what people don’t realize is that (and I’m speaking for myself here) I never aspired to be a 25-year-old, going on 26, alcoholic in recovery, with almost 5 years sober.In kindergarten I dreamed of being a doctor; in first grade I aspired to be a geologist; then I figured I would just follow my dreams of being a singer or an actress. Not once did I ever think I would ever struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.There is this giant stigma about the disease of addiction, and yes, I said disease. Being an addict or alcoholic isn’t some moral choice, as what many people like to think. I was born with this disease and I will have it for the rest of my life; the difference in me today is that I have found a way to “put the gorilla in the cage.” I found a solution that has allowed me to not only give up the drinks or the drugs, but this solution has given me the gift of a total psychic change and so much more. I am able to be a daughter and a sister today; a friend and an employee. This sounds baffling because it should be normal and common sense for me to be those today; but the fact of the matter is, that when I was sick in active addiction, I pushed everyone away and burned every single bridge around me; I hurt the people I love and care for most.I’ve done things I thought I would never do and put myself in situations that no young girl should be in, all because I needed some kind of substance in me. I’ve met many people, and I have unfortunately lost a lot of friends to this disease. Dying from a drug overdose does not make you a junkie-scumbag, it’s not usually something that is planned. The disease of addiction is so insidious that it wants all of us dead, and unfortunately, many people won’t ever be able to see the amazing life of sobriety. This is usually stemming from the terrible stigma that is held against addiction, making people terrified to ask for help or even admit their struggles to anyone.
What are common misconceptions about addiction and personal character?
Many people mistakenly believe that addiction reflects a person’s moral character rather than a complex health condition. These misconceptions can interfere with recovery and discourage individuals from seeking help.
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Thinking that willpower alone should be enough to stop substance use.
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Believing that someone choosing treatment means they are weak or have failed.
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Assuming that relapse indicates lack of progress rather than part of a chronic health process.
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Viewing addiction as something that defines a person’s identity.
Understanding that these are misconceptions grounded in stigma rather than science helps families and individuals approach addiction with compassion, patience, and evidence based thinking. Recognizing the difference between character and health condition can support a more constructive path toward healing and encourage individuals to pursue and remain engaged in treatment.
How addiction affects the brain and why that matters
Addiction involves changes in brain structure and function that affect decision making, impulse control, reward processing, and emotional regulation. These neurological changes are not signs of moral failure or weakness. Chronic substance use alters the brain’s reward circuitry, making the pursuit of drugs or alcohol more compelling and diminishing the salience of healthy rewards such as social connection or academic success. Over time, areas of the brain responsible for self‑control and executive functioning may become less efficient, which contributes to compulsive use despite negative consequences.
Scientific research shows that these changes are not permanent in all cases and can improve with sustained treatment and support. Behavioral therapies, psychosocial interventions, and, when appropriate, medication assisted treatment help strengthen neural pathways associated with self regulation and coping. Families and caregivers can play an important role by providing consistent support, reinforcing progress, and helping individuals navigate setbacks with understanding rather than judgment. Viewing addiction through a clinical lens emphasizes that recovery is a process of neurological healing as well as behavioral change, and this perspective can reduce shame while fostering resilience and long‑term recovery.
Why addressing stigma is critical for recovery
Stigma surrounding addiction can prevent individuals from seeking help, increase feelings of shame, and heighten the risk of relapse. Society often mistakenly equates addiction with moral weakness, overlooking the fact that it is a chronic health condition. Addressing stigma requires both internal and external strategies. Internally, individuals benefit from psychoeducation and counseling to separate self-worth from substance use. Externally, families, peers, and communities can foster supportive attitudes, celebrate progress, and speak factually about addiction as a medical condition. Reducing stigma promotes earlier treatment, improves adherence to recovery plans, and strengthens social support networks, all of which are essential for sustained recovery and overall mental health.
ASK FOR HELP
I was terrified to ask for help, just like many other struggling addicts and alcoholics are. I didn’t think there was a better life for me out there, or if I even deserved one. I was sent to a treatment center and was told that I never had to drink or do a drug again. As relieving as that was, it was terrifying. Drinking and using drugs was the only life I had known and loved, why would I stop? The truth is, that life stopped working for me and my life became unmanageable. Once I finally became willing enough to change my life and start moving towards bettering myself is when my life rapidly and drastically changed for the better; I started to smile and laugh, and I felt free. Once we all start working towards breaking this stigma against addiction, the sooner people who are struggling like I once was can speak up and save themselves. Don’t let yourself become another statistic and let your disease win. We at Key Healthcare can offer the best possible help by providing teen substance abuse treatment to cure their various addictions. Call Key Healthcare today, give up the fight, and get the help you need and deserve. Contact us today
