In this podcast, we discuss the myths and the facts surrounding the disease of addiction.
We learn that:
- The addiction crisis in the USA is deadlier than ever and has claimed over 107,000 lives by overdose in 2021 alone, and the trend is discouraging so far in 2022.
- Addiction is loaded with stigma, ignorance and prejudice which keeps people from seeking help and limits access to resources needed to fund treatment.
- The notion seems to be that addicts are “bad people” who actually chose to become addicts. By the time they might have said “no”, it was likely too late.
- “These people deserve jail, not compassion or treatment. That’s because it’s not a disease, it’s a question of moral character”. The fact is that addiction is an equal-opportunity predator and disease.
- Addicts are far from hopeless. There are millions of people in recovery enjoying productive lives today as the result of effective treatment and a personal commitment to do the right things.
