Similar to other major epidemics in America, drug addiction is a problem that many people choose to ignore. Statistics show that, in 2005 alone, there were at least 22,400 drug-related deaths in the United States. Despite the rate of drug-related deaths increasing every year, the stigma surrounding drug addiction still exists. Here are a few ways that you can combat the dangerous stigmas of drug addiction.
Be Honest With Your Family About Your Addiction
Drug addiction usually stems from emotional or physical trauma. If you’ve lost a loved one, lost your job, or even experienced a severe injury, your chances of turning to addiction increase. When you feel uncomfortable talking to your family about your problems, you’re more vulnerable to drug addiction. In order to avoid setting down this dangerous path, become honest about your drug addiction.
The people that truly love you will not shun you because of your addiction. They will only attempt to help you along the path to recovery. By seeing a fellow loved one struggle with addiction, they will become more understanding about the trails and tribulations surrounding addiction. This, in turn, will help them to have more compassion and empathy towards any future individuals that may also struggle with addiction.
Frame Addiction As A Disease Rather Than Choice
Science has proven that drug addiction is far more complicated as a simple choice. Some people are more predisposed to addiction due to a variety of factors. From family history to their environments, addiction is a disease that any and everyone can experience. No matter your class, sex, race, or age, you’re always prone to addiction. Once someone falls into the influences of drugs and alcohol, navigating towards the path to redemption can be a difficult task.
Not only do old habits die hard but your body becomes hardwired to function with your drug addiction. Without the proper support of your family and trained professionals, shaking your drug addiction becomes an extremely difficult task. Helping your friends and family understand every chemical, emotional, and physical challenge that you’re facing will help to eliminate the stigma of drug addiction.
Addiction Is A Chronic Disease
Even after you’ve begun your road to recovery, drug addiction will always be a constant battle. There will always be temptations surrounding you and you’re going to have to remain mentally and emotionally strong. Helping your friends and family understand that will make it easier for them to respect your battle. Yes, you may partake in programs that help you suppress your urges and destructive behavior, but the actions of your loved ones are just as important.
Having family members that respect your decision to remain sober will encourage you even more. Whether it’s ten days after your program or ten years, your friends and family should always respect your sobriety.
The Path To Recovery
If you or a loved one are seeking the path to recovery, contact a Tennesse alcohol addiction program. At Discovery Place we offer multiple programs that will set you down the path to redemption. Not only do we offer alternative treatment programs that will assist you with your addictions, but we also offer long-term recovery programs. If you or a loved one are in need of a Tennesse alcohol addiction program, contact Discovery Place at 1-800-725-0922.
