I find that addiction is the step-child of other more “acceptable” mental health issues. The families I work with who experience grief often receive sympathy, money in cards, and casseroles brought to the home and served with a hug. The individual who is looking for a career change may receive recommendations, support, and connections no questions asked. Try telling a friend that your son overdosed on heroin, that you can’t get moving in the morning without a shot of vodka, or your husband was arrested for a DUI, and friends will most likely avoid your calls. 

SAMSHA, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, reports that addiction is a chronic and treatable disease. The leading experts say that addiction is a disease and yet thousands of people debate this regularly due to their own experiences. People attempting to stay alive (disease-free needles or free Narcan), seek treatment (inpatient must be approved by insurance companies), and live a changed life (alcohol can now be delivered to the door and is found at most gatherings) meet with judgement every single day. 

Johann Hari does a Ted Talk titled, Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong. This talk is only 14 minutes and 42 seconds long, and I highly recommend it. He gives some excellent statistics, an example of a system that is getting addiction treatment right, and makes this compelling statement, “The opposite of addiction is human connection.” Absolutely, Mr. Hari. Absolutely. 

Connection is key to most every mental health situation we deal with including addiction. So, what can we do? I’m glad you asked.

1. Spend quality time with your kids without substances being a part of the fun.
2. Educate without judgement.
3. When addiction is made known to you about a friend or family member, stop, think, and love unconditionally. Healing takes time, is difficult, and is needed by everyone involved. 
4. Seek help from a professional.
5. Change the way you have a party, provide alternatives to alcohol, and support your loved one’s sobriety. 
6. Remember, people are different. Just because you can use a substance without being addicted doesn’t mean everyone can. Just because grandpa kicked his 20-year addiction cold turkey doesn’t mean everyone can. Free Narcan doesn’t mean less insulin for diabetics.