There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to addiction. People who are not close to the disease might think those suffering from it brought it upon themselves or that they genuinely want to live this way. However, it’s essential to understand that addiction is just that, a disease and people cannot fully control whether it happens to them or not. This disease is both physical and mental, changing that person from the inside out. Instead of shaming people for their addiction, it’s essential to break the stigma surrounding it and offer genuine support.
Did you know that nearly 50 million people across the United States have an addiction? This type of disease starts small, slowly manifesting into something more destructive. These numbers are a reflection of how much work and awareness needs to be done to help support those who are suffering. Dwelling on the stigmatization and misconceptions of the disease only drives it further. People make mistakes, but how they learn and grow from it matters. The same sentiment is for people with an addiction. They are people, and it’s time to give them grace and love so they can get through it.