A few years ago, Dr. Glenn Sterner, writer for Independence Blue Cross Foundation (IBC), shared a common story that he’d heard of from a man he’d previously worked with: “I’ll always be a recovering addict, no matter what, you know what I mean? It’s going to follow me. But every day I feel, I guess I could say, normal.”
For many people on the road to recovery from addiction, stigma seems to follow them at every twist and turn. Our society has grave perceptions of those who’ve struggled with addiction – in unfortunate cases, they’re regarded as lazy, crazy or an outcast to society. These harmful views take the “human” aspect out from underneath these individuals, as nobody truly chooses to become addicted; initial substance use is voluntary, but a few uses could be enough to alter a person’s brain which forces drug use to become involuntary over time.
The American Society of Addictive Medicine (ASAM) explains that to break the stigma surrounding addiction, we first need to change the way we talk about it. We need to begin viewing addiction as the disease that it is – and rather than shunning our loved ones and community members, we should aim to help them seek treatment. Addiction is so complex, and it can cause a person to think and act in ways they never would’ve before; by educating ourselves and those around us about addiction, we can hopefully provide more kindness to the people who need it the most.
If you or a loved one are ready to seek help, speak with a professional from Alta Loma today. Recovery is a lifelong process, but it’s worth it; with a number of effective interventions to work with, greater mental, physical and spiritual health is right around the corner.
If you’re ready to begin taking great strides towards your health and wellbeing, speak with a professional from Alta Loma today. Mental illness should be taken seriously and, if not treated early on, more severe conditions can arise. The best way to promote happiness and health is to seek help – and to begin using effective interventions for treating the problematic symptoms a person is experiencing. Don’t wait any longer to seek the help you need. Please call Alta Loma today – and you’ll be surrounded by a healthcare team who truly cares about your recovery. 866-457-3843
