End the stigma of drug addiction

The number of Windsorites suffering from drug addiction is rapidly increasing and the public’s response ensures proper treatment will not be sought. It’s the common question that many debate: Is addiction an actual disease?

The fact that this is a topic for discussion only solidifies the presence of the stigma I refer to. Regardless of the fact that there is concrete scientific evidence which confirms that addiction is in fact a brain disease and medical testing supports this conclusion, many will argue that it’s a choice, not a disease.

This stigma expressed by so many is what causes the addicts to suffer in silence with an overwhelming shame and belief that they are just a bad person who makes bad choices. Does this seem like the type of thinking that will encourage one to seek treatment?

The answer is no. Actually, it is quite the opposite.

The end result: a child without a parent, a parent without a child, etc. For some, this life-altering heartache can be avoided.

I ask that everyone educate themselves so that we can end the stigma associated with drug addiction. Then, and only then, will we create an environment where an addict is not ashamed to seek help.

Lives will be saved, definitely not all, but some. I ask this more so of those who are not directly affected by this disease as I know you will be the ones who will have the hardest time accepting it.

I leave you with this thought: An addict may just be one person in this world to you, but to someone else they may mean the world.