Addiction is a terrible disease that affects almost 50 million people in the U.S. — as well as their family members, friends and other loved ones.
When we talk about addiction, alcohol and drugs may be the first things that come to mind, but people can also be addicted to behaviors or processes, such as gambling or exercise . Very few people, if any, will go their whole lives without being affected by addiction in some way. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction , or you want to avoid it, the next steps — like learning more and getting help — can be scary.
You, or your loved one, may have even had a bad experience with an addiction expert, and so now you feel reluctance or discomfort at the idea of trying again. With that said, there is hope. Many addiction experts and clinicians have the right idea about how to support people, as evidenced by what they say they’ll never do: Experts will never judge someone with addiction, or use stigmatizing language about the condition.
By far, the most common response from addiction experts and therapists was this: They won’t judge or shame someone who struggles with addiction. It’s just not helpful, nor is it based in truth. “Addiction, as we know, is a complex disease that affects the brain and behavior, and it requires empathy and understanding to effectively support someone in their recovery journey,” said Ashley Hall , the drug and alcohol director at Singing River Services in Mississippi .
“Judging .
