In today’s fast-paced society, with substances, experiences and products to stave off boredom everywhere, addiction is more common than ever. Unfortunately, many people who experience compulsive cravings for drugs or other harmful behaviors experience underlying issues that need to be addressed. Many people who turn to substance abuse do so because it fulfills a need. Far from being a moral failing, it’s a legitimate reaction to a problem in your life. But whether you use drugs or alcohol to calm down after a hard day, get into the party spirit or ease the symptoms of anxiety, the help it lends is an illusion. And while these solutions seem effective in the short term, they do more harm than good long-term. Substance use disorders are very tricky. If you’re in the throes of one, there’s a good chance you’ve minimized the problem or brushed it off as a harmless coping mechanism. The truth is that abusing substances and coping with the perceived stigma of using them can alter brain chemistry, potentially leading to more serious problems. As someone going through this kind of turmoil, the last thing you need is judgment.
