I am excited to share today’s guest post by Angela Lambert on a topic that is near and dear to my heart and the hearts of my readers, namely the fact that addicts are people – people – people who have a disease. They are not their disease, just as someone with cancer is not their cancer. Keeping society so stuck in this notion that addicts are somehow morally weak, bereft of dreams and goodness of heart, are the many myths about the chronic, often relapsing brain disease of addiction, which is the purpose of her post – to share 7 myths about addiction and the people who have the disease – 7 myths that must be shattered!

But first, here’s a bit about Angela…

Angela Lambert is a substance abuse counselor at Morningside Recovery with over a decade of experience. After battling addiction herself, she is passionate about delivering the hope of recovery to others. She seeks to create a more wholesome, welcoming environment for addicts and non-addicts alike by confronting stigma with knowledge and compassion. Angela can be reached via email at angelalambertt@gmail.com and followed on Facebook or Twitter.

Addicts Are People – 7 Stigmas That Must Be Silenced! by Angela Lambert

Addicts are people. Society and the media distort this crucial truth into cruel stigmas that only serve to drive those suffering deeper into their addiction. I seek to shed light on these unfair, misguided myths so that we can approach the reality of addiction with more awareness and compassion. More people will feel safe and welcome to reach out if we can help lift the weight of stigma from their shoulders.

1. Addicts are bums with no jobs, drive or dreams.

I cannot deny that many addicts end up homeless and unemployed, but I can tell you without a shred of doubt that this is not the only lifestyle an addict leads. Addiction plagues people from all walks of life, no matter their age, religion, gender, sexuality, economic level, success or talent. Take a look at some of the most prolific stars of all time. Russel Brand, Robert Downey Jr. and Drew Barrymore are just a few of the actors in recovery. Addiction stole the voice of Kurt Cobain and cut the stories of Earnest Hemingway short. Prince Harry’s struggles prove that even royalty is not immune, nor are influential media figures like Elizabeth Vargas. Addiction does not discriminate, so neither should we.

2. Addicts have no morals.

An addict may resort to drastic, illegal tactics to fuel their addiction. They may betray and use loved ones to obtain a fix. This topic strikes a raw nerve, but there is one factor I am sure of; addiction is a disease. It rewires the brain until it’s convinced that feeding the addiction is needed for survival. Now imagine trying to fight that kind of control with morals.

3. Addiction is voluntary.

The first drink, dose or gamble is a choice, but after that, it can become a helpless plummet into addiction. As I mentioned, addiction is a powerful disease that can force the brain into servitude. Life-sustaining activities such as exercise, eating and sex drench our brains in the pleasurable effects of dopamine. Addiction delivers dopamine in such a quick, overwhelming rush that before long, the brain is numb to any other form of stimuli. In essence, the addiction can become the only “life” the addict can still feel.

4. Addicts are weak; most people could stop at any time.

Once again, addiction is a disease. It cannot simply be willed away. Beyond that, there are mental, environmental, genetic and emotional factors to consider. There is no way to know what an individual has been through and what they are dealing with now. Please keep this quote in mind, “Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

5. Addiction, like abuse, always runs in the family.

An addict’s family suffers extensive collateral damage. Lisa Frederiksen’s secondhand drinking analysis delves deep into this reality. The children of addicted parents may not receive proper physical care due to impaired judgment. They are denied healthy, nurturing bonds due to the ruthless demands of the addiction. In turn, this tragedy sustains itself when the child (or adult at this point) resorts to the only coping mechanism for pain they have grown to understand. It is a vicious cycle rooted in trauma, neglect and suffering.

Many addicts start here, but not all. A veteran might succumb to alcoholism to alleviate symptoms of undiagnosed PSTD. A man or woman might be pressured into trying heroin by an abusive partner. A motor vehicle accident victim may become dependent on the pain medication prescribed by a doctor. The origins of addiction are varied and hard to pin down, but I can guarantee this: recovery is possible. With more support and less stigma, recovery can uplift any story, no matter how grim the beginning.

6. Recovering addicts still don’t deserve to be trusted or respected.

I once read a story about a mother with over five years clean who worked in the recovery field as a writer. The father of the child proved to be abusive, so she did everything she could to legally prevent him from hurting their son any further. She obtained a restraining order and cut out most contact until a custody hearing. The father announced to the judge that the mother was a heroin addict. This tore everything down. Despite the photo evidence of his abuse and the solid record of the mother’s recovery, success and compassion, the judge chose to stamp her with stigma and rob her of the protection she built for her son.

This is an extreme case, but it does happen. Recovering addicts are striving to build new lives; it is a physical, emotional and mental process that is both strenuous and invigorating. The last thing they need is to be weighed down by harsh judgments. Let their current actions speak for them. In my experience, I’ve witnessed recovering addicts:

• Reunite with their children and give them positive, nurturing lives.
• Rekindle healthy, happy relationships with partners.
• Write extraordinary memoirs about their journey to inspire others.
• Sponsor other addicts and guide them towards recovery.
• Rise up the career ladder after homelessness and unemployment.
• Enjoy wholesome, honest and active lives.

7. Addicts are hopeless and they have no future.

Addiction without a doubt can destroy a life. However, recovering addicts are some of the most vibrant, successful people I know. They have such a thirst for the light of life after spending so much time suffering in darkness. They commit to recovery, gain wisdom from their experiences and relish in success they fight hard to achieve. Many become sponsors, counselors, speakers and writers so that they can guide others on the path of recovery.

These seven stigmas are just a few of many. I hope that by bringing the truth to light and expressing our own stories, we can promote awareness and empathy.