There are many thoughts today about addicts, whether they be about drug addicts, on obesity, or alcoholics. Point being, there are many different types of addictions known today, but I would like to discuss the world wide topic specifically known as drug addicts. Everyone is allowed their own opinions, for it is apart of our First Amendment, granting us all the freedom of speech.

With that being said, I am here to state mine.

I have first handily experienced what the power of addiction can do to a family, in more ways than one. I do not, in any way shape or form, hate the addict. That is right, I said it. I do not hate them. I full heartedly hate the drug and the disease. In conclusion, I do believe addiction is a disease.

Now bear with me, for you may not agree.

We can all agree that they did indeed choose to take the first step towards addiction, whether it have been smoking marijuana, shooting heroin, snorting cocaine, or taking a prescription drug. However, what was the underlying issue that lead to this bad decision?

No one wakes up one day and says,"I think I'm going to take a step towards ruining my life."

They do however think, "How can I get rid of feeling this way?"

They could be in pain for numerous reasons. The addict could be dealing with anxiety, depression, or countless types of mental/physical health issues. They seek drugs to relieve what they do not want to be feeling, just like how we would think about taking an aspirin for a headache. Our thinking process, of course, is more logical, but to them that is how they are wired. I am in no way defending them, but I am just trying to get you to understand they do not just wake up and seek out ways to ruin the lives of themselves and the ones around them.

We also how to think about just how there is good and bad people in the world, there is good and bad addicts as well. You may not understand, nor agree, so I'll elaborate.

Remember that athlete in high school you swore would make it to play in college, but ended up in a bad accident junior year and had to get multiple surgeries? She now is addicted to prescription pain killers and its been three years after her last surgery. She was never a bad person though, right? I made this up to prove a point. The point is that things like this actually happen. Good, innocent people that have everything planned out, have never even smoked before, can end up addicted. People would willingly want to get them help though, right? Because they didn't choose that path.

But didn't they?

Didn't they continue to take the pills even after they were better?

Why didn't they just stop?

We all see the situation differently. Some people would see that situation as the person being weak, but I see it as their brain becoming wired to function normally with the pills. The whole point, again, is that someone becoming addicted after an accident or surgeries was never a bad person. There is also addicts that go to work every single day trying to get their lives back on track, but because they are wired differently they fall back into the same slump. Sadly, it is mostly because they are not happy with who they are, or because they do not have the support. Did you know that if addiction runs in the family you are more likely to become an addict yourself? Addiction is hereditary due to ones genetics.

Yes, there are addicts out there that are criminals running around committing crimes daily. However, that doesn't speak for them all. There's a difference between addicts that feel hopeless and want help, and ones that are narcissistic and no longer care. The ones seeking help, feel as if they will be judged and shunned by today's society. They are all seen as weak junkies that only care about themselves. That is not always the case. You'd be surprised how much attention and approval they are actually seeking from their loved ones.

Addicts are not weak, they are scared.

Instead of shunning them, show them you are there and with your support. You'd be surprised how much a little it could do.

Disclaimer: I in no way condone addiction in any circumstance, but this is my opinion on the subject for I have witnessed the effects first hand. I am also seeking a degree in Psychology at Missouri State to help with drug addiction so I do feel strongly on the subject.