As Forgiveness Sunday and Ash Wednesday have come to pass, this means that the Lenten season is in full swing. For so many Christian traditions, this is a time of reflection, self-discovery, and the shedding of habits or dependencies. While there is a spectrum of abstinence, some people complete a strict fast, as others give up coffee, Facebook, or soda, all efforts are laudable.
One way or another, people are nobly giving up something that they think is inhibiting them socially, personally, spiritually, or academically. Naturally, this season of shedding habits and dependencies proves to be a difficult time for those struggling with an addiction of any kind. Anyone who has struggled with addiction knows the pain, heartbreak, longing, and dejection that comes along with the fight. They know the judgement and public shame that comes from their admission of dependence; more than anything, they know the sincerity and acceptance that comes from others who share the struggles with them.
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First, let's clarify what is meant when the word "addiction" is used. Let's clarify that is it so much bigger than the typical drugs and alcohol, Red Ribbon Week imagery you get. It's most than the "Not Even Once" meth-prevention campaigns. Addiction comes in two genres, substance and behavior. The most widely recognized addictions come in the forms of nicotine dependency, alcoholism and drug abuse.
Drug addiction alone cost the US approximately $193 billion annually. While behavioral addictions are frequently overlooked as "not that serious" they can be the most detrimental in terms of self-image, self-efficacy, and familial destruction. Behavioral additions stem from increases in dopamine within the brain when a compulsion is completed. These compulsive behaviors include, but are not limited to: sex, gambling, over-eating, and extreme sports.
It's agreed that addiction itself is a problem, but what is overlooked as a problem is societal reactions to "addicts". Let's do an exercise in imagination...visualize for me, an addict. Do you see a ragged woman under tattered clothes on a street corner asking for spare money? Do you see someone you'd classify as low-class? Do you see a man you'd characterize as shady? Let me ask, could you imagine the girl you sit next to in history? How about the guy who is the life of the party? What about your boss?
For all you know, the girl in your history class can't stay awake for a midterm without popping an Adderall. The life of the party can't socialize without first downing a fifth of Jack. Your boss' wife just left him after he lost $10k in a poker game. The issue that arises from stereotypical imagery of addiction is an in-group/out-group bias. We start looking at people who are struggling with addiction as a "them" rather than connecting with them through compassion and understanding.
So, what do I propose we do? Educate yourselves and others on the different types of addiction and the implications that they can have on someone's life. Understand that addiction is a serious struggle, not something that these people "choose" to do. Recognize that not all addictions are visible. Most importantly, practice unconditional love and understanding for the people who honor you enough to let you into their struggle.
For anyone struggling with addiction, of any kind, please take advantage of the resources below. You are valued, you are bigger than this, you are not alone, and you will survive.
Alcoholism: http://www.aa.org
Compulsive Gambling: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org
Narcotic Abuse: https://www.na.org
General Addiction: http://www.smartrecovery.org
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
