Chemical dependency is described as a long term, relapsing brain disease, one that’s defined by an uncontrollable need to find and use a substance. Northlake Recovery has done some research about the history of the term “Addiction”, and how to combat the negativity surrounding this issue.

Although treatment experts and a modest part of the general population see substance abuse in this manner, much of our culture look at addiction rather differently: as an ethical and character flaw.

The History of Addiction Labeling

So where did the communities’ heavily ingrained perspective on addiction come from? As explained by the Great Lakes Addiction Technology Transfer Center, this destructive position on substance abuse can be traced all the way back to the early 1800’s.

A Few of the Considerable Bullet Points in the History of Addiction Preconception Include:

• Opiate addicts in the 1800’s were solely defined in journalism as individuals of color, including African Americans and Chinese immigrants, even though a sizable portion of white middle and upper-class women were addicted, at the same time.
• In the early 1900’s, alcoholics were referred to as “moral inferiors.” Their kids were even identified as “born criminals” with no power to identify right from wrong.
• In 1914, the Harrison Anti-Narcotic Act was passed and strongly implemented. This not only criminalized addicts, along with treating physicians, but also numerous existing treatment techniques.
• In the late 1950’s and early ’60’s, many health groups set up to treat substance abuse required candidates to sit quietly for hours before their intake interviews. And in those meetings, applicants were required to admit they were “stupid.”.
• Because of “zero-tolerance” protocols, such as the War on Drugs in the 1970’s, society’s concentration switched from treatment to criminalization as a “solution” to chemical dependency. Consequently, incarceration rates (in addition to substance abuse rates) have escalated in recent years.

Transforming Viewpoints.

Even right now, despite the mountains of documentation proving chemical dependency is a chronic disease, the humiliation surrounding substance abuse continues to be very common. This misleading way of thinking is hazardous because it gives into the vicious cycle of addiction and prevents anyone from finding treatment. Individuals fighting substance abuse issues continuously confront stigma-based obstructions, whether it’s looking for employment, housing, or even health insurance.

Fortunately, we can all participate in slowly removing the unfavorable stigma related to substance abuse. Here’s how:

Get Support: Sustaining drug and alcohol use only bolsters the stereotypes related to addiction. Looking for treatment and being straightforward throughout the recovery experience can help others recognize the true features of chemical dependency, instead of the version they’ve developed in their minds.

Share Your Experience: When you’re straightforward and honest about your problems, you relate to people on a deeper level. Others can then see you as an actual person, and not just a cliche.

Research study: Discover everything you can about the disease experience of drug and alcohol dependency. By completely understanding the disease of chemical dependency, you can enlighten others, which allows them to see someone with a substance abuse issue as an individual worthy of empathy.

Finding Help for Addiction.

Regardless of the stigmas about addiction, there are plenty of options for you or your loved one. Call Northlake Recovery today to find out how we can help you combat this vicious cycle not only in your home, but how our techniques effect the community beyond personal care. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call now for your free assessment (561)-770-6616. Addiction help is one phone call away.