Professionals in the field of substance abuse often argue that addiction is a “disease.”

As such, with the constant stereotype playing out on television and in movies, many people who are diligently attempting to battle the dreaded scourge of addiction get cast in the same, dismal role by those in society who fail to recognize anything other than what is portrayed on-screen.

In the multitude of police- and crime-related dramas, addicts are almost always portrayed as criminals. They are the shady informants, dealers, junkies, homeless and general dregs of society. However, in real life, that stigma is, quite often, far from the actuality of the situation. Truth be told, those suffering from addiction, once out of its immensely-terrifying clutches, can lead healthy, happy lives as productive members of society. Though there is always the potential for a relapse, it is no stretch of the imagination to see many former addicts successful for many years beyond their addictions. If you know someone who is struggling with addiction we can help you find treatment for them. People suffering from addictions do not have control over what they are doing, ingesting or abusing. In the recent past, the term “addiction” referred only to substances that altered the brain, causing hallucinogenic or behavior-modifying effects.

A considerable number of health care professionals now feel that psychological dependency, as in the forms of gambling, sex, internet, work, exercise, etc. should also be counted as dangerous addictions, because they can also lead to the same detrimental attributes as substance abuse. Regardless of the addiction, the effects are the same and carry the same negative connotations.For the vast majority of people suffering from addiction, society can be more harmful than the actual addiction, itself. Through constant degradation, divisiveness and casting them out of public discourse, many of those who tout their inclusion on the “straight and narrow” feel obligated to shun those who they perceive to be unworthy. However, there can be no excuse for the failure of those who can and do, from helping those who would, if possible.

Despite the overwhelming odds placed against them, addicts can emerge from the depths of despair and lead productive, healthy lives. Many have gone on to become some of the world’s greatest actors, comedians, musicians and politicians. Despite what society may attempt to dictate as the “worthlessness” of an addict, even one who has recovered, the mere fact that they have even come through the addiction and are now living life to the fullest is more of an accomplishment than society will ever attempt to acknowledge. The true test of an addict’s will is struggling through the recovery and coming out for the better at its end

Recovery from addiction is best achieved through a combination of self-management, support, and professional care, provided by a trained and compassionate professional. Though the decision to seek professional treatment may be one of the most challenging in an addict’s life, the results can be overwhelmingly positive.