The historical practice of decimation in the Roman army during the Third Servile War is much like how society treated substance use disorder, more commonly referred to as addiction, half a century ago. This punitive approach, akin to blaming a military unit for its failure, saw substance use disorder as an individual’s moral failing or personal weakness without much regard for the underlying causes. Societal attitudes often stigmatize those struggling with substance use disorder, shaming them and pushing them further away from the support they desperately need. This kind of societal response was rarely effective. It often exacerbated the issues rather than providing individuals with high-quality and valuable assistance.
Fear of stigma is one of the most significant barriers that prevent people from seeking help for substance use disorder. Often, individuals suffer in silence due to the shame and judgment they fear they would face if they admitted their addiction struggle. This is a harmful cycle, as the longer individual delays seeking help, the more challenging the journey to recovery can become. Breaking down the walls of stigma surrounding substance use disorder is hence of paramount importance. We must collectively foster an environment where those struggling to feel safe and empowered to seek assistance without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Our understanding and approach toward substance use disorder have significantly changed in recent years. Similar to the shift in military practices towards individual well-being, we now understand substance use disorder through a new, more compassionate lens. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) now defines addiction as a disease affecting the brain’s structure and function. This understanding marks a substantial shift in perspective. It underscores the importance of professional support and external help in managing this chronic condition.
At Recovery Cafe, we champion this new understanding and embody this compassionate approach. We offer a range of counseling and recovery services for individuals at any stage of their relationship with alcohol and other drugs. Our services are available online, making them accessible to individuals regardless of geographical location. Recognizing the modern era’s digital nature, we have optimized our services to be as accessible as possible, ensuring you can seek assistance from the comfort of your home.
In our approach, we acknowledge the complexity of substance use disorder as a disease while emphasizing the individual’s role and power in engaging with treatment and pursuing recovery; recognizing substance use disorder as a disease aids in reducing stigma and facilitating high-quality, valuable treatment and recovery. However, it’s crucial to underline that recognizing substance use disorder as a disease does not absolve individuals of their power or agency.
While societal understanding and treatment strategies for substance use disorder have evolved, the prevalence of the disorder remains high. This complexity mirrors modern militaries’ challenges in accommodating personal well-being and individual identities. However, we firmly believe that the first and most crucial step toward recovery is always a personal choice.
We must remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a testament to one’s strength. In the battle against substance use disorder, reaching out for support can make a crucial difference. It can mean the beginning of a journey toward recovery, personal growth, and liberation from the shackles of addiction.
At Recovery Cafe, we are committed to providing high-quality and valuable content and support for our users in their journey to recovery. It’s time to break the silence and end the stigma. The path to recovery begins with a choice, and we’re here to assist every step of the way.
Well written with good examples. There is still great stigma associated with mis-use alongside great praise for those committed to abstinence. I want to shout out to those “working on it” and those able to adopt other low risk choices with their substance use.
I am with you, Larry, hat’s off to everyone at every level. The key is to keep on keepin’ on, as we once said, but it still resonates today. Never give up.