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The Complexity of Substance Abuse and Society's Bias: Understanding the Science of Addiction and Need for Societal Connectedness as a Means for Healthy Recovery

Authors:

Abstract

As a disease, substance dependency (addiction) finds its origin in past trauma. Understanding that people struggling with addiction as a disease and are most likely victims of trauma, maybe we can be compassionate towards them. Recovery is possible if we treat the root of the disease, not just the symptoms.
Cronicon
OPEN ACCESS EC PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRYEC PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY
Short Communication
The Complexity of Substance Abuse and Society’s Bias: Understanding the
Science of Addiction and Need for Societal Connectedness as a Means for
Healthy Recovery
Christopher Shea*
Department of Counseling and Psychology, McDaniel College, USA
*Corresponding Author: Christopher Shea, Department of Counseling and Psychology, McDaniel College, USA.
Received: January 25, 2022; Published: January 31, 2022
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root of the disease, not just the symptoms.
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I have learned that more often than not, they are also running from past life memories of traumatic experiences. They lack strong and
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stance use disorder before they reach their 18th birthday (Behavioural consequences of child abuse). The reality of trauma is that it can
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person can be described as having experienced trauma. Levels of resiliency vary from person to person, so reactions to traumatic events
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
Citation: Christopher Shea.
Societal Connectedness as a Means for Healthy Recovery”. EC Psychology and Psychiatry 
Citation: Christopher Shea.
Societal Connectedness as a Means for Healthy Recovery”. EC Psychology and Psychiatry 
The Complexity of Substance Abuse and Society’s Bias: Understanding the Science of Addiction and Need for Societal
Connectedness as a Means for Healthy Recovery
100



 




    

behaviors.
 



ing and recovery.













    

 




Citation: Christopher Shea.
Societal Connectedness as a Means for Healthy Recovery”. EC Psychology and Psychiatry 
The Complexity of Substance Abuse and Society’s Bias: Understanding the Science of Addiction and Need for Societal
Connectedness as a Means for Healthy Recovery
101



      

a generational epidemic.

Many in society do not believe that addiction is a disease unlike any other mental health or medical disease. Their blaming the person



other person suffering from a medical disease, i.e. substance addiction.
When a person suffers a heart attack, they are rushed to the ER for immediate care, as they should. Once stabilized, the doctor provides







avoid another overdose, they need to make some lifestyle changes: stop using drugs, see a counselor, go to support meetings. They are
         


ance”.
     




              



Citation: Christopher Shea.
Societal Connectedness as a Means for Healthy Recovery”. EC Psychology and Psychiatry 
The Complexity of Substance Abuse and Society’s Bias: Understanding the Science of Addiction and Need for Societal
Connectedness as a Means for Healthy Recovery
102







      



     
body and the chemical changes in the brain occurring to those suffering from this disease. Since there are biological and physical changes
   




treatment programs for failures and relapses.




the feeling of disconnection. We place them outside of society through stigmatization, incarceration, refusing them treatment, making it




ety. Recall that both of these factors are contributors to relapse.




Volume 11 Issue 2 February 2022
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