We want to talk about addiction.

Rather than shame, let’s explore hope.             [Addiction is not a moral failing]( Almost every single one of us has been personally impacted by addiction. For decades, this conversation contained misinformation and problematic assumptions. Today, we know that addiction is an illness that does not discriminate. It can impact anyone no matter their race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, or sexuality. And while it looks and feels uniquely different for each and every one of us, treatment is available and recovery is possible. No matter how you’re connected to this reality, we want you to know this: No one facing addiction chose to develop this disease. Substance use disorder is not a moral failing or a character flaw. The truth about addiction. Substance use disorder is similar to cancer or other chronic illnesses. When you experience cardiovascular disease, heart damage can occur. Addiction is the same, but instead of the heart, it targets the brain. For many of us, we experience a surge of dopamine when eating a delicious meal or engaging in our favorite physical activity. When utilizing a substance, the exact same dopamine release can occur. Our brain does this to both reward our behavior and encourage it to continue. This can result in personality changes, which is why so many feel like those they love become different people practically overnight. When you get a cancer diagnosis, blaming yourself does nothing to rid your body of the cancer. The same is true of substance use disorders. And while there are many varying types of treatment available, we know anger or shame can feel like effective tools. But the truth is, those struggling with cravings and withdrawals need compassion, community, and connection. [Globally, we lose one in five people due to substance use.] [Over 8 million people report battling both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, or co-occuring disorders.] [Opioids kill more than 136 Americans every day.] [Over 35 million people suffer from drug use disorders. ] 1 United Nations World Drug Report 2021 | 2 World Health Organization 3 Centers for Disease Control & Prevention [Addiction is not a moral failing]( Almost every single one of us has been personally impacted by addiction. For decades, this conversation contained misinformation and problematic assumptions. Today, we know that addiction is an illness that does not discriminate. It can impact anyone no matter their race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, or sexuality. And while it looks and feels uniquely different for each and every one of us, treatment is available and recovery is possible. No matter how you’re connected to this reality, we want you to know this: No one facing addiction chose to develop this disease. Substance use disorder is not a moral failing or a character flaw. The truth about addiction. Substance use disorder is similar to cancer or other chronic illnesses. When you experience cardiovascular disease, heart damage can occur. Addiction is the same, but instead of the heart, it targets the brain. For many of us, we experience a surge of dopamine when eating a delicious meal or engaging in our favorite physical activity. When utilizing a substance, the exact same dopamine release can occur. Our brain does this to both reward our behavior and encourage it to continue. This can result in personality changes, which is why so many feel like those they love become different people practically overnight. When you get a cancer diagnosis, blaming yourself does nothing to rid your body of the cancer. The same is true of substance use disorders. And while there are many varying types of treatment available, we know anger or shame can feel like effective tools. But the truth is, those struggling with cravings and withdrawals need compassion, community, and connection. [Globally, we lose one in five people due to substance use. ]( [ver 8 million people report battling both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, or co-occuring disorders.]( [Opioids kill more than 136 Americans every day.]( [Over 35 million people suffer from drug use disorders. ]( 1 United Nations World Drug Report 2021 | 2 World Health Organization | 3 Centers for Disease Control & Prevention You are not alone. More than anything, you deserve to know this—you are not alone. We hope these stories find you like a friend and support you in the truth that you and your body deserve kindness and care. [Being a safe space for someone who self-injures.]( [Here. Now. In Good Company.]( [I Am Not Going Anywhere]( You are not alone. More than anything, you deserve to know this—you are not alone. We hope these stories find you like a friend and support you in the truth that you and your body deserve kindness and care. [You Don't Have to Live Like This](   [Relapse, Recovery, and Resolutions](   [I'm an alcoholic and my name is Tori.]( [Life After My Mom's Overdose]( [Bless This Mess]( [READ MORE]( Your story is important. To continue sharing as many lived experiences as possible on the TWLOHA Blog, we’re asking for your voice. If you’re willing and able, we’d be honored to hear what your addiction path has been like and what recovery has felt like. You can send a 400-900 word draft (no PDFs) for consideration to our editorial staff [here.](mailto:blog@twloha.com) (Please note this is a volunteer-based opportunity.) [Recovery is worth fighting for]( Here’s what we believe: The opposite of addiction is not sobriety, it’s community. Like any other mental health struggle, isolation only furthers the negative feelings we’re experiencing. Those of us here at TWLOHA who have a personal connection to substance use disorder believe in treatment and know that it truly does get better. Healing is not a one-size-fits-all process and we hope you’ll explore the different avenues to recovery that are available to you. And remember, you are not broken and you are worthy of love. [EXPLORE THE RESOURCES]( For those who love someone struggling with addiction. We know the pain that comes from witnessing someone you love struggle. That feeling of helplessness can seem unbearable, but you deserve to hold space for your own processing and healing. If you or someone you know has been impacted by an individual facing substance use disorder, support is out there. [FIND OUT MORE]( [READ MORE]( Your story is important. To continue sharing as many lived experiences as possible on the TWLOHA Blog, we’re asking for your voice. If you’re willing and able, we’d be honored to hear what your addiction path has been like and what recovery has felt like. You can send a 400-900 word draft (no PDFs) for consideration to our editorial staff [here.](mailto:blog@twloha.com)(Please note this is a volunteer-based opportunity.) [There are alternative ways to cope.]( Here’s what we believe: The opposite of addiction is not sobriety, it’s community. Like any other mental health struggle, isolation only furthers the negative feelings we’re experiencing. Those of us here at TWLOHA who have a personal connection to substance use disorder believe in treatment and know that it truly does get better. Healing is not a one-size-fits-all process and we hope you’ll explore the different avenues to recovery that are available to you. And remember, you are not broken and you are worthy of love. [EXPLORE THE RESOURCES]( For those who love someone struggling with addiction. We know the pain that comes from witnessing someone you love struggle. That feeling of helplessness can seem unbearable, but you deserve to hold space for your own processing and healing. If you or someone you know has been impacted by an individual facing substance use disorder, support is out there. [FIND OUT MORE]( [facebook]( [twitter]( [YouTube]( [instagram]( [TikTok](tiktok.com/@twloha) ☰✕ [GET INVOLVED]( [BLOG]( [DONATE]( [STORE]( [FIND HELP]( PO Box 2203, Melbourne, FL 32902, USA [View This Email Online]( • [Edit Your Email Preferences]( [facebook]( [twitter]( [YouTube]( [instagram]( [TikTok](tiktok.com/@twloha) ☰✕ [GET INVOLVED]( [BLOG]( [DONATE]( [STORE]( [FIND HELP]( PO Box 2203, Melbourne, FL 32902, USA [View This Email Online]( • [Edit Your Email Preferences](