Alcoholic. Addict. Out of control. We have heard all of the language addressing those who use alcohol and illicit drugs, but have we stopped to explore what it means to have a substance use disorder?
We know that this disease is medical and is chronic, meaning if left untreated, can worsen and result in death or disability. We know that addiction results from poor coping skills to meet one’s needs and address stress. Many addicts have personal experiences in their lives that lend to addiction. The places and situations people live through can contribute to developing a substance use disorder. Sometimes, addiction can be genetic. Some brains are more likely to become addicted than others. Mostly, developing a substance use disorder is a combination of all of the above.
Those of us that know or love an addict see them behave in ways that hurt themselves and others. We see our addicts try to stop, want to stop, but they do not have the control nor the ability to do so, even when bad things happen.
Years ago, those people with this disease were approached as if they were weak people who made poor moral choices. Many thought the addict brought the pain and unmanageability of addiction on themselves and their unlucky families.
We know now that this is not a disease of morality, but is instead a medical disorder that tears the people we love apart until there is nothing recognizable left. Much like cancer, or diabetes, or high blood pressure, if left untreated a person with substance use disorder will most certainly become very ill or may even die.
Here is the good news: treatment, whether voluntary or involuntary, has been shown to help those with substance use disorder better manage their symptoms.
Friends, even out here in Western Oklahoma, there is help. We have community mental health agencies which are skilled at addressing substance use disorders. The advances in technology today provide us with information and services that are easily available at the click of a mouse. Most towns and cities have active, thriving selfhelp meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous available free of charge to those who wish to find others that can help them work a program of recovery. There are even hotlines, such as dialing 211, that provide callers access to services to help them.
What I am saying is don’t give up. Know that there is help for those who suffer from this disease. Know there are allies, such as myself, that will happily point those who are struggling in the right direction, or lend a sympathetic ear. Know that the painful secret of addiction is one that need no longer be hidden away; there is help, there is healing, there are people who understand. Our silence and apathy can kill. Please know if you or a loved one is struggling, there is hope. Reach out. We can combat this disease when we speak up, learn about the disease, and march forward together.
Look for more articles similar to this one in the future.
This is the first in an ongoing series by Sarah Mears-Ivy, coordinator of the Washita-Custer County Treatment Court, regarding substance use disorders and the social and legal issues stemming from them. Sarah knows a thing or two about addiction and recovery. Daughter, sister, and friend to many wonderful people who have battled substance use disorder, codependency, and mental health stigma. Survivor. Advocate for those who are not yet ready to fight alone.