IS ADDICTION A DISEASE OR SIMPLY A CHOICE?

Nothing causes the most seemingly sane, rational, calm person to lose their mind and have an opinion more than these eight words. 

We live in a society that says it encourages understanding, compassion, empathy, non-discrimination yes that addiction is a disease but that is not how it is treated. It just isn't and that's the truth.

We see huge promotional campaigns worldwide raising funds and awareness for diseases. Millions walk with big bright pink bows supporting breast cancer, buckets of water on Facebook supporting ALS research, prostate cancer and parkinsons. Everywhere we turn there is a cause, a rally. I can't even go to Walmart or buy an ice cream at a local drive thru without being asked to donate. But until now nothing really to bring attention to Addiction. Why is that? That isn't really a question. 

We watch in the media as mayor Rob Ford unravels in Toronto due to an addiction, and he instantly becomes worldwide news and the butt of all jokes on late night TV. Would they do that if he had Alzheimer's? Why is this ok?

How about the girl that tells me that addiction is simply a choice. No one would actively choose this life, not for themselves, certainly not for the ones they love. When I calmly ask the question back, "If your mother or grandfather smoked for 20 years and got emphysema, is that what you would say to them?" I am met with an awkward silence. Of course not. And that loved one would immediately get all the medical attention they need, for as long as they need it, FOR FREE. (In Canada anyway)

I am so proud to be a part of a recovery movement. A face and a voice as everyone has been silent for far too long. Anonymous-we all know that word. I don't want to be anonymous, in fact quite the opposite is true. My outspoken attitude makes some people uncomfortable-and that's ok. Uncomfortable gets people talking, uncomfortable challenges people on their beliefs.

You know someone I know very well said to me "Your brother was a junkie and deserved to die, he had more than enough chances." I am not going to spend my life arguing, debating, letting people break my spirit for the truth I know and believe with all of my heart. It doesn't surprise me that we live in a world where some believe this, what surprises me is that we live in a world where it is ok to say it out loud. What I remind myself when I speak of addiction is that this way of thinking is not at all about my addicted brother's character, it is about theirs. 

#eliminatestigma #nomoreanonymous #addictionawareness

Jodee Prouse is a keynote speaker on Addiction & Recovery

She is a motivational speaker alberta & Author of the upcoming addiction book The Sun is Gone.

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