“I see that addiction generally has 2 state of minds and neither is better than the other. I wanted to indicate the possibility of escaping this mind of maze. It may be a difficult path, but to face the problems and be in peace with them is a good start”. Yagmur Altan (@(yagmur-altan), artist
Hey, Tumblr, today we’re taking the opportunity to talk to you all about addiction as part of our Mental Health Month campaign. We understand that some of these topics can be triggering so please take care of yourself while reading.
Addiction is a classified chronic brain disease that affects your brain over time. NIDA (National Institute of Drug Abuse) explains that addiction is defined by compulsive drug seeking, continued use of harmful consequences that inevitably have long lasting effects on your brain. Because addiction affects your brain, it ultimately also affects the whole body. We also want to take the time to introduce a new way of thinking or talking about addiction. Instead of using the term “abuse”, the best term to use it “misuse”. The term “abuse,” which increases the stigma of addiction, a better term to use is, “misuse”. The term suggests, in a non-stigmatizing way, that the addiction can cause harm to the person or to their friends/family.
According to the Center of Addiction, 40 million Americans from the age of 12 and older misuse or are addicted to nicotine, alcohol or other illegal or prescription drugs.
One particularly prevalent addiction is opioids. The National Institute of Drug Abuse mentions that about 21% to 29% of people who are prescribed opioids for chronic pain end up misusing them; from there, about 8% to 12% end up developing an addiction. Some symptoms of an addiction to drugs can range include: impaired speech, changes in appetite, sudden weight loss, changes in mood or disinterest in engaging in relationships or activities.
Having an addiction is not easy, especially if you also have a mental illness. This is called “co-occurring disorders” or “dual diagnosis”. Co-occurring disorders are common: 8 out of 21 people with a substance use disorder also have a diagnosed mental illness. You might use substances to cope when you’re feeling depressed or anxious or having an episode, and not using might case you the same difficult symptoms. It can be hard cycle to break.
Today we remember someone who has been an advocate for issues such as addiction and trauma. Austin Eubanks was one of the survivors for the Columbine shooting that happened in 1999. The Columbine attack left 12 classmates dead and Austin shot in the knee and hand. Though Austin’s body recovered, his trauma still affected him and he was given prescription drugs to overcome the pain.Austin’s advocacy work went as far as also doing an Issue Time with us about addiction, the signs of addiction, and recovery opportunities that our community can take.
We’re thankful for Austin Eubanks and for all his work. We send condolences out to his family and friends.
If you are—or think you might be—struggling with an addiction, we want you to know that you are not alone. There are many resources such as the Nation Institute of Drug Abuse, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or Shatterproof to help you or your loved ones.
Here are some resources UK, & Germany. if you are outside of U.S. Germany, UK, check out Mental Health Europe’s resources
Tumblr, how have you coped with your addiction? Use the tag #postitforward to share your story.
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