TRAPPED

One in fourteen Americans struggles with substance misuse, and over 100,000 people have died in in the past year from drug overdose. Addiction cuts across income, education, age, race, and class lines. Though science has described addiction as a complex brain disease influenced by genetic and environmental factors, it is still widely viewed as a moral failing among society at large, the media, our justice system, and even healthcare providers. Unfortunately, the stigma associated with addiction not only discourages people from getting help, but also further entrenches their substance use. In an effort to educate myself and others, I interview experts from the field of addiction medicine as well as people in recovery to hear about their unique experiences with use disorders.​