The Underlying Causes of Addiction

Donald Flowers Jr. shares how the roots of his addiction lie deeply intertwined with his identity as a gay man, shaped by societal stigma and personal trauma. Growing up in a conservative environment that labeled his orientation as an abomination led to years of self-loathing and emotional distress. He found escape in substance use, starting with alcohol at a young age and progressing to other drugs as a means to cope with rejection and bullying. The absence of love and acceptance in his formative years fueled his addiction, highlighting the crucial impact of societal pressures on mental health.