Rethinking Addiction: Beyond the Myths

Addiction is often misunderstood, and one key insight is that it is not merely a consequence of drug use. While drugs are frequently seen as the primary culprit, the reality is that many individuals use drugs responsibly without developing addiction. The approach of focusing solely on the dangers of drugs, akin to criminalizing fire for its hazards, overlooks the complexity of addiction and its roots in human experience. This perspective has led to systemic issues like mass incarceration and the birth of black market substances, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of addiction's dynamics.