May 12
7
According to Gil Kerlikowski, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Obama Administration is revolutionizing the government’s approach to drug control.
Historically, drug addiction has been viewed only as a crime, and addicts have been punished for their choices. Today, addiction is being viewed as a treatable disease, recognizing recovery as an option. It took a long time, but they finally realize arresting and confining addicts isn’t solving the problem. It’s about time.
Since the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous by Bill W. in 1935, there have been many attempts to enlighten the general “sober” public to the journey of an addict. Only in the very recent years have things begun to change. Accepting addiction as a disease which can be treated, and not a choice people make, is a huge leap forward. Nobody has ever woken up and exclaimed, “I am starting my addiction today!” Right? It’s almost funny, but it shows, in very clear terms, that addiction isn’t a choice.
Through education of the public, education by successful recovery programs, and appropriate law enforcement, the world of addiction is coming closer to seeing an end to addiction as a possibilty. But it could take decades or longer to see addiction eradicated. The most critical aspect to address is education. People get addicted to pills because they think if a doctor prescribes them, they’re safe. Even when used as directed, it’s not always true. The proof is that prescription pills are the second leading cause of accidental death in America.
Until a problem is understood, it can’t be fixed. It seems the government is beginning to understand what the families of addicts learned a long time ago. Addiction is a disease, and you have to learn how to manage it or, more often than not, it will kill you. And that’s something you can bank on.
