The Real Culprit: Why Our Fight Against Drugs Misses the Mark

Let’s end the war on drug users. Let’s SAFE our children.

Photo by Jack Sharp on Unsplash

Hey there, families! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re grappling with the complexities of a loved one’s journey through problematic substance use or addiction. It’s a path fraught with confusion, heartache, and often a sense of helplessness. But what if I told you that our collective battle against drugs might actually be part of the problem, not the solution?

Understanding the Roots of Substance Use

Before we dive deep, let’s pause and reflect on why people turn to alcohol and other drugs in the first place. At its core, substance use often stems from an attempt to soothe pain, whether it’s emotional, physical, or psychological. It’s a form of self-medication, an attempt to silence the din of trauma, stress, or unmet needs. I ask myself, why would someone not want to be themselves for a few hours?

Imagine a child, who instead of learning to navigate their emotions or heal from their wounds, finds temporary solace in drugs. It’s not the substance that’s the core issue but the pain and the absence of healthier coping mechanisms. It’s the relationship between the person and the painkiller that gets to be explored.