Many addictions, whether substance-related or behavioral, are rooted in a universal fear of death, and addressing this fear can lead to healing.

People with severe addiction often seek extreme highs and lows, which can lead to an addiction to the recovery community itself.

The relationship between trauma and addiction is complex; trauma can lead to stress, which drives individuals to seek relief through addictive behaviors.

Those affected by addiction need science-based treatment, compassion, and a shift in societal perception to view addiction as a health issue rather than a moral failing. I think about how much time I lost with people I loved because of the tough love model, where I thought I shouldn't see them until they stopped using or drinking. You miss out on precious moments that you can't get back.

Legalizing all drugs could lead to many addicts who wouldn't have been addicts otherwise, and it raises concerns about people's ability to handle them.

The COVID pandemic made people aware of the flaws in our healthcare system and empowered them to take charge of their health.

The fear of disappearing often masks a deeper fear of death, which many people, including those with addictions, grapple with.

Trauma is a significant driver of substance use, with studies showing that 40 to 60% of addiction risk is genetic, while the other half is influenced by trauma.

One in three people may struggle with alcohol at some point in their lives, and globally, 2.6 million people die from alcohol-related causes each year.