Building resilience and connection early on is crucial to prevent addiction, as these factors are deeply related to adverse childhood experiences.

We need to shift from a 'sick care' mindset to a preventive approach, utilizing compelling data to demonstrate the effectiveness of preventive measures.

To effectively address addiction, it's important to help individuals recognize when their state is shifting towards substance use, allowing for intervention before the behavior becomes inevitable. This requires a deep understanding of their mental and emotional states.

In therapy, it's important to understand the patterns developed in childhood to address systemic challenges within the family system.

The opposite of addiction is connection; building relationships and community is crucial for recovery and preventing substance use.

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.

When someone is in the throes of addiction, my first focus is on stabilizing them physically before addressing underlying stressors.

It's crucial to approach conversations about addiction without shame, treating it as a disease rather than a moral failing, to foster open dialogue and support.

Coming from a tough environment in Philadelphia during the crack epidemic, I learned the importance of community and family support.