Drug Abuse has Become America’s Problem

The American society has reached a point where, according to the National Survey on Drug Abuse and Health, over 28 million American citizens over the age of 12 suffer from a disease related to drug addiction. Addictions are some of the most challenging issues in the twenty-first century. Our modern society still perceives ongoing addictions as stigmas and sees the diseased people as being immoral, weak, deceptive, and having failed at upholding high values. However, stigmatizing this worldwide issue creates a barrier for those willing to ask for help and get proper treatment.

The negative perceptions that the majority of the population follows are among the main reasons that continuously affect the biopsychosocial model of addiction.

Suffering from an addiction has been defined as a medical disease, however, in people’s minds, it still falls under the negative types of worthless acts of humanity. A simple reaction of the human brain is to quickly judge certain addictions without seeking to understand the actual root of the issue might be. Our society acts lightning-fast when it comes to hating the diseased and despising their behavior. If we think about it more carefully, we have all faced addiction at some point in our lives - food, alcohol, drugs, a person, a song, a place, or even a memory. Addiction can be found in many different forms, substantial or triggered only by our minds, and society creates a significant impact on the amount of public support, or the lack thereof.

Our world is now facing two opposing positions - those supporting the addicts and others who choose to despise and belittle them. It will most certainly always be that way. The fact that we are all different in our beliefs and raised with different values is enough by itself to prove that there will always be an ongoing argument about whether addictions are socially accepted. Depending on the culture, background, family history, and many other factors affecting our perceptions, this controversy will likely continue its existence for many more decades. The ambivalence that exists within our society can be proved by the rising number of rehabilitation clinics throughout the world while, at the same time, many patients feel highly discriminated against after they speak up about their addiction.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the biopsychosocial model of addiction. According to Borrell-Carrio (2004) in The Biopsychological Model 25 years later, "biological, genetic, personality, psychological, cognitive, social, cultural, and environmental factors" are the main causes of addiction disorders. The model shows that the body and the mind act interpersonally and thus create the foundation of the disease. However, the suggested biological predisposition doesn’t influence the personal choice that one has before turning to illegal substances. This genetic condition only plays a significant role in increasing the risk of addiction, not necessarily inheriting the full terms of the disease.

In Scripture, there aren't any direct statements about the biopsychological model of addiction, but it does discuss temptation, sin, and how to turn away from evil. A very relevant citation would come from 1 Corinthians 15:33: "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.'" Another apt reference, describing the extent of His love and protection from all evil if we resist temptation, can be found in James 1:12-15: "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil and Himself tempts no one." Those who are facing an addiction must learn and accept that God still loves them in times of trial. Endurance is not something we are born with, but a skill we develop throughout our entire existence. James reminds his readers not to doubt or stop relying on Him when they are suffering and feeling lost. Only He can heal us and show us the way if we decide to turn away from sin.

Similar to most diseases, addiction can be treated and cured as long as the patients are willing to seek help. Medical history is replete with examples of addicts who manage to recover and never revert to their previous temptations. While it's popular to discuss much-needed integration and acceptance, some issues in today's society remain heavily stigmatized. A crucial first step would be deciding to understand the root of the biopsychosocial problem itself and gathering additional information about the numerous existing treatment options. That step, however, must be taken willingly.

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