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People who slip into substance use disorder are normal people just like you & me. People who end up homeless in a shelter or on the street are normal people just like you & me. In fact, with a slightly different turn of fate, it could be you or me. Have empathy. Don't judge.
Each family is full of people from generations back who suffered some type of trauma, illness, condition, or disability. Many have conditions & don't know it. Strong family supports keep some in a home; some end up in jail; some on the street. Let's have compassion, not contempt.
People like to focus on choice. Sure, but so many make good choices & still struggle with mental health challenges. Some people call it fate/karma/destiny & lose their will to move forward. There is always hope for lifelong recovery, growth, prosperity. Everyone deserves to heal.
Some do everything by the book but live in oppressive systems. Race, gender, class, caste, faith, ethnicity, sexuality. Prejudice, discrimination, hatred. These factors contribute to trauma, mental illness, & substance use disorder. These are not excuses. Let's help, not hurt.
Distancing from the suffering of people is a coping mechanism to protect ourselves; but inaction is a betrayal of our own humanity. Our freedom & oppression is interconnected. Look with open heart and eyes, and you will see yourself. Our humanity is interconnected.
Trauma leaves an imprint in our genes. It carries from generation to generation. It sits with us in our hearts and minds from adolescence. Childhood trauma doesn't simply dissolve with age. Trauma makes people susceptible to mental illness & addiction. It is not a choice.
Mental illness is not a choice.
Substance use disorder is not a choice.
Funding police more than mental health is a choice.
Funding jails more than schools is a choice.
Substance use disorder is not a choice.
Funding police more than mental health is a choice.
Funding jails more than schools is a choice.
