Disclaimer: This post and corresponding series discuss topics related to drug use and addiction. I encourage you to recognize and respect your limitations in consuming sensitive content.

What comes to mind when you hear the words “addiction,” “substance abuse,” or “junkie”? The story that American culture tells about drug use is typically one of drama, glamour, and moral flaws. The media also tends to profile certain “types” of people who struggle with addiction. I hope to provide insight on some of the hidden narratives behind drug addiction, and to dispel myths that our sociopolitical culture perpetuates.

My journey as a counselor has included working in the field of addiction, providing counseling in treatment centers, and conducting assessments for substance abuse. I partly attribute this to the opioid epidemic and the desperate need for clinicians nationwide. More so, I attribute this to my fascination with the human brain’s capacity for chemical dependence and the biopsychosocial ramifications.

In this series of blog posts I’ll discuss different types of drugs (stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and opioids), explore the process of chemical dependency, and share hidden narratives behind addiction.