Addiction is one of the most ubiquitous and ancient of humanity's afflictions. Whether it's gaming, gambling, social media, work, substances, or alcohol, most people have experience with one kind of dependency or another.

In 2017, 38% of US adults battled an illicit substance use disorder. Despite its universality, mainstream media and governments have conditioned a toxic attitude towards addiction, willfully ignoring the myriad factors that can lead to severe cases.

Even if they regularly use drugs themselves, many people are quick to judge those whose lives have been upturned by a substance or behavior. All too easily do we project our own values, circumstances, and experiences onto others: "Well, I sorted my life out. Why can't they?"

This is why, so that we may promote understanding and empathy, we view addiction from a holistic perspective. Paraphrasing Gabor Maté, "Addiction is not merely a disease of the brain, but rather a complex interplay of personal history, emotional development, and neurobiology."

As research shows, there is a significant genetic basis for how empathetic people are, however, the trait can actually be taught. Broadly speaking, capitalist society doesn't value or reward empathy, hence why it isn't taught in most schools.

When empathetic people are confronted with those who appear to lack it, they can easily descend into melancholy and frustration. However, considering the lack of awareness, being naturally empathic actually comes with the responsibility to guide others toward its cultivation.

Learning this skill is vital in supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. It allows us to better understand the experiences and emotions of those struggling with addiction, creating a caring, supportive environment for healing.

It enables us to effectively offer emotional support and express care, concern, and understanding in a mindful way. By creating a safe space, we can encourage those who suffer from addiction to share their feelings and assure them that we're there to help without judgment.

Firstly, we must educate ourselves about the complex and multifaceted nature of addiction, recognizing that it cannot be solely attributed to a lack of willpower or moral weakness. Examining and challenging our preconceived notions can help us better understand those affected.

By fostering the conditions for this trait to blossom - practicing it ourselves, guiding others, raising awareness, sharing accurate information, and advocating for widespread change - we'll be better placed to help the afflicted and break the stigma surrounding addiction.