Addiction means something different to each and every person. To some it is something they or loved ones have had to deal with, others see it in celebrities/people they look up to, and some really know nothing of it other than media or television.

But to me, it is nothing to be ashamed of.

People can be addicted to many things from shopping to eating, yet where the stigma comes in is when we start dealing with drugs or alcohol. Don't get me wrong, those things are nothing to be proud of but we should NEVER be treating these people like less than, especially if they open up and want help.

I firmly believe that addiction is a disease and not only it being a disease but it can also be in a family's gene pool. Many people and researchers such as the Center on Addiction, Health Harvard Blog, and Addiction Campuses believe that it is a chronic disease. Research is showing how some people are more susceptible (genes). In knowing this, we cannot be pushing these people away and making them feel worse than they already do. We can't just stand by and help them in a way only conducive to yourself.

There are many different ways to help people with addiction. Taking them to get help, not embarrassing them, respecting them as a person, and most importantly to be kind. The ignominy that comes from being an "addict" in our society let alone wanting to open up to someone and ask for help is downright scary.

If someone ever reaches out notice how brave they are and take them in with an open mind. If you see someone with a problem with drugs or alcohol do not try to judge them because if we do that we are further ostracizing addicts from society. Do not let this be a disease we refuse to acknowledge and lose even more of our loved ones.

Above all else BE KIND.