Addiction is not a choice. How will you help someone who is struggling?

Miki MacDonald, a family nurse practitioner at St. Joe’s Internal Medicine, sat down with Wayne Harvey on WABI TV 5’s Healthy Start segment last week.

They talked about the science of addiction and what needs to happen for those struggling with a substance use disorder to overcome this illness. No one makes the conscience choice to become addicted. In fact, there are some predispositions that may lead to addiction. For example: emotional stress, mental illness, substance use at an early age, trauma and genetics.

Miki MacDonald, family nurse practitioner at St. Joe's Internal Medicine. (Photo by Amy Kenney)

Miki MacDonald, family nurse practitioner at St. Joe’s Internal Medicine. (Photo by Amy Kenney)

However overcoming the addiction eventually takes willingness. Those suffering decide they need to get better. That’s when it’s especially important for the right treatment to be available. The brain is the affected organ here; it’s impaired by the substance — even if you used today or 10 days ago. It takes great strength, perseverance and support to succeed.

We need to understand that this is an illness — not a moral failing. For someone struggling with a substance use disorder, to get better requires an amazing amount of support from family, friends, the community and government officials. What can you do today to help someone who is suffering?

Thank you, Miki. Check out the TV clip here: wabi.tv/2016/02/24/healthy-start-substance-use-addiction.