When a loved one struggles with addiction, it can be helpful to remember that their addiction is a disease. Addiction is often rooted in a childhood trauma or genetic predisposition, meaning the addict may not be able to change their behavior without outside help, just as they wouldn't be able to heal from cancer on their own. That's why building a strong support system around your loved one is so important.

Giving up addiction gives you more than just what you give up. It also lets you reclaim a huge part of your life that addiction has taken away. That one change can be enough to turn everything else in your life around, too.

Addiction is a disease. It affects millions of Americans and has touched every single one of our lives in some way. Whether it is you who is struggling with addiction or someone close to you, the impact can be devastating. It affects us on psychological, physical, social, financial and emotional levels. And when we decide to overcome this disease it takes strength - more strength than most can fathom. We must have grace for ourselves because we are only human and our journey will not always be smooth sailing (especially if we are dealing with mental illness). But please know that there are resources out there for you! You don't need to feel stuck in your addiction. You can get out and live the life you deserve!