What starts as a voluntary choice—trying a substance, placing a bet, scrolling for “just a few minutes”—can quickly become a cycle the brain learns to crave. When we see addiction as a disease, we’re more likely to respond with compassion rather than judgment. Understanding addiction changes how we get through it and help our loved ones through it.

Recognizing that addiction isn’t one-size-fits-all is the first step in having more compassion. When we understand that someone can be “put together” and still be deeply hurting, we stop relying on stereotypes and start opening space for real, honest conversations.