They Don't Get Flowers in Detox : Why Substance Abuse Should be Considered a Chronic Medical Illness

Substance abusers look like everyone else; they go to work, support their families, and participate in community activities.

They are different in that they compulsively use a substance that is damaging: cocaine, heroin, alcohol, nicotine, or other drugs.

Some observers argue that addiction is a choice, and the stigma is building.

Here, Barnes argues that addiction deserves the same compassion and treatment as other diseases.

Backed by the latest brain research, she explains why we should remove the stigma of addiction, and why it is unjust and ineffective that most healthcare plans offer far less coverage for addiction, compared to the coverage offered for diseases such as diabetes and other chronic illness.