As a recovering addict I found myself nodding all the way through the video. A particular moment that was most pertinent and had me say 'yes' out loud: "Addicti

As a recovering addict I found myself nodding all the way through the video. A particular moment that was most pertinent and had me say 'yes' out loud: "Addiction is not the primary problem, its an attempt to solve a problem'. This resonated with me so much. When I took pain medication (opiates) it was not for some hedonistic / pleasure seeking reason, its because it solved my ailment by providing me with near on instant and immense relief from the emotional pain of unresolved trauma , trauma that was with me every waking moment. This is the paradox of addiction. You know the drug will screw up your life, cause break up of families, result in criminal convictions which society will punish you with for life (I can't travel to certain countries from multiple possession charges), but there is no other solution around. The very substance that is destroying your life and seeing society punish you over, is also a warm comforting protective friend who takes away the pain. Punishing the addict for taking a drug, is almost equal to punishing someone for taking a tylenol to resolve a headache. When you watch an addict take an opiate, they lay down and smile with a look of contentment, it's the sign of relief from suffering. This is why my own belief is that society has a cruel and antiquated approach to drug addiction. Addicts are sick people needing help, and all we do is cast them out of society and make it more of a challenge for them to rehabilitate. Addicts relapse as they cannot find an alternative that works.