Have you seen Johann Hari’s TED Talk on addiction, behaviour, and the infamous “War on Drugs”?
In this short, informative speech, Hari discusses the societal attitude toward addiction (the idea of “chemical hooks”) and how factors such as isolation, mental health, and lived experience affect addictive behaviour from one individual to another.
At SMART Recovery Australia, we fully subscribe to a harm minimisation philosophy, and Hari’s speech emphasises the need for greater compassion and inclusion of those at risk of addiction. As we’ve covered before, further isolating those who already live on the margins of our society will only exacerbate their health issues, both physical and mental. One of the many reasons support groups are so effective in managing any lifestyle change – from alcohol or drug addictions to those in remission from cancer – is that people who would otherwise feel alone and embattled find solace in a safe, confidential group setting, surrounded by people who know exactly what they are going through. SMART Recovery Australia aims to provide such a safe space with our weekly recovery meetings, which take place all over the country.
Source: https://www.ted.com/talks/johann_hari_everything_you_think_you_know_about_addiction_is_wrong