Dr. Gabor Mate, a physician and bestselling author, warns that stigmas associated with drug abuse and addiction prevent addicts from getting the help they need.

"People addicted to power, money, sex, or gambling are not judged or looked at in the same light as drug addicts... 'People think that there is freewill involved,' said Mate."

This misconception often causes roadblocks when physicians, psychologists, and others attempt to open clinics or rehab centers for drug addicts, Male said Until the stigma is removed and people realize that drug addiction is a disease, he said, addicts will not be able to get all the help they need. Source: Cambridge Times (Canada)

Labels: compassion, judgement, support