Addiction is often seen as a personal failure, a sign of weakness, or a lack of willpower. However, mental health experts argue that this perspective is not only outdated but also harmful.
Dr. Nazeem Abrahams, founder of Lighthouse on the Horizon, and Raeesah Abdulla, a recovering addict, challenge these misconceptions by shedding light on the psychological roots of addiction.
“Rehabilitation addiction is really a mental health issue,” explains Dr. Abrahams. “Like any other mental health issue, depression, psychosis, or any other illness, it must be treated with the same level of care.”
He emphasises that addiction is not simply a bad habit but rather a condition that stems from deep emotional struggles.
For many in conservative communities, the stigma surrounding addiction is often more damaging than the addiction itself. Raeesah Abdulla has seen firsthand how societal shame prevents people from seeking help.
“There are a lot of women in our communities, be they teenagers or elderly women, that suffer or struggle with addiction or mental health disorders. Because of the stigma, people are afraid to speak out and to ask for help,” she shares.
The fear of judgment keeps many suffering in silence, worsening their condition and limiting their chances of recovery.
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Denial and the need for proper support
Denial within families also plays a significant role in prolonging addiction. In an effort to protect their loved ones, many parents resort to restrictive measures, hoping that keeping their children at home will prevent them from falling deeper into substance abuse.
Dr. Abrahams warns against this approach. “We can keep them in the house, we can lock them up, but if we don’t give them the proper help they need, they are ill; they’re only going to get worse,” he states. The real solution, he argues, is professional intervention, therapy, and emotional support.
One of the most eye-opening moments in the discussion is Dr. Abrahams’ perspective on addiction as a universal human experience. “In effect, we all are addicts; are we not? Every one of us is addicted to something or the other,” he says.
While some struggle with substances, others may be addicted to work, social media, or unhealthy relationships. This broader understanding encourages empathy, making it easier to see addiction not as a flaw but as a challenge that requires support.
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The road to recovery
Recovery, as Raeesah Abdulla highlights, is about more than just quitting a substance, it is about healing emotional wounds, understanding triggers, and finding a strong support system. Her journey serves as a reminder that with the right environment, change is possible.
By reframing addiction as a mental health issue rather than a moral failing, communities can move towards creating safe spaces for open conversations. When shame is replaced with support, more individuals will feel empowered to seek the help they need.
To hear more about this, find the video below:
Picture: Pexels
