Substance Dependency: It’s Affecting Us All — And We Must Do Something About It

A Crisis Affecting Us All — And Why We Must Act Now

Substance dependency is not just an individual struggle — it’s a community issue that touches families, friends, and entire neighborhoods. Yet, too often, it’s treated like a private shame rather than a public concern. Many families downplay it, hide it, or try to handle it behind closed doors, afraid of judgment or stigma. But silence only deepens the harm.

In some heartbreaking cases, when a loved one’s body reacts in bizarre or frightening ways after substance use, families panic — unsure what to do. Some even resort to tying their loved ones down instead of seeking medical attention. I understand — fear takes over, and not knowing what to do can feel paralyzing. But please remember: in moments like these, your best action is to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Healthcare professionals are trained to handle these situations safely and compassionately. Getting medical help quickly can save a life! 

We need to start talking about this — openly, early, and without judgment. It’s not too early to talk to children about substance use and mental health. In fact, early, age-appropriate conversations can build the foundation for prevention. 

Start by talking to children when they’re young — even as early as elementary school — about how substances can harm the body and the brain. Use simple, honest language. As they grow older, those conversations should evolve. By middle and high school, discussions can include peer pressure, emotional coping, and healthy ways to manage stress or sadness. The goal is not to scare, but to equip them with awareness, confidence, and trusted guidance. 

Here are a few preventive measures families and communities can take: 

• Create open communication: Encourage kids to ask questions and express feelings without fear of punishment. 

• Model healthy coping: Let children see adults manage stress without relying on alcohol or drugs. 

• Build connection: Kids who feel connected to family, school, or community are less likely to seek comfort in substances. 

• Educate early and often: Talk about how drugs affect the brain and body, emphasizing that addiction is a disease, not a moral failure. 

• Know the warning signs: Sudden mood changes, withdrawal from activities, or secretive behavior can be early signs of concern. 

  
  

The truth is, prevention is much easier than treatment. Once substance use turns into dependency, it becomes a chronic condition — a disease that requires ongoing care, therapy, medication management, and a strong support network.  

The brain plays a powerful role in this process. Once it experiences something that triggers pleasure or relief — that “high” — it begins chasing it, often desperately, even if that exact feeling never returns. That’s why there is no such thing as “just one time” when it comes to substance use. Once dependency takes hold, it rewires the brain’s chemistry and decision-making, trapping people in a cycle that’s incredibly hard to break without help. 

So, as a community, we must act. We must talk openly about substance use, without shame. We must teach prevention and equip families with information and resources. We must support those in recovery with empathy, not judgment. 

Because substance dependency doesn’t discriminate — it can affect anyone, anywhere. And while recovery is possible, it starts with awareness, honesty, and collective care. Together, we can create a culture where asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness — where we respond to crisis with compassion, and where prevention becomes a shared responsibility.

References: 

National Institute on Drug Abuse. The Neurobiology of Substance Use, Misuse, and Addiction. 

Volkow ND et al. (2018). Neuroscience of Addiction: Relevance to Prevention and Treatment.  Psychiatry Online 

Griffin KW, Botvin GJ, Scheier LM. (2010). Evidence-Based Interventions for Preventing Substance Use in Adolescents. T 

About the Author: My name is Nagnouma Sako. I’m a clinical intern at Allow Health LLC, completing my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My multicultural background has shaped who I am, enriching my perspective and deepening my appreciation for different worldviews. My journey into mental health comes after 10+ years in accounting and nonprofit management.  

If you ask me, I haven’t strayed too far from my true passion-helping people-only now, I get to do it more intimately and directly!