Myth: Addiction is a personal choice, and people can stop whenever they want.
Fact: Addiction is a complex condition influenced by brain chemistry, genetics, mental health, and life circumstances—it’s not just about willpower. Addiction changes how the brain’s reward system works, making it harder for someone to feel pleasure from anything but the addictive substance or behaviour. A family history of addiction can increase a person’s risk, and factors like stress, trauma, and mental health challenges often contribute. Breaking the cycle of addiction is difficult and often requires professional support.
Why It Matters: If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, know that it is not a personal failure—it’s a health condition that deserves understanding and support. When addiction is seen as a choice, it can lead to blame and shame, making it harder to reach out for help. This stigma often prevents people from seeking treatment, limits available support, and reinforces harmful misunderstandings. However, recognizing addiction as a chronic health issue helps break down these barriers. It encourages people to get support and pushes communities to develop better resources, like accessible therapy, medication-assisted treatments, and prevention programs. No one should have to face addiction alone—help is available, and recovery is possible.
How We Help: At Cedar Strong, we know that addiction is not just about personal choices—it’s a complex challenge that requires care, understanding, and the proper support. Our services include screenings, assessments, individual and group therapy for adults and youth, referrals, prevention support, and drop-in services. We also offer education and resources for families, helping them support their loved ones in recovery. By treating addiction as a health issue, we create a path toward healing that is rooted in empathy, evidence-based care, and lasting change.
More Information:
- Contact Us: Reach out to our team for more information on how we approach addiction treatment and how you can get involved, get help or help someone in need.
- Online Resources: Explore trusted organizations such as the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction, and the BC Centre for Substance Use for further research, statistics, and resources on addiction treatment.