Addiction can affect anyone, and stigma is often the biggest barrier to seeking help. Personal and unique stories break down the stereotypes of what addiction may look like, and offer hope for recovery. If you'd like to share your story, please contact Dr. Jonathan Avery (joa9070@med.cornell.edu, 212-746-3738).
Brian had everything going for him. He grew up in a small town in Massachusetts. He did well in college, but that’s also when his challenges with addiction began. Alcohol and painkillers were his substances of choice. Normal behavior for a college student? That depends on the person’s emotional health, physiology and family background.
Ronald, a volunteer at NewYork-Presbyterian and advocate for ending the stigma of addiction, shares his experience with substance use and recovery.
Substance use seldom occurs in isolation. It typically is accompanied by other mental health conditions. This is problematic, given that individuals with co-occurring mental illness and substance use...