People are oblivious to the once beautiful soul behind the addiction.

It's hard to understand the dark side of addiction and how anyone could allow themself to get caught up in it.

Many young people become addicted as a result of the recreational use of drugs during their teen years and young adulthood. It's doubtful they think that they could become an addict, suffer a devastating life, push away their family and friends and die.  Young people normally don't think that far in advance.  They're young, strong and 'can handle it'. They use drugs and alcohol for many different reasons: They do not deserve to die for any of them.

• as a result of recreational use to have fun with friends, become less inhibited and more outgoing. 
• as a result of peer pressure and to fit in.
• as a result of being prescribed certain pharmaceuticals after surgery or for other physical pain.
• as a result of being prescribed drugs for anxiety, attention deficit disorder, trauma, pain, etc.

People in different stages of substance abuse disorder and addiction are people. They are not animals and they need help. Not shame, not disgust, not superiority or blame. They already feel these things. We all need to work together to stop this madness.