It’s May! The month of blooming flowers, warmer weather, and—most importantly—Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s that magical time when we collectively acknowledge that mental health is health, and that brains, like any other organ, sometimes need a little help, a little hope, and occasionally, a hard reset button (still waiting on that technology, scientists).
This month, let’s talk about something that often gets shoved into the shadows like that box of 'miscellaneous wires' we all pretend we’ll sort one day: addiction. Yes, the big A. Whether it’s substances, screens, shopping, or that third espresso you swore was your last—addiction isn’t about lack of willpower. It’s about the very real, very sneaky ways our brains wire themselves for survival... and sometimes take the scenic route through chaos.
Here’s the not-so-fun but very real truth: According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), over 46 million Americans aged 12 and older battled a substance use disorder in 2021. That’s about 1 in 5 people. And yet, only about 10% of those individuals received treatment. It’s like your brain is screaming, 'Mayday!' and the world’s replying, 'Did you try turning it off and on again?'
Addiction is not a character flaw, a moral failure, or something that only happens in after-school specials. It’s a complex dance between biology, environment, and our very human need to cope, connect, and sometimes just check out. The brain doesn’t ask, “Is this socially acceptable?” It asks, “Will this make me feel better faster?” And boom—neurochemistry becomes a full-blown party.
But here’s the hope: Therapy works. Research consistently shows that counseling and behavioral therapies are highly effective, especially when combined with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when appropriate. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association notes that up to 60% of people who engage in ongoing therapy for addiction experience long-term recovery. It’s not a magic wand, but it’s a solid toolkit—and it’s way cheaper than trying to 'tough it out' with vibes and caffeine alone.
The even better news? Recovery doesn’t have to look like a one-size-fits-all hoodie of shame and self-denial. It can look like connection, laughter, support, awkward first steps, and lots of permission to not have it all figured out. Therapy helps. Science helps. People help.
So this month, let’s normalize the conversation. Let’s drop the stigma and pick up compassion (and maybe a stress ball while we’re at it). Because mental health isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. And recovery isn’t a straight line—it’s a squiggly, snack-filled, sometimes meme-fueled path back to yourself.
And hey, if your brain needs a little extra support? That’s not weakness. That’s wisdom with a side of serotonin.
