Addiction is a problem that exists in every corner of the world, across all countries and communities. When we think of addicts, we often picture people on the streets, using drugs, involved in gangs, or fighting. But that’s not the whole picture. These individuals are certainly struggling, but they’re not the only addicts.

Addiction doesn’t only refer to drugs. It can manifest in many forms. Addicts can be found in all walks of life, and addiction can take hold in various ways—whether it's through reading, fishing, or anything else that consumes someone to the point of losing control.

From my personal experience, addiction is a battle that’s fought in the mind. It’s up to us to control it. The mind is where addiction takes root, and we must learn to regain control over it.

Addiction is more harmful than cancer in many ways. Cancer has treatments like chemotherapy to address its various stages, but addiction has no clear medicine or quick solution. It’s a constant struggle with no easy fix. Yet, despite its severity, addicts are still human beings. They are not monsters, and they deserve empathy, not judgment.

It’s essential for everyone to understand that addiction is not a choice—it’s a disease. This disease can take hold of a person at their core, sometimes even from their genes, and it can alter who they are. At first, addiction might seem like a sweet escape, but over time, it becomes a trap. The sweetness fades, and the individual is left feeling trapped, isolated, and powerless.

Even if you break free from one addiction, the battle isn’t over. Addiction can appear in many forms, and it’s important to acknowledge that, while the journey may seem endless, every step toward freedom is worth it.

Finally, I ask everyone to not hate those who suffer from addiction. It’s not the person to blame—it’s the disease. Addiction is something that can happen to anyone, and they deserve understanding and support, not hatred.