Episode 146: Addiction - More Than a Personality

Addiction - More Than a PersonalityTheir series on addiction continues with this episode where the hosts explore whether the idea of an “addictive personality” is real and what actually drives addiction. Joseph and Paula review global and U.S. addiction statistics:​Tens of millions worldwide have drug use disorders.​Hundreds of millions have alcohol use disorders.​Combined, hundreds of millions globally meet criteria for substance use disorders, contributing to over 3 million deaths annually.​In the U.S., about 1 in 6 people aged 12+ meet criteria for substance use disorder each year.Despite the scale of the problem, treatment access is extremely limited:The key takeaway: most people who don’t receive treatment are not refusing help—they are scared, overwhelmed, unsupported, or stuck in survival mode. Addiction is complex, human, and deeply tied to both emotional pain and systemic barriers, not a flawed personality.Listen now, and don’t forget to subscribe and share—this is a conversation that could change lives!Questions? If you have a question, you would like Joseph and Paula to answer during an episode of Questions for Counselors, feel free to reach out through the website at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.lifelivedbetter.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email them directly at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [email protected]  ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You can find information about this and other episodes on the website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lifelivedbetter.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Just a reminder - anything shared by the pair during this and all other episodes is based on personal experiences and opinions. It is not to be viewed as professional counseling or advice and is solely the opinion of the individual and does not represent their employers or profession.  We would love for you to rate our show and tell others about us. And remember, Knowledge leads to a Life Lived Better.Sources used in the development of this episode include:The Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Addiction - Self RecoverySubstance Use Statistics Sources NIH: Global Burden of Drug use disorder SAMHSA’s Statistics about Addiction in the USAThe Economist World Report 2024World Health Organization Reports Over 3 million annual deaths related to addiction Worldwide Treatment versus Need for Treatment