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There is a lot of talk about substance abuse. The deaths. The crisis. But what comes before all that? What actually drives someone to become addicted to substances in the first place?
We throw around the word “addiction” like it’s this dark place people suddenly fall into. But the truth is, addiction doesn’t show up overnight. It creeps in. Sometimes through a prescription. Sometimes through a vape. Sometimes through something you swore was “just one time.” And sometimes, it’s not even about substances, it’s about needing anything to feel better. And that’s the part no one talks about.
The part no one sees
I’ve never met someone who wanted to be addicted. What I have seen is people who were just trying to cope. With stress. With pressure. With trauma. With a feeling of emptiness.
For a lot of teens, especially in Alameda County, addiction isn’t something they are learning about through a health class or assembly. It’s something happening around them, quietly. At parties, on group chats, or even in their own homes. But, most people don’t even realize what’s happening until they’re in too deep.
Once your brain latches onto that relief, it’s hard to let go.
What we’re taught isn’t enough
At school, students hear “drugs are bad” and “don’t give into peer pressure” and then they’re sent back into a world where no one actually shows them what addiction feels like or how to ask for help without being judged.
In Alameda County, yes, we have programs, Narcan boxes, test strips, prevention toolkits, which is all good. But what we really need is space. Space to be honest, to ask dumb questions, and a space to say “I’m struggling” without someone panicking or writing you off.
If we want to actually prevent addiction and deaths, we have to stop pretending it only lives in alleyways or movies. It lives in stress and silence.
Addiction and overdose prevention includes:
- Listening to someone without trying to “fix” them
- Checking in on your friends without waiting for a red flag
- Having Narcan on hand, and not being embarrassed about it
- Talking about anxiety and depression
- Catching ourselves when we say “that could never be me”
Addiction doesn’t care who you are, only how you feel.
This article was written as part of a program to educate youth and others about Alameda County’s opioid crisis, prevention and treatment options. The program is funded by the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and the grant is administered by Three Valleys Community Foundation.
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