The document discusses the pervasive nature of addiction, emphasizing that it affects individuals from all social and economic backgrounds, countering stereotypes that associate addiction primarily with minority communities. It highlights the role of the brain in addiction, noting that drug use leads to changes in dopamine levels that can perpetuate the cycle of addiction. The piece advocates for understanding and supporting those struggling with addiction, urging access to treatment regardless of a person's background.

1. Addiction: A Disease That
Does Not Discriminate,
Sort Of
BLVD
Treatment
Center
California

2.  "I'm a Heroin Addict." Those were the words from Philip Seymour Hoffman at
Sundance Film Festival, weeks before his death. Social media buzzed with
conversations that range from netizens criticizing him to netizens expressing feelings
of sadness and pity.
 A lot of people discussed the sudden media exposure on heroin addiction when it’s has
long been devastating communities with minorities in Los Angeles, CA. Others
lamented the manner in which the media portrayed drugs addict from inner-city
regions as criminals and crackheads as opposed to individuals also in need of help.
There was a heated conversation between netizens with different view, and this
eventually led to a heated debate on drug addiction and equality.
 The most surprising part of the discussion was that it proved many people believe that
drug addiction only affects minorities in inner-city communities in Los Angeles, CA
and other areas. The truth is, addiction affects people from all walks of life. Sure, the
media may portray some individuals negatively through stereotypes. Sure, racial and
ethnic disparities may exist. However, one thing that’s certain is that addiction does
not play favorites.
 Addiction does not discriminate!

3. Anyone Can Become Addicted to
Drugs
 The phrase “addiction does not discriminate,” simple means that
anyone can become addicted to drugs. Yes, not everyone who tries
drug socially will become an addict. The phrase is simply meant to
remind us that anyone who uses drugs, risks becoming an addict,
whether he’s an Oscar winner or someone from a poor background.
 For instance, say two teenagers attend the same party in Los
Angeles, CA. One is from a wealthy family in Beverly Hills and the
other from a lower class family in Anaheim. If both decide to try
heroin, there is no guarantee that both will or will not become
addicts. What is certain is that both risk becoming addicted to the
substance. This is because the brain plays a greater role in
determining how someone becomes addicted to drugs rather than
their social or economic standing.

4. The Brain's Role In Drug Addiction
 When a person takes heroin or any other type of drug, he or she will
begin to experience unnatural feelings of happiness and joy. The
drug activates the reward circuit in the brain that is involve with
pleasure and motivation, releasing two times the amount of
dopamine that natural rewards do.
 Of course some users may also experience other effects on the user.
Some first-time users for instance get nauseated while those who
smoke heroin and other drugs may experience some coughing.
However, in most cases there will be some changes in the brain after
repeated usage.
 To compensate for the unnatural levels of dopamine, neurons may
release less dopamine. This in turn causes the reward circuit in the
brain to be severely weakened. Life may begin to seem joyless
without the drug. As a result many people continue usage in order to
regain that feeling of happiness, taking larger amounts each time.

5. Drug Addiction Spans All Races, Affecting
The Wealthy the Poor, And Everyone In
Between
 Overall the reason behind addiction remains an open question.
Although we know what effect drug has on the brain, there is no
telling how often a person will need to take the substance in order to
become an addict. One thing that has long been known is that
addicts experience less feelings of pleasure because of their
unnaturally low dopamine levels.
 Still, there’s no race, gene, social environment or any predisposing
physical elements that sentence a person to a life of substance abuse.
Drug addiction knows no race or age. Drug addiction knows no
religion. Drug addiction knows no social class. Drug addiction does
not discriminate. Academy

6.  Award winning actor, Phillip Seymour Hoffman was not only adored
by millions worldwide but was also highly respected among his
peers. Through the media we saw what appeared to be a happy and
successful man who enjoyed being around his family when not
working. However, Hoffman had been struggling with heroin
addiction long before his death.
 The truth is, contrary to what the media may portray, drug addiction
spans all races. It affects people in poor inner city communities and
it also affects those living in affluent neighborhoods in Los Angeles,
CA. What you should always try to remember is that, every addict
needs and deserve access to proper treatment, regardless of their
address, race or socioeconomic standing.

7. Speak Up and Offer Your Support
 Understanding drug use addiction is important if you have an addict
in your family. Addiction does cause behavioural changes, so it’s
important that you try to separate the addict from who he or she
once was. Remember that it’s not the person that lies, it’s the addict.
It’s not the person that tries to steal from you, it’s the addict that
does. It’s not the person that fights and screams insulting words at
his/her family, it’s the addict. Still, sadly, it the person that you’ll
lose to addiction, not the addict.
 As with most chronic disease, the earlier they receive treatment, the
better their chances are at recovery. Don’t be hesitate to voice your
concerns to your love one and offer your assistance to help them get
the help they need.

8.  At BLVD drug rehab centers in Los Angeles, CA, we can assist you
with giving your loved ones the support they need, from assisting
you with the intervention to providing specialized care. During our
many years of operation, we’ve provide drug addiction treatment to
individuals of all races, from various social background in Los
Angeles, CA, and will continue to do so. We’ve learnt that addiction
does not discriminate and that’s why each of our patients receive the
same level of attention and care when they enter our doors. Give us
a call at (888) 896-5234 to find out how we can help you.

10. CONTACT US
• Phone:
• (855) 277-5363
• Email:
• info@blvdcenters.com
• Website:
• https://www.blvdcenters.org