For many, the use of substances is such a well-established and ingrained part of their lives that it becomes who they are.
Substances define them as a person to others and themselves. In some circles this is favorable – we may be the life of the party. In others, it is damaging – let’s not invite her, she will ruin it all.

It is essential that we understand and we inform others that the substance is not who we are. Our addictions do not define us as people. Beneath the outward manifestations of the illness is the loving, caring and, yes, struggling person that has always been there.