Unmasking The Face of Addiction: The Misunderstood Intelligence and Empathy

Kohdi Rayne
3 min readMar 11, 2024

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People who have struggled with addiction often bear a heavy burden, one that is often misunderstood by society. The misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding addiction create an incomplete and unfair picture of the individuals who battle with it. It is time for us to look beyond the addiction and delve into the hearts of these individuals to truly understand their reality.

Photo by Sander Sammy on Unsplash

When we take a closer look at those at Beyond Sober and Sober Not Sober, we discover that they possess a profound intelligence and charisma. They are some of the most heartfelt, empathetic, understanding, kind, and genuine people you will ever encounter.

These individuals are not defined by their addiction; rather, they are defined by their inherent qualities of compassion and empathy. Throughout their lives, they have extended themselves for others, sometimes to the point of being taken advantage of.

Their compassionate nature often leads them to sacrifice significant amounts of time and resources at a great personal cost. Amidst the struggle with addiction, they develop a unique strength and resilience that often goes unnoticed and unappreciated. Coping with intense emotions frequently drives them toward substances such as alcohol and drugs.

The ability to feel deeply is both a blessing and a curse for these individuals. They experience emotions on a level that many of us may struggle to comprehend fully. This emotionally rich perspective on life can come with its own set of challenges as the intensity of their feelings can become overwhelming.

Turning to substances becomes a coping mechanism — a way to dampen the intensity of these emotions. However, it is important to recognize that this need does not signify weakness but rather demonstrates the depth at which they feel.

Before labeling someone as an ‘addict,’ it is crucial to remember that there is more to them than just their condition — an entire person with unique experiences and qualities lies beneath that label. It is time for us all to see them for who they truly are rather than allowing their struggles to define them. By doing so, we not only promote understanding and empathy, but we also dismantle the stigma that shadows them, offering hope and a path towards recovery.

Beyond Sober and Sober Not Sober provide valuable resources for learning more about the unique journey of individuals battling addiction and how we can support them. These organizations offer insights into the experiences of these individuals, shedding light on their stories and providing guidance on how to be there for them during their recovery.

It is time for society to recognize the intelligence, empathy, resilience, and compassion that lie within those who battle addiction. By unmasking the true face of addiction, we create an environment where understanding and acceptance can flourish. Let us embrace these individuals with open hearts and open minds as we walk alongside them on their journey towards sobriety.

By K O H D I | Beyond Sober

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Kohdi Rayne
Kohdi Rayne

Written by Kohdi Rayne

I’m an ex-alcoholic and liver failure survivor actively helping the world recover from toxic habits and design a life they love to live.

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