Opposite of Addiction is Connection

Connection The Antidote to Addiction and Homelessness

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adapted from "Chasing the Scream" by Johann Hari

The Opposite of Addiction is Connection
It’s been 100 years since drugs were first banned in the United States and Britain, a decision that was later imposed on much of the world. This centennial marks a century of punishing addicts, believing that suffering would deter them and incentivize them to stop. But has it worked?

A few years ago, I found myself looking at the addicts in my life—people I love—and wondering if there was a better way to help them. I realized I didn’t have answers to some of the most basic questions: What really causes addiction? Why do we persist with approaches that don’t seem to work? And is there a better way forward? I began reading extensively, but the answers I sought weren’t there. So, I decided to travel and learn from people who had lived with or studied addiction.

What I discovered was mind-blowing: almost everything we think we know about addiction is wrong. And if we absorb the new evidence, we’ll need to rethink not just our drug policies but also our broader societal structures.

The Story We’ve Been Told About Addiction

For decades, we’ve been told a simple story about addiction. Imagine, for instance, that you used heroin three times a day for 20 days. The prevailing belief is that the chemical hooks in heroin would make your body dependent, and by the end of those 20 days, you’d be an addict. This idea has shaped our understanding of addiction for a century.

But here’s the problem: it doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. If you were to break your hip and go to the hospital, you’d likely be given diamorphine—medical-grade heroin—over an extended period. This heroin is purer and more potent than anything you’d find on the streets. Yet, people who receive it in hospitals don’t typically leave as addicts. Your grandmother, after a hip replacement, didn’t come out as a junkie. This contradiction puzzled me until I discovered Bruce Alexander, a psychology professor in Vancouver, who conducted a groundbreaking experiment.

The Rat Park Experiment

Professor Alexander explained that our understanding of addiction stems from experiments conducted in the early 20th century. In these studies, a rat was placed alone in a cage with two water bottles: one containing plain water and the other laced with heroin or cocaine. The rat almost always preferred the drugged water and eventually overdosed. This seemed to confirm the idea that addiction is caused by chemical hooks.

But Alexander noticed something crucial: the rat was in an empty cage, isolated and with nothing to do. He wondered what would happen if the environment changed. So, he built "Rat Park," a rat paradise filled with cheese, colored balls, tunnels, and other rats to socialize with. In this enriched environment, the rats barely touched the drugged water. None used it compulsively, and none overdosed.

The same rats that overdosed in isolation thrived in a connected, stimulating environment.This finding suggested that addiction isn’t about the drugs themselves but about the environment. Addiction, Alexander proposed, is an adaptation to disconnection and isolation.

The Human Parallel: Vietnam

At the same time as Alexander’s experiments, a real-world human study was unfolding: the Vietnam War. Around 20% of American troops in Vietnam were using heroin heavily. This sparked fears of a post-war addiction crisis. Yet, when the soldiers returned home, 95% simply stopped using heroin. They didn’t go to rehab or experience withdrawal; they just stopped. This defied the chemical hook theory and supported Alexander’s idea: addiction is less about the substance and more about the environment.

Addiction as Bonding

Peter Cohen, a professor in the Netherlands, expanded on this idea, suggesting that addiction is better understood as bonding. Humans have an innate need to bond and connect. When we’re happy and healthy, we bond with people. But when we’re traumatized, isolated, or beaten down by life, we bond with something that provides relief—whether it’s drugs, gambling, pornography, or even smartphones. Addiction, then, is not a moral failing but a response to disconnection.

This perspective has profound implications. For instance, consider why most of us don’t drink vodka all day, even though it’s legal and accessible. It’s not because we’re being stopped; it’s because we have bonds and connections—work we care about, people we love, and relationships we want to be present for. Addiction, at its core, is about not being able to bear being present in your life.

Rethinking the War on Drugs

The War on Drugs has been a century-long effort to punish and shame addicts. In Arizona, for example, women in prison are forced to wear shirts reading “I was a drug addict” and dig graves while being jeered at. When they’re released, their criminal records ensure they can’t reintegrate into society. This approach, as Dr. Gabor Maté in Canada points out, is designed to make addiction worse.Portugal, however, took a different path.

In 2000, facing one of the worst drug crises in Europe, the country decriminalized all drugs and redirected funds from punishment to reintegration. They invested in job creation, microloans, and support systems to help addicts reconnect with society. The results have been remarkable: injecting drug use is down by 50%, overdoses and HIV rates have plummeted, and addiction rates have significantly decreased. Portugal’s success shows that connection, not punishment, is the key to addressing addiction.

A Culture of Disconnection

Beyond drug addiction, our society is increasingly vulnerable to other forms of addiction—smartphones, shopping, eating—driven by a culture of disconnection. Despite being more “connected” than ever through technology, we’re lonelier than ever. Studies show that the number of close friends Americans feel they can rely on in a crisis has been declining since the 1950s, even as our living spaces have grown larger. We’ve traded connection for consumption, and the consequences are evident.

Bruce Alexander argues that we need to think not just about individual recovery but about social recovery. We’ve created a society that resembles the isolated cage more than Rat Park. To address addiction, we need to rebuild connections—not just for individuals but for communities.

A Personal Revelation

For me, this journey wasn’t just about policy or science; it was personal. Loving an addict is hard. It’s easy to feel anger and frustration, to wish they would just stop. But the traditional approach—threatening to cut them off unless they change—mirrors the punitive logic of the War on Drugs. Instead, I’ve tried to adopt a more compassionate approach, inspired by Portugal’s example. I tell the addicts in my life: I love you whether you’re using or not. I love you in whatever state you’re in. You’re not alone.

This message—of love and connection—needs to be at the heart of how we respond to addiction, socially, politically, and personally. For 100 years, we’ve been waging a war on addicts. It’s time to sing love songs instead. Because the opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection.

Addiction and homelessness are deeply interconnected, and both are often driven by similar underlying factors: disconnection, isolation, and systemic failures. The insights from the transcript about addiction can be extended to homelessness, as both phenomena are not merely individual failings but symptoms of broader societal issues.

Shared Drivers: Disconnection and Isolation

The transcript emphasizes that addiction is not solely caused by chemical hooks but is often an adaptation to disconnection and a lack of meaningful bonds. Similarly, homelessness is frequently rooted in social disconnection. People experiencing homelessness often lack the support networks—family, friends, or community—that could help them navigate crises like job loss, mental health struggles, or addiction. Just as addiction can be seen as a response to an environment that isolates and alienates, homelessness often arises when individuals are cut off from the social and economic safety nets that provide stability.

Bruce Alexander's "Rat Park" experiment, which demonstrated that rats in enriched, connected environments avoided addictive substances, can be paralleled with homelessness.

When people are placed in environments that lack connection, opportunity, and support, they are more likely to fall into cycles of addiction or homelessness. Conversely, when individuals are provided with stable housing, community, and purpose, they are more likely to recover and thrive.

The Role of Trauma and Systemic Failures

Both addiction and homelessness are often responses to trauma and systemic failures. Addiction can stem from experiences of being "traumatized, isolated, or beaten down by life." Similarly, homelessness is frequently linked to systemic issues such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, inadequate mental health care, and failures in social services. For example, homelessness can result from failures in support systems like income maintenance, employment, and corrections.

In both cases, the societal response has often been punitive rather than supportive. The War on Drugs, mirrors the criminalization of homelessness in many places, where people experiencing homelessness are fined, arrested, or displaced rather than provided with the resources they need to rebuild their lives. These approaches exacerbate the problem by further isolating individuals and making it harder for them to reintegrate into society.

Addiction as Both a Cause and Consequence of Homelessness

The bidirectional relationship between addiction and homelessness: addiction can lead to homelessness, and homelessness can exacerbate addiction. For example, someone struggling with substance use may lose their job and housing, while someone experiencing homelessness may turn to substances as a way to cope with the stress, danger, and isolation of life on the streets. This creates a vicious cycle where addiction and homelessness reinforce each other.

The emphasis on connection as the antidote to addiction is equally relevant to homelessness. Programs that focus on reconnecting people with society—through housing, employment, and community support—have been shown to be effective. For instance, Housing First initiatives, which provide stable housing without preconditions, align with the idea that people need a stable "cage" or environment to recover and rebuild their lives.

Economic and Structural Factors

While addiction is often framed as a personal issue, I challenge this notion by pointing to the role of environment and systemic factors. Similarly, homelessness is not just about individual choices but is heavily influenced by structural issues like rising housing costs and income inequality. Just as addiction thrives in environments of disconnection, homelessness flourishes in societies that prioritize profit over people, where affordable housing and social safety nets are scarce.

A Path Forward: Connection and Social Recovery

The conclusion—that the opposite of addiction is connection—offers a powerful framework for addressing homelessness as well. Both addiction and homelessness require a shift from punitive approaches to ones that prioritize connection, support, and reintegration.

Portugal's approach to drug decriminalization, which focuses on reconnecting addicts with society through job creation and community support, could serve as a model for addressing homelessness. Providing stable housing, meaningful work, and opportunities for social connection can help individuals rebuild their lives and break free from the cycles of addiction and homelessness.

In essence, both addiction and homelessness are symptoms of a society that has failed to provide connection, purpose, and support. Addressing these issues requires not just individual recovery but social recovery—a reimagining of our communities and systems to prioritize human connection and well-being over punishment and isolation.

To rebuild a "culture of disconnection" and address the societal issues of addiction and homelessness, we must rethink how we foster connection and community in our increasingly fragmented world. Concepts like "ubiquitous connectivity," "third places," local "maker shops," and libraries as "knowledge centers" offer powerful tools to counteract the isolation and alienation that drive both addiction and homelessness. These ideas align with the core insight from the transcript: the opposite of addiction—and by extension, the antidote to many societal problems—is connection.

Ubiquitous Connectivity: A Double-Edged Sword

Ubiquitous connectivity, enabled by digital technologies like smartphones, laptops, and the Internet of Things, has transformed how we interact with the world. On one hand, it offers unprecedented access to information, services, and people, breaking down barriers of time and place. However, this constant connectivity can paradoxically deepen disconnection. The addictive design of digital platforms often diverts attention away from meaningful, face-to-face relationships, creating a "parody of human connection" that leaves people feeling lonelier than ever.

To rebuild a culture of connection, we must use ubiquitous connectivity intentionally. Instead of allowing it to isolate us, we can leverage it to create platforms that foster real-world relationships and community engagement. For example, digital tools can be used to organize local events, connect people with shared interests, or provide resources for those in need, such as housing or addiction recovery services. By aligning technology with human connection, we can transform it from a source of disconnection into a bridge that brings people together.

Third Places: Reclaiming Spaces for Community

The concept of "third places," refers to social environments outside of home (the "first place") and work (the "second place") where people can gather, interact, and build relationships. Examples include cafes, parks, community centers, and libraries. These spaces are crucial for fostering the kind of face-to-face, nuanced relationships that the transcript identifies as essential for combating addiction and disconnection.

In a society increasingly dominated by private spaces and digital interactions, third places offer a vital counterbalance. They provide opportunities for spontaneous social interactions, mutual support, and the formation of community bonds. For individuals experiencing homelessness or addiction, third places can serve as safe, welcoming environments where they can reconnect with others and access resources. For example, a community center might host support groups, job training programs, or art workshops, creating pathways for reintegration and purpose.

Maker Shops: Building Connection Through Creation

Local "maker shops" or "hackerspaces" are another powerful tool for rebuilding connection. These are community spaces where people can access tools, equipment, and resources to create, repair, and innovate. Maker shops foster collaboration, skill-sharing, and a sense of accomplishment, all of which are antidotes to the isolation and purposelessness that often accompany addiction and homelessness.

For individuals struggling with these challenges, maker shops can provide more than just practical skills—they can offer a sense of belonging and identity. Working on a project alongside others creates opportunities for bonding and mutual support. Moreover, the act of creating something tangible can restore a sense of agency and self-worth, which are often eroded by addiction and homelessness. These spaces can also serve as bridges to employment, helping individuals develop skills that are valued in the job market.

Libraries as Knowledge Centers: Hubs of Connection and Opportunity

Libraries, long seen as repositories of knowledge, are evolving into dynamic community hubs. As "knowledge centers," libraries can play a pivotal role in addressing disconnection. They provide free access to information, technology, and educational resources, leveling the playing field for those who might otherwise be excluded. For individuals experiencing homelessness, libraries often serve as safe havens where they can access the internet, apply for jobs, or simply find a quiet place to rest.

Beyond their practical functions, libraries can also foster connection through programs like book clubs, workshops, and community events. These activities bring people together around shared interests, creating opportunities for meaningful interaction. By positioning themselves as inclusive, welcoming spaces, libraries can help rebuild the social fabric and provide a sense of belonging for those who feel marginalized.

Rebuilding a Culture of Connection

This highlights how addiction and homelessness are symptoms of a broader societal problem: a culture of disconnection. To address these issues, we must create environments that resemble "Rat Park"—places where people feel supported, connected, and valued. Ubiquitous connectivity, third places, maker shops, and libraries all have a role to play in this transformation.

• Ubiquitous connectivity can be harnessed to facilitate real-world connections and provide resources for those in need.
• Third places offer physical spaces where people can gather, interact, and build relationships.
• Maker shops provide opportunities for collaboration, skill-building, and a sense of purpose.
• Libraries serve as inclusive hubs of knowledge, connection, and opportunity.

Together, these elements can help rebuild the social bonds that are essential for individual and collective well-being. By prioritizing connection over consumption, we can create a society where fewer people feel the need to escape through addiction or are left behind in homelessness. As the transcript suggests, the opposite of addiction—and the solution to many of our societal challenges—is not just sobriety or housing but connection.