During last night's debate, Joe Biden, who lost one of his sons, Beau, to brain cancer in 2015, emotionally explained that he loves his son, Hunter, and he's proud of him for overcoming his past addiction following Trump's attack on Hunter during the debate.
Almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction. It is a problem that takes an emotional and economic toll on both families and on our country.
Support from family members not only increases the likelihood of successful treatment, it can also help improve psychiatric symptoms, and even prevent relapses.
But only10 percent of those who experience addiction in the United States seek treatment.
Drug overdose deaths have more than tripled since 1990.
From 1999 to 2017, more than 700,000 Americans died from overdosing on a drug.
Alcohol and drug addiction cost the U.S. economy over $600 billion every year.
About 20% of Americans who have depression or an anxiety disorder also have a substance use disorder.
People struggling to break free of the disease of addiction often feel as if they are facing their challenges alone. However, substance abuse – and recovery – affect friends and families just as much as the individual who has decided to seek treatment. That’s why family support plays such a vital role in addiction recovery.
Like many fathers, Joe Biden loves his son Hunter, in spite of or even more deeply, because he has struggled with addiction and recovered.
Joe Biden has a comprehensive plan to address our nation's substance abuse problem. You can read more here:
THE BIDEN PLAN TO END THE OPIOID CRISIS
If you or someone you know needs help with an addiction issue, help is available:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
You can hear the debate exchange here:
Biden Emotionally Speaks About Being Proud Of Son Hunter Overcoming 'Drug Problem'