Addiction is a place people go to escape pain. The extreme image of addiction—someone living on the streets, doing anything to get their next fix—doesn't tell the full story. Addiction knows no boundaries. It affects people from all walks of life: from the penthouse suites to the alleyways, from the boardrooms to the backstreets. It’s subtle sometimes, blatant other times.

Addiction also isn't limited to substances. It can take the form of gambling, food, sex, exercise, work, or even video games. While calling addiction a “disease” may spark debate, it’s undeniable that it is a powerful, real force in society—one that demands attention. Without intervention, addiction won’t just vanish. The first step is willingness, the choice of the individual to face it head-on. The road to recovery begins when someone is ready to confront the pain they’ve been running from.