I believe there are many factors behind drug addiction. Yes, a craving for belonging is definitely one of them, as this article clearly brings out and backs up with evidence such as the Vietnam veterans who simply stopped taking heroin when returning home. I also find it interesting that Portugal transformed a major drug addiction problem into a successful system of rehabilitation with the decriminalization of drugs and social programs that helped people secure jobs and reconnect with society.

I wanted to find out what social programs were available to help Portugal's addicts rehabilitate. I found a TIme magazine article that said that jail time was replaced with the offer of therapy. "People found guilty of possessing small amounts of drugs were sent to a panel consisting of a psychologist, social worker and legal advisor for appropriate treatment. In the five years after personal possession was decriminalized, illegal drug use among teens in Portugal declined and rates of new HIV infections caused by the sharing of dirty needles dropped while the number of people seeking treatment for drug addiction more than doubled." ("Drugs in Portugal: Did Decriminalization Work?" By Maia Szalavitz, Sun., April 26, 2009)

I think that the US and other countries could benefit from the above mentioned system of success. Psychotherapy and faith-based therapy can help individuals find their voice and articulate their needs which have much to do with relating to themselves and others. To those who are struggling with isolation and drug dependency, it is not simply a matter of providing love and warmth from family and community. These individuals need tools to rebuild that sense of connection with others. And that's where the therapy and social programs are needed.

Ultimately, breaking free from addiction and isolation is about the person's commitment to transformation and healing. Social programs including spiritual communities can only do part of the work. It is really about the individual's desire to grow.