Does the Stigma Against Mental Illness Make Any Sense?
The U.S. culture is quick to forgive addiction. President Clinton has admitted to suffering from sex addiction, and President Bush implied that he suffered from a serious drinking problem during the 2000 election. This was not held against W. at the polls and Bill Clinton still enjoys massive public support. Addiction is as much a product of brain chemistry as are depression and mood disorders. Why is it that one gets a pass and the others do not? I do not have a sure fire answer, but my gut tells me one is the American way and the other is being treated with relatively new methods. Countless U.S. citizens start their day by loading up on caffeine. Throughout an average work day at an office one will likely witness several pots of coffee being consumed. The conventional rationale is that the caffeine helps one get through the day. Many U.S. citizens leave work and unwind at a bar or at home with a beer or two (or maybe wine or sipping whisky). Some throw in cigarette breaks at work, at
