Only a few years ago, anyone who had a drug addiction problem was shunned by society. If anyone knew that someone had gone through the torture of addiction, they were cast aside. Addiction is not limited to drugs - prescription or illegal. Addiction can come in many forms - it could be gambling, infidelity, any type of drug, alcohol, lies.

If people were found to have dabbled in many of the above, they would often find it difficult to find a lifelong mate, a job and friends. Thankfully, over the years, things have changed drastically. Addicts do not want to be addicts. More often than not, they want to kick their habit, but they just do not know where to start. Nowadays, people can seek specific treatment for addiction in many centres around Malta.

The system is not perfect and more investment is needed to create the right environment for people to get their lives on track. But the key element is focus. Focusing on one's self, rather than focusing on the temptation that is around them every day, and this is why there are various isolation camps that allow people with such problems to be in controlled environments where they are monitored and supervised and have access to any type of counselling that they need. They also find solace in each other, where they can share their experience.

This week, Social Solidarity Minister Michael Farrugia said reformed addicts should be accepted back into society and they should be given an opportunity to rebuild their lives. We could not agree more. While victims' addictions do cause huge heartache and can also lead to criminal behaviour, what we must always remember is that in any case involving someone who has gone through addiction, the ones that suffer the most are the addicts themselves.

In seeking rehabilitation, addicts have to  face up to their actions. They are often wracked by guilt and shame and many openly admit that they go on to relive what they have done to themselves and others every single day of their lives.

If society were to consider these facts, then we would perhaps be kinder to people that try so desperately hard to rebuild their lives. Of course, for every one that makes it and kicks the habit, there are others that do not. There are those who stumble again and fall back into old habits. And that is why constant support is needed. Addicts are not criminals by default. It is true that criminal acts are committed by people who have addictions, but that does not give society the right to simply throw someone away.

Many people can be cynical and judgmental, but if they just put themselves in the position of someone who had a loved one who did go through some form of addiction, we are sure that they would change their tune. People deserve second chances. They also deserve third chances. But at the same time, they need the help and support that society should provide them with. Casting people aside would be a terrible reflection of what our social fabric is all about.