The Depths of Addiction | Kevin Vasudevan | TEDxJSS Private School Youth

Addiction & Impact - The speech addresses addiction, ranging from excessive phone use to drug abuse, highlighting the dopamine-driven nature of these behaviors [1] - Globally, there are 300 million drug users, encompassing those with substance use disorder and communities affected by drug trafficking [1] - In 2019, drug use caused 600,000 deaths worldwide, with 120,000 deaths specifically attributed to drug and opioid overdose [1] - Addiction is portrayed not just as a gradual decline, but as a process with a tipping point, where coping mechanisms become core problems [1] - Addiction doesn't discriminate and can affect anyone, regardless of their perceived strength or intelligence [6] Recovery & Solutions - Overcoming addiction requires more than just sobriety; it necessitates connection to purpose, people, and something greater than oneself [4] - Recovery is not a single heroic moment but a continuous process of attempts and failures until it sticks [3] - The speech emphasizes the importance of willpower in recovery, comparing it to building a new road [3][4] - The speech encourages self-reflection to determine if a behavior is becoming consuming, potentially leading to severe consequences like debt, health problems, or death [7] - The speech promotes the idea that humans have the capacity to heal and fight against addiction [7][8]