Vortex

15" x 20" - Acrylic on canvas. The artist titled this painting based on the whirling movement she perceives while observing it. Lindsey dedicated "Vortex" to raise awareness about substance use disorders because she believes the journey to overcome substance use disorders is like a whirling vortex of emotions and challenges. Substance disorders are different than "substance use" because substance disorders are diagnosed based on a person's perceived need to continuously use a substance despite functional impairment. "Substance use" is when a person can use a substance medicinally, or recreationally. Research suggests that substance disorders (particularly opioid addiction) are highly stigmatized in the western world, which creates barriers for people with substance disorders to access care. Stigma causes people to suffer from humiliation and avoidance, which limits individuals with addiction from engaging in and completing treatment. Also, stigma hinders healthcare providers from using