Hunter Biden was found guilty on federal charges Tuesday for lying about his drug use on a gun purchase application in 2018, for lying to the gun dealer and for owning the gun. Yet, Hunter Biden’s drug problem is America’s drug problem.

His case reflects the reality of widespread substance abuse in our nation, reinforces harmful behavior through media glamorization of substance use and underscores systemic problems in social services. The case also highlights the need for comprehensive drug reform in the United States.  

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, more than 45 million Americans ages 12 and older suffer from drug addiction. That’s greater than the populations of New York and Florida combined. Drug availability is widespread across all socioeconomic groups in America, with prescription drugs, illegal substances and alcohol being readily accessible. 

Drug use profoundly affects families, regardless of whether your dad is the president of the United States or an ordinary individual. And just like any family, the Biden family has experienced a range of emotions, including worry, fear, anger and sadness.  

President Joe Biden has taken a lot of heat for his son's actions, but that shouldn’t be the case.

“Hunter Biden's struggles with drug use and legal issues would likely remain largely undisclosed if he weren't the son of the president; the scrutiny placed on the Biden family is unprecedented," Lakesha Cole, founder and principal publicist at Florida-based She PR, told me. "This is as much because attacking political enemies' family members has become a favorite weapon of political opponents when more direct attacks fail. The goal is to plant enough doubt in people's minds about Biden's authenticity to delegitimize him."

As Cole noted, Hunter Biden's predicament is a reflection of what tens of millions of families in the United States grapple with. In that sense, his story is not a political story – it's a mirror of what happens in many families when a loved one's substance use disorder brings heartache and shame. 

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President Biden should talk about his family's struggles with addiction

President Biden has a historic opportunity to transform this personal and public tragedy into a moment of national reflection and empathy. If he spoke openly about his family's addiction journey, he could destigmatize substance use disorders and demonstrate that this crisis knows no boundaries and does not discriminate.

Such a shift from scandal to solidarity would encourage a profound identification with other families experiencing these daily struggles. 

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The president also could highlight the urgent need for comprehensive addiction treatment and mental health resources in a country where 1 in 6 people ages 12 and older have substance use disorder.

And he could remind the country of his promise to invest in holistic addiction treatment to support families on the path to healing. 

Sharing stories of resilience and recovery while promoting access to effective treatment programs can turn this challenging situation into a catalyst for positive change. This approach humanizes the administration's efforts, making them more relatable and showing that officials understand and care about the struggles faced by ordinary Americans.

It's about recognizing the pain, offering hope and working toward solutions that can assist millions of Americans who are battling addiction.

This isn't the time to shame Hunter Biden

While Hunter Biden’s drug problem and trial on gun charges received outsized media and public attention, the intersection between drug use and gun ownership has long been a concern. Drug users seek to buy guns for various reasons, including self-protection, intimidation or criminal activities.

In any case, the problem needs to be addressed with policy reform and social action, not ridicule and blame. 

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I do not believe Hunter Biden or any other American should have access to a gun while under the influence. Substance use can impair judgment and increase the likelihood of violent behavior, and access to a weapon while under the influence of drugs increases the risk of accidental shootings, domestic violence and community safety threats.  

This is not a time to shame Hunter Biden, but an opportunity to create meaningful change in media portrayals, health policies and our own biases toward drug addiction and recovery.  

If you or someone you know needs help battling a substance abuse addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).  

Marla Bautista is a military fellow columnist for USA TODAY Opinion.