Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Sullivan
Just as there are myths about substance abuse disorder, there are many common addiction myths about recovery. When people have a substance abuse disorder it can be extremely difficult for them to recover. But, although recovery is a delicate process, it can be managed with a team of professionals that will help the affected individual systematically address their substance abuse.
Yes, millions of people become addicted to drugs and alcohol but there are also millions of people who are able to overcome their addiction with the help of proper treatment. If you feel as if you are unsure that recovery is possible, or are hesitant about what the recovery process will be like, please call us today at (385) 327-7418 for answers to all of your questions.
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There are many common misconceptions about addiction, and many addiction myths and facts that you will need to sort from one another. The information below is a good starting point, but please reach out to our experts with further questions.
Myths About Addicts
Can anyone be addicted to drugs? Yes, anyone can, no matter what age, gender, ethnicity, or level of education, everyone can be at risk of drug addiction. Addicts constantly face stigma in our society, and some people believe that it takes a certain type of person to be an addict. Misconceptions like this further lead to people not get treated and make the recovery process even more difficult. I’m sure you have heard in the news countless celebrities, entertainers, or politicians even suffering from drugs and having to enter a rehabilitation program. So why should it be any different than the common man or woman? No money or fame will get rid of your drug addiction unless you go through a treatment program. Addiction is a disease, and it does not discriminate. Even the person you would least expect could become an addict themselves.
However, some factors come into play with addiction. The truth is that some people are more at risk than others. But again, this has nothing to do with your age, income, or gender. The factors are more external.
Things that contribute to drug addiction can be: genetic factors, such as having a relative in the family suffered from the same sort of drug addiction; having mental health problems, such as depression that could make you more prone to cope with drugs; and relationships, such as hanging around people who partake in drugs will also make you at risk for addiction.
Addicts are not less than those who don’t suffer from addiction. They are very much human beings who have become addicted through unfortunate circumstances, and we should do better in seeing an addict as someone exactly like ourselves.
Myths About Drug Abuse and Entering Treatment
Going even further, let’s try to understand drug abuse and the myths surrounding it. Drug addiction is not a voluntary behavior; it is a compulsive behavior for addicts.
Over time, as the addict uses, their body begins to normalize the substance, leading to a rewiring of the brain. The addict’s body will desperately crave the drug, and withdrawals will occur, which are highly unpleasant if not treated properly.
It is not so much that the addict chooses to use the drug but instead uses it to survive. This does not mean that drug addiction is a character flaw either.
Medical experts agree that drug addiction is a brain disease, and regardless of what drug a person is addicted to, they will experience similar effects on the brain.
It may be the case that the addict doesn’t want treatment in the first place. Sometimes an addict may not even believe that they need recovery. If that is the case, there are two reasons for doing so, either they were ordered to by the court or because loved ones had urged them to seek help. It is believed that an addict needs to want to get help themselves for treatment to be successful.
However, scientific studies suggest that those faced with high pressure to get treatment do comparatively better in treatment programs. Treatment is commonly thought to be a one-time process, but that is not so.
Drug addiction is a chronic disorder, and the amount of time one has to go through for treatment varies. Some people can go through treatment one time, but it may take someone multiple times to go through treatment before they can finally recover.
No matter how many times or what reasons one is getting treated, it is essential to focus on the main purpose of treatment: to recover from the horrible disease of addiction.
These myths about drug addiction should be dismissed as they are dangerous and lead addicts from seeking the help they need.
Myths About the Recovery Process
Drugs especially have a plethora of myths surrounding them. Unfortunately, this is one of the primary causes that lead to addiction in the first place. Some people are not properly educated on the long-term or short-term effects different substances have on the brain.
Little to no education about the risks of addiction leads to even more myths about drug addiction recovery.
People may not know many myths about alcohol abuse, probably because it is so widely legal. Some say that all a person has to do that is addicted to alcohol is attend an A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) meeting.
The reality is that A.A. doesn’t work for everyone, even for those who want to make an effort to stop drinking. A.A. is more just a lifelong process of the twelve steps, and it isn’t a place where one can fully recover.
Withdrawal might be one of the big misunderstandings in the recovery process. Just because someone goes through withdrawal doesn’t mean they are necessarily addicted. This is a common myth in addiction recovery. Even if their withdrawals last for a prolonged period, the person may not be addicted.
Experiencing withdrawal only counts for one component out of eleven in total for someone to be labeled addicted. A person must have at least six components to be diagnosed with addiction.
Also, another common myth in the recovery process is that it is an acute problem requiring only 28 days worth of treatment.
The belief of the sufficiency of 28 days of treatment was popular in the ’90s and early 2000s.
However, now that data exists, that belief has changed entirely.
Modern treatment and medical professionals now know that addiction requires longer treatment and lifetime monitoring. That is why we use the term “recovering” instead of “recovered.”
How to Find A Recovery Program
If you have a problem yourself with drug addiction and you are looking for treatment, here are some ways you can find the proper treatment you need.
The first thing you can do is give our addiction specialists a call at (385) 327-7418. Our helpline is open 24/7 and can provide you with resources for drug and alcohol treatment. Calls are confidential and we will give you a consultation.
If you’ve already been through treatment and are afraid it won’t work for you, don’t despair. A common misconception about drug addiction recovery is that if the treatment didn’t work for you once, it wouldn’t work again. This is not the case. Just because you have relapsed doesn’t mean you are a lost cause, and it should not discourage you from getting treatment again.
.If you need to return to rehab, all that means is that treatment needs to begin again, or it may need to be adjusted to ensure the best recovery.
Whether you are a new person seeking treatment or one who already has an addiction specialist, we can provide you with all the help you need so that you can start the journey into recovery.
Understanding Recovery the Right Way
These common myths about addiction recovery can make those struggling with addiction remain untreated. It is hard enough to get help, and if you are fed tons of misinformation, it will be almost impossible for you to want to seek treatment.
When it comes to a situation as fragile as addiction, one should make it a point to get all the information they can get from an actual addiction specialist and not solely rely on the information from family or friends.
Remember, addiction needs treatment and a trained team of medical professionals and specialists to ensure that you maintain a healthy, sober life. There is only so much that you can do yourself, and it is best to let the professionals step in to help you.
If you are already considering therapy for your addiction, please know you are already on the right track towards recovery.
We understand that getting treatment is an overwhelming decision to make, but hopefully, understanding these common myths about addiction recovery has helped you feel more confident about joining a treatment program.
Addiction recovery is a lot simpler than people may realize, and no matter what substance you are using or how long you’ve been addicted, you can start living out your recovery.
If you’re still unsure if recovery is possible or need more clarification about the recovery in general, please call us today at (385) 327-7418.
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