Addicts are often viewed as lazy or stupid for not overcoming their problem, but people who point the finger at addicts are often missing the point entirely. With all the highly-publicized cases of celebrity drug addiction and its frequent portrayals in the media, most of us think we know quite a bit about addiction. Even those who have sought drug or alcohol treatment may be guilty of believing themselves to be more informed than they really are, falling victim to the many myths about recovery. Oftentimes, individuals think that prescription drugs are safer to misuse since these types of drugs don’t have the negative connotations that “street” drugs do. The truth is that prescription pills can be just as addictive and dangerous as other drugs. Simply taking a higher dosage or taking more than prescribed by a doctor can lead someone down a slippery path of misuse.

Addiction can impact every area of a person’s life and can affect absolutely anyone, so it is important to know the truth about substance abuse disorders before making https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/13-common-myths-about-addiction-and-recovery/ assumptions. Because some people feel a great deal of shame about their substance abuse they often hide it. Deception is unfortunately a major part of substance abuse.

Myths About Addiction That May Impact Recovery

For some, an addiction recovery program is indeed the turning point they need to take back their life. They get sober, make lifestyle changes, and put recovery skills into practice that help them refrain from drugs and alcohol indefinitely. Others might need to participate in an addiction treatment program several times throughout their recovery journey. It’s something you must always be aware of, work on, and nurture. Whether you’re in active addiction or haven’t had a drink or drug in decades, you’re never “cured” of addiction.

There are a variety of factors that go into why someone would struggle with addiction. Life circumstances like trauma, mental illness, or genetics can contribute but sometimes it has nothing to do with it. Alcohol is more socially acceptable and readily accessible than perhaps illicit drugs, which makes drinking alcohol daily and heavy drinking commonplace. Whatever its legal status, alcohol is a dangerous drug when abused. The cumulative findings of addiction research proves the opposite.

There is a one-size-fits-all treatment

You can select from various options, including access to group meetings, outpatient counseling services, sober living homes and programs to connect with other alumni for help and support. Connecting with support during and after treatment is essential to maintaining sobriety long-term. Whether through organized group therapy or informal get-togethers, joining others who are also recovering from addiction can help you combat isolation. Many patients also draw strength from realizing they are not alone. When you complete your initial program, it will be wise to avoid the people and situations that may cause you to crave alcohol or other substances. You might not want to accept a friend’s invitation to head out to a club, or you might skip going to a house party where you know drugs will be present.

Addiction is something that has long been misunderstood and overlooked. It’s best to be aware of the truth behind addiction and how it affects those suffering from it. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, Gateway Rehab offers a multitude of recovery services and educational programs. While addiction can be a result of many factors such as genetics, trauma, and mental illness, anyone can develop an addiction. It’s important to know that no one chooses to have an addiction. It can actually be a very physically and emotionally challenging life to lead, and most of those who suffer from it wouldn’t choose to live that way if given the chance.

Myths About Addiction & Recovery

You’re hoping they’ll absorb the lessons there and come out a changed person. While it’s good to keep a positive mindset, relapses are a common occurrence among those dealing with a substance use disorder. Those in recovery are taught to fear relapse, and certainly, this is a legitimate fear. However, often shame is linked to relapse, which can be detrimental to someone’s recovery.

• Addiction is far more complicated than simply saying no, which is why treatment is so often necessary.
• If you are not ready to share with your loved ones, every state has a variety of Alcohol Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings available by region.
• You wouldn’t know exactly what has changed, but you’d know they’re omitting something.
• You may have heard a few facts about addiction recovery along the way, but let’s separate fact from fiction.

It is simply harder to tell that person is struggling, which makes it harder for friends and family to notice changes enough to intervene. Anyone can be vulnerable to addiction, and many people hide their difficulties due to the current stigmas and shame surrounding the disease. Historically, addicts have been treated with more disdain than those who suffer from other disorders, as many people believe that drug and alcohol addiction is merely an issue of self-control. In reality, addiction is more like a disease, a brain condition that makes it impossible to consciously control.