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There is progress being made to reduce societal judgment and clarify the myths surrounding substance use disorders. Unfortunately, this progress is happening slowly while psychiatric and substance abuse problems continue to rise dramatically and expediently throughout the nation. When an illness or disorder cannot be overcome at will, then substance abuse can’t either.
When someone gets caught with an addictive substance in their system, they are sent to court and given a criminal record. Depending on the charges this makes becoming a productive member of society very difficult. However, holding a grudge or trying to make an addict feel guilty for things he or she did when using will not help the situation. There are many facilities that offer family therapy to help mend the bridges that the addiction has weakened. Many times the friends and family members have issues due to their loved one’s actions that will need to be worked through as well. Part of the recovery process accepting that they were powerless, is owning the mistakes and bad choices they have made, forgiving themselves, and making amends to those that have been harmed by them. Once the brain has rewired obtaining the substance becomes the most important thing to the addict, leading him or her to make some bad choices.
Common Myths About Addiction
You might also join a rehab alumni community to enjoy sobriety-friendly events and create new friend circles with others who understand and support your recovery journey. When someone refers to quitting drugs or alcohol “cold turkey,” they mean they plan to quit abruptly without the help of medication or assistance from experienced medical personnel. Someone who chooses to address their addiction this way typically attempts to stop using drugs or alcohol at home by themselves. Deciding to enter an addiction recovery program is courageous because it’s about more than just sharing your feelings or finding the willpower to quit using. Addiction recovery addresses your physical, mental and emotional needs, and that requires effort.
Once a patient reaches a certain point in their progress, their medical team can then begin to ease up on the use of medications to treat their symptoms. Substance abuse https://ecosoberhouse.com/ rewires the brain so that it sends similar messages to you about drugs and alcohol that it does food, water, connection with others, and other survival instincts.
Thinking Addiction Only Happens to Bad People
The addiction becomes the single most powerful motivator to the addict, and he or she will do anything, absolutely anything, for the drug. As time passes, those who are in treatment slowly begin to see the merit in becoming clean and sober. Oftentimes, it’s a matter of waiting until drugs are out of the system and clouding an individual’s judgment. There is nothing that can magically cure any addiction.
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- Also, the addict’s belief that they are meeting responsibilities plays into minimizing the illness.
- Some people may think that relapsing is a sign of failure.
- People will keep using even when terrible things happen to them.
- The psychological aspects hold the key to recovery, and treating the mind is not as straightforward as treating the body.
- Addiction in America 40 million people in America struggle with addiction and it’s the third largest cause of death, but many don’t get the help they need.
But that does not mean that drug addicts are bad people categorically, or that crime and drugs automatically go together without very important additional context. Getting a loved one into rehab can feel like an enormous weight off your shoulders. 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.
Myth #2: I Don’t Need Treatment for Withdrawal Symptoms
With this in mind, it’s important to keep an open mind and understand that substance abuse and addiction are problems that many people struggle with. In fact, there is a good chance you know someone who has a problem. Addicts/alcoholics don’t have to want to be in treatment, nor do myths about addiction and recovery they have to recover for themselves. If they maintain the frame of mind that they’re in recovery for a loved one, that’s okay. There are many parents that enter into recovery for their children’s sake. The important thing is that they are supported, accepted, and capable of change.
Addiction is still a rather misunderstood and controversial topic in society, making it difficult for people to seek professional help. There are several misconceptions and myths about addiction, leading to individuals being stigmatized or alienated from society. However, by uncovering the truth about addiction, we can make it easier for people to access quality treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, reach out to Serenity Grove’s addiction treatment program in Athens, GA at soon as possible. Drug addiction is a chronic illness, and as such, patients will need ongoing care like they would for any other chronic disease.
