Addiction is a progressive illness, so someone who is considered high functioning at the current time is unlikely to stay that way for long. In general, the American Psychological Association defines moderate alcohol use as one to two drinks (one drink being 5 ounces of wine, 1.5 ounces of liquor or 12 ounces of beer) per day. Anything beyond that—especially drinking that interferes with work, relationships or family responsibilities—is on the spectrum of alcohol abuse.

For this reason, it’s best todetox at a recovery center, or at least in an outpatient setting, so doctors can monitor your symptoms and intervene if necessary. For centuries, addiction has been seen as a moral failing. The common belief has been that those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol simply aren’t strong enough to overcome it. Some people believe that there is something inherently wrong with a person who struggles with addiction. Opioid use disorder, which includes addictions to heroin and prescription pain medications, may be treated with medications like methadone. Many people think this treatment just switches one drug addiction for another. Many think loved ones will think less of them, it will affect their status at work, or their friends will judge them for their addiction.

Treating Mental Health and Active Addictions

Once addiction takes hold, brain chemistry can change, making it hard to control impulses or make rational decisions. The circuits that drive these powerful urges are linked to survival and are no different than our urges to eat or drink water. These overwhelming urges can explain the behavior that we see in which someone continues to use, despite the turmoil it causes them or others around them. While addiction is a familiar concept to most, there are lots of misguided beliefs about addiction and those who suffer from it. Over the years, people have continued to reinforce and circulate damaging myths about addiction.

myths about addiction and recovery

Gentler approaches are more effective at helping addicts, while pushing them away may result in even more extreme behavior. 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 https://ecosoberhouse.com/ life to lead, and most of those who suffer from it wouldn’t choose to live that way if given the chance. Some people would rather try to fight through their addiction on their own than seek treatment because they believe rehab is a waste of time. When used under a doctor’s supervision, prescription drugs can be effective for treating pain or other conditions.

MYTH: Those with substance use disorders (SUD) have to hit “rock bottom” before they can get help.

Please contact Windward Way today and get help for addiction and abuse. Addiction changes the way a person’s brain and body functions, inhibiting their ability to resist their substance of choice. When drugs are abused, pleasure chemicals are released in the brain, and over time, this release of chemicals modifies the parts of the brain that control pleasure, motivation, and memory. As a result, people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol with experience extreme cravings and frequently end up prioritizing their drug use over life-sustaining necessities like food, water, and shelter. The concept of addiction is clouded with many misconceptions and assumptions, making it difficult for friends and family members to truly understand what an addicted loved one is going through. There are countless myths floating around about drug abuse, addiction, and alcoholism, but here are just a few of the most common myths and misconceptions.

myths about addiction and recovery

This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions. In fact, leading authorities on addiction agree that substance abuse is a chronic disease similar to heart disease, diabetes and cancer. There are myths about addiction and recovery 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.

Myth: You have to hit “rock bottom” for treatment to be successful.

These are just a few of the common misconceptions around addiction. At Safe Harbor Recovery Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, we seek to educate our guests and their loved ones about the realities of addiction, treatment, and recovery. Often, the fears people have around leaving behind alcohol and other drugs are rooted in myths instead of reality. By addressing these myths head-on, Safe Harbor Recovery Center in Portsmouth, Virginia would like to help ease the minds of people who are considering entering recovery. I pray that truth in all its forms dispels the addiction myths in your life and gives you the hope you need. Loved ones of addicts usually know there is a problem long before that rock-bottom moment. What I advise loved ones to do is urge an addict to seek treatment, commit the addict to God and tend to their own safety and emotional health.

  • It is important to talk about addiction openly and honestly so that not only those who need treatment get the support they need, but those around them can understand how to be a positive support system.
  • Still, a significant percentage of people who enter rehab will also have a co-occurring illness that may have never been addressed and treated.
  • This makes it difficult to sort out the facts about drug abuse from fiction.
  • However, these drugs can be dangerous when abused, especially by teens and young adults.
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  • People will keep using even when terrible things happen to them.

Often, when those struggling with addiction are no longer able to financially support their habit with money from friends and family or their employer, they turn to crime. Addiction regularly controls all aspects of an individual’s life and alters the chemistry and functionality of the brain.

Myth #7: I can quickly sober up from drinking if I have to.

They can prevent addicts from asking for help when they need it. The best way to combat misconceptions is to be educated about the truth. Modern science has shown thataddiction is a disease, not a choice. The bottom line is that addiction affects people of all ages, genders, races, geographic locations, personalities, socioeconomic statuses, and education. If you picture an “addict,” what type of person do you picture? Maybe someone who grew up in a “bad” neighborhood or someone who is in and out of jail.

Another common myth about addiction is that enrolling in detox will cure the addiction. The truth about addiction is that detox only rids the body of the toxins but it does not address the root causes of the disorder.

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