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Common Myths and Facts About Drug Addiction

The issue of drug addiction is one of the most taboo ones and can be associated with many myths which can have a negative impact on the addicted individuals and discourage them from seeking the necessary help. To the outside world, in particular to people struggling with substance abuse or those with a close one in treatment, it is critical to know what is real and what is fake. In this article, you will learn about myths associated with drug addiction and a clear understanding of what addiction is all about.

Myth 1: Addiction is a Choice

Most individuals do not think that the disease is accurate at all and that it’s just sheer laziness in making right decisions and choices. While the decision of the initial use of drugs may be a conscious one, addiction is a long-term condition that affects the brain. It works on the principle that once the mind is captured by addiction, it is very hard if not impossible to quit substance abuse even if a person wants to do so. The truth is that drug addiction is an illness which needs a holistic approach covering the physical, psychological, and emotional aspect of the patient.

Myth 2: You Can Quit Any Time Without Help

Another of the most commonly shared myths is the belief that a person can put an end to using drugs whenever they wish to do so, provided that they wish it strongly enough. Indeed, going cold turkey without the assistance of a specialist can be not only challenging but also potentially lethal, mainly for those who have really gotten addicted to chemicals. Depending on the drug, withdrawal symptoms can be very serious and at times even fatal. This is why it is essential to enroll in properly structured programs such as drug detox in sun valley CA for successfully managing the first step of rehabilitation.

Myth 3: Only ‘Hard’ Drugs Leads to Addiction

It was common to single out heroin or methamphetamine and suppose that they are the only materials that lead to addiction. But you wouldn’t believe it, prescription drugs, alcohol and even marijuana are as fatal for some people as well. In fact, it is known that people even get addicted to prescription painkillers, without knowing the addictive nature of the drugs. It is not to do with how ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ a drug is – anything can become a drug if it is used sufficiently.

Myth 4: Relapse equals to treatment failure

It is considered that relapse is possible if the treatment is not effective or if the person does not strive enough. However, it is vital to understand that relapse is a common aspect of the recovery process for many individuals. Alcoholism is a disease and like other diseases including diabetes or hypertension, it may take some time to address appropriately. The key point here is that relapse does not deter the further treatment process and provides information on the further treatment strategy rather than being viewed as failure.

Myth 5: Only specific individuals are vulnerable to addiction.

Many people are under the impression that drug dependency is not possible for anyone with a normal life and only occurs with individuals that have a bad upbringing, no formal education, or low income level. In fact, addiction is real and irrespective of one’s age, gender, race or nationality, one can turn into an addict at any point in time. It is not exclusive to a certain age, gender, background or income bracket within the society. It is for this reason that it becomes important to acknowledge this fact in a bid to demystify the societal stigma that befalls a person struggling with an addiction disorder.

The Facts

Drug addiction is a disease which a patient needs to be taken through a rehabilitation process and requires a support system. In this sense, the best treatment options are available within inpatient programs, through outpatient counselors or even a drug detox in sun valley CA depending on the substance on which a person depends. Recovery is a very individual process and does not fit in one mold or another.

Conclusion

Knowledge about drug addiction can reduce stigma, encourage people to seek help, and assist families coping with the problem. Thus, to dismantle all these myths and welcome facts, we have to create a more humane attitude towards people struggling with drug addiction and in the process of their rehabilitation.

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