Links to other resources: Contact Florida Springs, Florida Rehab Location
Addiction affects millions of people all over the world, but widespread misunderstandings still contribute to a stigma surrounding this condition. This hinders our empathy, and impacts treatment for those struggling with substance abuse. Let’s debunk five common myths about substance use disorder right now.
Myth 1: ” Certain Types of People Develop Addiction”
A pervasive stereotype suggests that addiction only affects people who fit certain profiles, lifestyles, or temperaments. In reality, addiction crosses all demographic lines, including race, gender, economic status, and education levels. Professionals, students, parents, and people from various backgrounds can all experience addiction.
In residential drug and alcohol treatment, we always have a broad cross-section of patients from different backgrounds working towards a common goal. And despite myriad perceived differences, the journey of recovery often shows us how much we have in common, and how hearing about other people’s experiences can help strengthen us on our journey, no matter where our paths started.
Myth 2: “Addiction is a Choice”
One prevalent myth about addiction is that it is simply a matter of personal choice or moral failing. The truth is far more complex. Extensive research in neuroscience reveals that addiction is actually a complex brain disorder characterized by significant changes in brain chemistry, structure, and function, and learning just a bit about this complicated topic can spark a deeper understanding of our own experience with the disease. Understanding addiction as a chronic illness can reshape perspectives. The good news is that just as the brain adapts negatively to chronic substance abuse, it can also fully recover with appropriate treatment and sustained effort.
Myth 3: “Treatment Doesn’t Work”
Another myth is that treatment for substance use disorders is ineffective. The reality is that many evidence-based treatment approaches, such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counseling, residential inpatient care, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and support groups, have been proven effective in managing and overcoming addiction for different people. There is no one treatment method that works for most people, which is part of why this myth exists.
Recovery is within reach, though it can be challenging and often involves addressing underlying issues alongside the addiction itself. Many people may fail at it, sometimes more than once, but dismissing treatment outright ignores substantial evidence showing significant successes in helping individuals reclaim their lives.
Myth 4: “People Must Hit Rock Bottom Before They Can Get Better”
This myth suggests that all individuals need to experience catastrophic consequences before genuinely committing to recovery. This misconception can delay essential interventions and prevent early assistance when outcomes might be more favorable. Waiting for rock bottom, out of some belief based on what happened to other people, can make recovery more difficult. I am aware that this is a common mantra in support groups including Alcoholics Anonymous, which has been so helpful for so many people. We just have to realize that even if this myth was true for many people, that doesn’t mean it applies to all people. Substance use disorders exist on a spectrum. If your doctor gives you a prescription, and a few months later you find yourself unable to stop the medication on your own, that falls within the umbrella of “substance use disorder”. It is not helpful to believe that things must get much worse before you ask for help. Ask for help when you need help!
Myth 5: “Relapse Means Failure”
Relapse is often misunderstood as a personal failing or proof of ineffective treatment. Relapse doesn’t indicate complete failure; it signals the need for adjustments or additional support in the treatment plan.
Viewing a relapse as part of a longer recovery journey reduces stigma and increases empathy. A relapse can offer insights into triggers and information about what is not working, enabling a more effective recovery approach. If a person does not return to a support group or treatment center after a relapse because of shame and the fear of starting over completely, we are all worse off. Relapse is a fact of life when it comes to this disease, and the only shame would be giving up because you stumble early on!
by Tim Cannon
