15 Common Misconceptions About Addiction

When people who are addicted or who are related to an addict are ashamed, they won’t speak up, reach out for help, or talk about how the illness is impacting the family. When addiction is kept in the https://ecosoberhouse.com/ dark, myths and misconceptions will abound and further muddy everyone’s understanding of the disorder. One of the biggest misconceptions is that addiction to drugs or alcohol is a voluntary decision.

While the perspectives on this issue are shifting, there is still work to be done to reduce the stigma of MAT. Addiction impacts your loved one’s ability to think rationally and focus on healthy priorities. As a result, the person struggling may lash out at you or other people, neglect their personal relationships, and lie to hide their substance use. To some, it might even seem like they are choosing drugs over their loved ones. However, addiction is a disease and can make someone so hyper-focused on getting their next fix that it’s nearly impossible for them to think about anything else. The common belief has been that those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol simply aren’t strong enough to overcome it.

Myth #8: People Will Judge My Decision

Our mission is to provide the most cost-effective, accessible treatment for substance use disorder to as many patients as possible. We are committed to an integrated quality of care that is comprehensive, person-centered, and recovery-focused. We strive to exceed patient and community expectations in every life we touch. Recovery from drug addiction is a long process that often involves setbacks. Relapse doesn’t mean that treatment has failed or that you’re a lost cause.

Addiction is something that almost everyone has an opinion about, including those who don’t fully understand it. It is extremely stigmatized, which essentially means that many people judge addiction and believe or spread false information about the subject. Since there are always so many misconceptions floating around regarding this topic, we’ve decided to separate fact from fiction and clear up seven of the most infamous myths about addiction & recovery.

Myth #4: It Doesn’t Count as Treatment if I Need Medication

These alcohol and drug rehab programs should be fluid and constantly updated as the client progresses through the program. This process will look different for everyone, but that doesn’t mean that one process works better than another. That said, with so many different types of substance use disorders and so many differences between individuals, it does not make sense for one type of treatment to work for everyone. Cravings for drugs or alcohol can occur spontaneously, and relapse can happen even years after successfully completing a treatment program. None of this should discourage people who struggle with addiction, because addiction can be successfully managed on a long-term basis with diligent, ongoing recovery efforts. MAT is a treatment option that uses prescription drugs, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to help support your addiction recovery.

• While an inpatient alcohol and drug rehab program may have been a fantastic choice for your mom, your coworker may benefit more from an outpatient drug rehab program.
• At Gateway, we use Suboxone or Vivitrol instead when necessary.
• A return to treatment is often a much-needed stepping-stone on the road to full recovery.
• To fight it, you have to understand what you’re dealing with and receive the appropriate treatment.
• Whether you are contemplating this decision or it’s already been made, you should be proud of yourself for taking this important first step.
• The fact is that any type of substance of abuse can be dangerous.

The bottom line is that addicts who seek help usually do recover. When someone abuses a substance, it means that they take more than they should or that they use a substance in a way that isn’t recommended. The only way to tell regular substance use apart from abuse is to determine whether or not the drugs are causing someone harm.

Myth: Relapse is a Sign of Failure

As with other chronic illnesses, ongoing help may be necessary, and that includes periods of feeling better and periods of relapse. People working to manage a substance use disorder or addiction may need to undergo more intense rehabilitation or therapy at different times in their lives. A return to treatment is often a much-needed stepping-stone on the road to full recovery. Post-traumatic growth (PTG) in addiction recovery is also being studied. PTG occurs when a person’s functioning improves after acute stress.

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. Just as every individual is different, addiction treatment should vary as well. While an inpatient alcohol and drug rehab program may have been a fantastic choice for your mom, your coworker may benefit more from an outpatient drug rehab program. Much of it will depend on personal circumstances, the person’s current and past drug use, and any previous treatment they have received in the past.

Myth: “Addiction only happens to certain kinds of people.”

In other cases, if a person is going through withdrawal and experiences more severe symptoms such as a seizure, they are in danger of serious injury or death if they attempt to face this alone. If you’re on the fence about entering a program, you need accurate information myths about addiction and recovery to help you make informed decisions about which program is best for you. You may have heard a few facts about addiction recovery along the way, but let’s separate fact from fiction. Red Oaks Recovery offers a way forward for individuals living with an addiction.