Keep in mind that most people with addiction who experience a recurrence will return to recovery. The sooner a person receives help for their addiction, the more likely they are to achieve long-term recovery. Successful relapse prevention plans involve the avoidance and/or management of risk factors.
These myths lead to misunderstanding and stigma, often clouding our collective perception and creating barriers for those in need of help. Whether you’re looking for help for yourself or someone you love, we’re here to offer personalized addiction treatment care that’s compassionate and grounded in proven treatment methods. It’s time to let go of old myths and focus on the real facts that shape how we view addiction, recovery, and how we support those who are struggling. Simply put, codependency is an unscientific theory that gained attention in the 1980s and unfortunately still dominates our society’s beliefs about families impacted by addiction. Loved ones sometimes develop unhelpful and unhealthy behaviors, but the idea that they have a codependency disorder is unscientific and harmful. It’s just another way society blames people who are only trying to help get someone well.
Myth 3: You have to hit rock bottom before seeking help
There is a prevailing stereotype that persons with an addiction are unable to function in society, hold down jobs, or maintain healthy relationships. This misconception paints a picture of persons with an addiction as dysfunctional and unproductive individuals, further perpetuating stigma and misunderstanding. Although this is the case, some people do not accept the need myths about addiction for treatment until a “rock bottom” scenario occurs.
Relapse rates for addiction are high, indicating that overcoming addiction is not as simple as just “quitting” and that ongoing support is crucial for maintaining sobriety. The notion that an individual must hit “rock bottom” before they can begin to recover from addiction is a dangerous and misleading myth. This idea suggests that a person must experience severe negative consequences, such as losing their job, relationships, or health, before they will be motivated to seek help for their addiction. Addiction isn’t a choice—it’s a chronic disease that affects how the brain works. Things like genetics, trauma, and environment play a big role, making it much more complex than willpower alone. These statistics demonstrate that recovery is not only possible but is a reality for millions of people who have overcome addiction.
Myth: “People with addiction are hopeless.”
Recovery is a process, and setbacks don’t erase all Substance abuse the progress you’ve made. Take the first step toward healing today by reaching out to a professional or joining a support group in your area. Let’s work together to break free from the myths and Stigma to embrace a future of recovery and hope. Attempting to quit cold turkey without proper medical supervision can lead to serious health complications, particularly for those with severe addiction or those addicted to substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines. Supervised withdrawal and medical assistance can help ensure a safer, more comfortable detoxification process and reduce the risk of relapse.
- So, let’s embark on a journey to challenge our preconceptions and deepen our understanding of this critical issue.
- People with addiction have often become very disconnected from healthy activities and relationships.
- While we’re firm believers in the power that comes with education and setting boundaries, we never want loved ones to feel shame or as if it’s their sole responsibility to get someone well.
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The information on this website is not intended to be a substitute for, or to be relied upon as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified health provider with questions regarding a medical condition. The belief that an individual can overcome addiction through sheer willpower alone is both simplistic and misguided. This myth perpetuates the notion that persons with an addiction are solely responsible for their addiction and that they simply need to “try harder” to recover. The truth is that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic status.
By understanding the truth, we can better support those affected and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s important to seek help early. The truth is that relapse is a common part of the recovery process and should be viewed as an opportunity to learn and grow rather than a failure. In addition to the physical challenges of quitting cold turkey, addressing the psychological aspects of addiction requires comprehensive treatment and support. Recognizing the need for professional help and personalized treatment plans is essential for increasing the chances of long-term recovery and reducing the risk of relapse.
In reality, many individuals do successfully recover from addiction and go on to lead fulfilling, substance-free lives. Do you ever find yourself believing something about addiction that doesn’t quite add up? Misconceptions about addiction are widespread, and they can shape how we view those struggling with substance use disorders. Let’s debunk 12 common myths about addiction, helping to understand the truth and support those impacted more effectively.
- I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that addiction results from poor choices or a lack of self-control.
- Some people believe that detoxification, or the process of removing drugs or alcohol from the body, is all that’s needed to recover from addiction.
- In honor of National Recovery Month, let’s set the record straight on some common myths.
With increased knowledge and empathy, we can better support those struggling with addiction in their recovery journey. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), between 40% and 60% of people with substance https://bridgetharvey.co.uk/alcoholism-wikipedia/ use disorders relapse at some point during their recovery. While these numbers may seem discouraging, it is important to note that relapse rates for addiction are similar to those for other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, and hypertension. These statistics highlight that addiction is a chronic disease, and relapse is a common part of the recovery process. A common and discouraging myth about addiction is that the majority of individuals struggling with substance abuse never achieve lasting recovery.
Myth: People need to hit rock bottom before they can start recovering.
These myths hurt families and friends – and they make it harder for people to get well. Instead, you’ll need to constantly work towards your goal, which might involve therapy, support groups, aftercare, and lifestyle shifts. In doing so, we can create a space where recovery feels accessible and hopeful. Deconstructing these myths is a huge part of encouraging empathy and limiting shame. 46 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. That being said, the consequences of addiction (or costs of using) are oftentimes what tip the motivational balance, leading to increased motivation.
- When we stop letting judgment get in the way and trade it for kindness, we build an atmosphere where people feel safe to take that first step toward recovery, knowing it’s possible and within reach.
- These myths lead to misunderstanding and stigma, often clouding our collective perception and creating barriers for those in need of help.
- But the truth is, addiction is a complex disease, and recovery isn’t just possible—it’s achievable with the right support.
Too many still see addiction through these myths, believing it’s a personal failure or a battle no one can win. When addiction takes hold, these changes in the brain erode a person’s self-control and ability to make good decisions, while sending highly intense impulses to take drugs. These are the same circuits linked to survival, driving powerful urges no different from those driving the need to eat or drink water.
I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that addiction results from poor choices or a lack of self-control. When you’re struggling, the last thing you need is to feel judged or like you’re fighting an impossible battle. Every Life Matters September is National Suicide Prevention Month – a time to raise awareness, spread hope, and let people know they are not alone…. Ultimately, love and support are what encourage change, not punishment and rejection. Tough love tactics like cutting people off or kicking them out usually have the opposite result families are hoping for.