MYTHS ABOUT ADDICTION

There are a slew of erroneous beliefs about those struggling with addiction. However, contrary to these falsely-head beliefs is evidence-based science that suggests otherwise. Below are five myths that have been crushed with evidence.

IF ADDICTS WERE DETERMINED ENOUGH, THEY’D BE ABLE TO QUIT THEIR ADDICTION.

When addicts use drugs or alcohol, the structure of the their brain changes. Studies in neuroscience suggest that the reward center in an addict’s brain has been taken over and this hinders their ability to stop without the appropriate treatment. The choice to stop is much more complicated than a lack of determination.

TOUGH LOVE IS AN EFFECTIVE METHOD TO GET THEM TO QUIT.

Studies have shown that tough love for persons struggling with addiction only makes their condition worse. They will likely feel alienated further and resort to using drugs or alcohol in secret. If tough love was a viable method, then we’d see nobody addicted. That isn’t the case though.

RELAPSE IS A SIGN OF FAILURE.

Relapse is common. Studies suggest that approximately 50% of all individuals who try to curb their drug or alcohol addiction resort to heavy use again, while 70–90% encounter a mild or moderate slip. Addiction is very similar to chronic diseases. Much like addiction, patients battling chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension fail to comply with their treatment. In the case with addiction, addicts are often kicked out of rehab if they began using drugs or alcohol again. Knowledgeable treatment centers view relapse as a sign that a person’s addiction needs to re-evaluated and reassessed.

AN ADDICT HAS TO HIT THEIR LOWEST POINT BEFORE THEY’RE GOING TO GET BETTER.

Just like a person suffering from diabetes wouldn’t let their symptoms go unnoticed, a person struggling with addiction should never hit rock bottom. Thousands of people every year suffer the consequences of delaying treatment in the form of injury, disease or even death. The sooner a person’s addiction is addressed, the better preventive measures can be taken to avoid the serious pitfalls of addiction.

USING DRUGS TO GET OFF DRUGS IS INEFFECTIVE

For many, they’re under the incorrect belief that using one substance doesn’t help you get off of another. However, for many individuals, medication can be an effective method to curb addiction. Medications can help reduce cravings in addicts and interrupt their tendency to want to use drugs or alcohol. Since everyone is different, not everyone is able to curb their addiction through medication. For some though, medication can provide those struggling with addiction an invaluable tool to help them manage their abstinence from drugs or alcohol.

ADDICTION TREATMENT OPTIONS

If you or a loved one is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, don’t wait until your life has spiraled out of control before you get the appropriate help. A professional addiction treatment center can help you reclaim your life from the clutches of drug and alcohol addiction. Call Freedom From Addiction now for more information.