Remember, addiction to drugs or alcohol happens when your brain becomes dependent on those chemicals to function. When https://ecosoberhouse.com/ those chemicals suddenly disappear, you can experience serious side effects that can also be life-threatening.

Will power alone is simply not enough to stop an addiction. And with every use, the ideal vacation day becomes lower and lower on the scale as tolerance builds.

Substance addiction is a personal choice.

Men are more likely to be addicted to drugs – but the rate for female drug abuse is on the rise, faster than that of men. Furthermore, while it’s true that many addicts are poor, the fastest-growing demographic for substance abuse lies in those who economically qualify as upper class. Oftentimes family members believe the addict/alcoholic has to want treatment in order to experience success. It is rare that a person enrolls in treatment out of sheer desire. Instead, he or she is typically forced into treatment by a spouse or significant other, the judicial system or an employer, to name a few. It isn’t until some time has passed in addiction treatment that the individual sees the promise of recovery.

“You have to hit rock bottom to benefit from addiction treatment.” Hitting rock bottom refers to the experience of loss that leads to a willingness for change. Losses such as employment, relationships, housing, money, physical health and mental health will often help an individual decide to seek addiction treatment.

Debunking Myths About Addiction Recovery

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you’ve probably found a lot of information and resources. But finding the right treatment program takes some research.

You’ll have time to yourself and, as your program progresses, you may even be able to have visits with loved ones. You could also consider outpatient programsmade to let you maintain your independence while seeking addiction recovery treatment. If you cannot sleep or function normally without drugs or alcohol in your system, you are addicted to a substance. Contrary to what some people believe, addiction is a very real physical dependence on a chemical.

Medication-assisted treatment just switches one addiction for another

Opioid use disorder, which includes addictions to heroin and prescription pain medications, may be treated with medications like methadone. Many people think this treatment myths about addiction and recovery just switches one drug addiction for another. Here are some myths about addiction recovery, debunked by the experts who help people with treatment every day.

  • And they may have a new mental health issue to self-medicate from their time serving out the sentence.
  • The treatment is not a month-long program that can be enrolled in and completed within a stipulated time.
  • This is known as relapse, and many people think it means treatment has failed.
  • In fact, that number is sometimes as high as 80%, making addiction akin to other chronic disorders.
  • They may also be homeless, facing eviction, or locked into an abusive relationship.

In fact, prescription opioids are the most commonly abused prescription drugs. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

Myth #4 “Most Addicts Are Just Bad People”

The Sheriff’s office will then bring in the individual for an involuntary assessment. The Marchman Act can result in court ordered treatment of sixty-ninety days and can be extended if necessary. Many county court systems are also offering individuals the opportunity to choose addiction treatment to avoid jail time. The external motivation of the Marchman Act and the legal system can aid individuals in realizing the severity of their substance abuse and can help in the realization of a needed change. This can’t last forever, but in many cases, loved ones don’t find out about the problem until it has completely spiraled out of control. High-functioning addicts may be able to function for a while, but in the end, the truth always makes itself known.

myths about addiction and recovery

However, these medications are considered an essential tool in reducing the chances of a patient causing harm to themselves or someone else during the withdrawal process. Going through medically supervised and assisted withdrawal does not diminish your progress toward sobriety. Many insurance plans cover at least a part of drug treatment.