Having the courage to face your addiction and get help is hard enough, let alone while confronting the many damaging myths out there about addiction and treatment for substance abuse disorder.Here we take a look at what the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says about a few of the most common misconceptions.
Myth #1: Addiction is voluntary behavior.
The decision to use alcohol or drugs is a voluntary one, however, as times passes, a person goes from being a voluntary drug user to a compulsive drug user. This is because continued use of addictive substances changes your brain in ways that result in compulsive and even uncontrollable drug use.
Myth #2: Addiction is a character flaw.
Addiction is a disease that alters how the brain functions. This can range from changes in the molecules and cells that make up the brain, to mood changes, to changes in memory processes and in such motor skills as walking and talking. These changes have a huge influence on all aspects of a person's behavior.
Myth #3: You have to want substance abuse treatment for it to work.
Research points to two main reasons why people seek treatment: the court ordered them to do so, or loved ones urged them to get help. Studies have also found that individuals who enter drug treatment programs in which they face "high pressure" to confront and overcome their addiction do comparatively better — regardless of the reason they sought treatment in the first place.
Myth #4: There must be a "magic bullet" to treat all forms of substance abuse.
Unfortunately, there’s no magic bullet that will suddenly stop addiction. Different people have different drug abuse-related problems and respond very differently to similar forms of treatment — even if they're addicted to the same drug.
The Path to Recovery
When families, schools, and communities are vigilant about early intervention, mentoring, and disease education, teens can turn their lifestyle around before addiction becomes a way of life. For information about Hope Academy's drug recovery programs, call today: 866-930-4673.
