The 10 Most Common Myths About Addiction
Despite the fact that prescription drug abuse has reached epidemic proportions in the past decade, the use of “legal” drugs to get high carries less stigma than the use of illicit drugs. Medications like the nicotine patch, invented in 1984 by researchers at UCLA, were the first widely used transdermal medication and have helped many people quit smoking. Safe medical treatments have changed alcohol use disorder (AUD), diminishing alcohol cravings and preventing relapse with disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone. In AUD, MATs are used in fewer than 8 percent of cases—the real problem. Additionally, alcohol withdrawal can be complicated by delirium tremens (DTs), a life-threatening condition marked by confusion, hallucinations, and seizures.
Myth #3: Only certain types of people have substance abuse issues.
But this is all minuscule when it comes down to your health and ultimately, the quality of life you are living. Alcohol https://ecosoberhouse.com/ is acceptable and easily accessible; you could even say it is celebrated in American society. Millions partake in drinking as a social activity, and unfortunately this can be where alcohol addiction starts.
What are the profound changes addiction causes in the brain?
Crack appears as small, jagged chunks or pebble-like pieces, making it easily distinguishable from powdered cocaine. Most importantly, recovery is becoming something that feels possible for more people – not just a privilege for those who fit into a specific mould. Stigma has been a heavy shadow over addiction for decades, but myths about addiction and recovery things are finally starting to change. The narrative is shifting, thanks to advocates, public figures, and everyday people sharing their stories. Instead of seeing addiction as a failure, more people are recognising it as a human struggle that deserves empathy and support. Workplaces are offering benefits like confidential counselling, flexible leave for treatment, and even on-site support programmes.
Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment
They can lead to judgment, discrimination, and misunderstanding, making it more challenging for individuals to seek help and for society to provide the necessary support. It is crucial to recognize that addiction is a chronic disease alcoholism that can affect anyone, regardless of background or circumstances. Early intervention, comprehensive treatment, and ongoing support are essential components of a successful recovery plan.
People who’ve never experienced an addiction to drugs or alcohol or watched a friend or family member struggle can’t understand how difficult it is to move towards recovery. Research shows that relapse rates for addiction are similar to those of other chronic diseases, such as diabetes or hypertension. It is not uncommon for individuals with chronic conditions to experience setbacks on their journey towards managing their health. Similarly, relapse should be seen as a temporary setback that can be used as a stepping stone towards long-term recovery.
- This enables them to tailor the treatment approach to suit the person’s individual needs.
- This biological aspect of addiction demonstrates that it is not solely a matter of willpower or moral strength.
- Dual diagnosis addressing mental health issues alongside addiction is essential for comprehensive rehabilitation.
- While naltrexone acts as an opiate blocker (and is widely prescribed for alcohol cravings), methadone and suboxone are only partial opiate agonists, meaning there are low doses of opiate in the medication.
- From understanding the prevalence of substance use disorder to emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health issues through dual diagnosis, we will delve into the realities of addiction.
- People with addiction have often become very disconnected from healthy activities and relationships.
Keep in mind that most people with addiction who experience a recurrence will return to recovery. 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. If you’ve tried treatment before, that does not mean it is time to give up. With thousands of facilities across the U.S., finding the right facility can be a difficult process. To make this process easier, The Recovery Village offers someguidelines to help you find the right rehab.
- These are the same circuits linked to survival, driving powerful urges no different from those driving the need to eat or drink water.
- All of these fall under the “recovery” umbrella, as those struggling with addiction use personal choice to find a program that works best for them.
- This belief can foster feelings of guilt, shame, and disappointment, which can create additional emotional obstacles on the journey to recovery.
