Myths About Substance Use Disorders Information for Patients
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You will also encounter medical staff and counselors who are experienced in guiding patients through treatment and are committed to encouraging you through every step of the process. It’s where you gain the skills you need to combat cravings, and where you get a taste of what your life can look like without addiction. Modern science has shown that addiction is a disease, not a choice. An anabranch is a portion of a river or stream that diverts—that is, branches off from—the main channel but then rejoins it again downstream. At Anabranch Recovery Center, we believe this is a useful way to think about treatment for a substance use disorder.
- When a person is addicted to drugs or alcohol, their brain function has been altered, so even if they want to stop, they can’t.
- This is a surprising bit of information, and a myth to most people – drug users, including hard drug users, are not automatically addicted to their drugs.
- As much as you want to believe someone when they say, “I’ll quit tomorrow” or “Just one more drink,” it likely won’t be their last getting high or drunk.
- The fact is that any type of substance of abuse can be dangerous.
Letting them know what is going on opens the door to beneficial support. There are a variety of factors that go into why someone would struggle with addiction. Life circumstances like trauma, mental illness, or genetics can contribute but sometimes it has nothing to do with it. If you have gone through treatment but relapsed, you might believe that you have failed addiction treatment. It is a misconception that setbacks and relapse means that treatment hasn’t worked or that the addiction is too severe to overcome. In fact, when it comes to getting clean and sober, some addicts and alcoholics (such as myself) may be scared to seek help because of misinformation like this that they’ve been fed in the past.
There is a one-size-fits-all treatment
Taking time to address the misconceptions raises awareness, reduces the stigma that prevents many from seeking treatment and provides education on a convoluted topic. The detox process helps to end the body’s dependence on a substance to facilitate restoration of neurochemical balance. Detox also helps to managing withdrawal symptoms and keep people as safe and comfortable as possible, in order to allow full focus on longer-term recovery efforts.
What is the survival rate of addicts?
Research shows 75% of people with addiction survive and go on to live full lives, especially if they get good treatment.
Studies show that people who volunteer for treatment and those who were pressured into it still experience the same success rates. If a loved one isn’t ready to begin treatment, at least they are aware of the option to get better, so don’t wait to express your concerns. Addiction is just as serious and complicated as any other disease. To fight it, you have to understand what you’re dealing with and receive the appropriate treatment. While it can be hard to beat addiction, it is definitely possible and will be completely worth it.
Addiction Myth #1: People who are addicted just lack willpower.
There are a variety of financial and emotional reasons why an individual might not seek treatment, but mistaken beliefs about addiction can also affect whether addicted people will pursue recovery. Here are five of the most common misconceptions about addiction. Everyone entering treatment (at the very beginning) receives a clinical assessment in order to determine the best course of action for a person. From there, professionals will work with the person to design an effective treatment plan that is tailored to their medical history, substance habits, mental health, and goals for recovery.
There are plenty of budget-friendly options and payment plans available at some treatment centers (as well as free 12 step groups). Many inpatient and outpatient programs are even covered by some types of insurance. “Rock bottom” varies from person to person but it is not a prerequisite for seeking treatment. Recognizing early that an addiction is getting out of hand is crucial. An addiction doesn’t just simply taper off; it will continue to escalate until there is nothing left to lose.
MYTH: People can’t force someone into treatment; if treatment is forced, it will fail.
The Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations evaluates quality of care provided by healthcare organizations. Footprints has the Gold Seal of Approval, which is the highest standard. The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers myths about addiction and recovery is a nonprofit professional society designed to offer support to organizations across the continuum of care. Be kind and take care of both yourself and the people around you. We’re all in this together and experience different struggles throughout life.
Relapses are opportunities to learn more about yourself, your triggers, and what is critical to maintaining sobriety. Many people come out of relapses stronger and more dedicated to their recovery. The most important thing https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/why-cant-i-cut-down-or-control-my-drinking/ is to find a drug and alcohol rehab program that works for you or your loved one. If you’re interested in learning more about our rehab center and the continuum of care we offer, please contact our admissions team today.
In fact, experiencing functional addiction is so common that it is categorized as a subtype of addiction that requires early treatment for a better chance of recovery. The media portrays people with substance abuse disorders as unemployed, weak-willed, and criminal, which means a functioning addict breaks the stereotype and makes it much harder for them to recognize their own addiction. Because of this, it is absolutely possible to be an addict with a full-time job. Diseases sometimes don’t respond to the very first plan of treatment.