Myths

Here are just a few of the common misperceptions people have about recovery, addiction and who’s at risk:

 

About Recovery

People have to hit rock bottom before they’ll get help.

There is no evidence that this is true. In fact, research shows that the earlier in the addiction process that you can intervene and get someone help, the more they have to live for.

SOURCE: www.hbo.com/addiction; Dr. Kathleen Brady, Medical University of South Carolina

Going to treatment will cure the problem.

Treatment may be the first step in a lifelong journey to maintain recovery. Many people need more than one treatment visit given the chronic nature of this disorder. And just like any other chronic disease, you also need ongoing maintenance and support.  There is not a simple “cure” or a one-size-fits-all solution. Fortunately, however, there are many ways to recover.

If someone relapses, there’s no hope for them.

The chronic nature of the disease means that relapsing is likely for many. Relapse rates for addiction are similar to those for other chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma. Recovery involves changing deeply imbedded behaviors, and relapse does not mean treatment failure. Relapse may be a sign that the treatment or supports need to be strengthened or adjusted, or that alternative treatment methods are required.

SOURCE: NIDA, Drug, Brains and Behavior: The Science of Addiction

Treatment is the same thing as recovery.

Treatment is just the beginning of the long-term process of recovery. Treatment is intended to help people stop compulsive drug or alcohol seeking and use, and can occur in a variety of settings, forms and lengths of time. More than simply abstinence, recovery is a self-directed process involving biological, psychological, social and spiritual health. It is a lifelong journey and can involve many different components.

About Substance Use Disorder

This problem is just a bad habit; people who can’t stop are weak in character.

The initial decision to take drugs or drink is mostly voluntary. However, when the disease takes hold, changes in the brain erode a person’s self-control and ability to make sound decisions, while sending highly intense impulses to take drugs. This helps explain the compulsive and destructive behavior around addiction.

SOURCE: NIDA, Drug, Brains and Behavior: The Science of Addiction

The Changed Brain: Addiction is a Brain Disease

 

Addiction may be a disease, but it’s different because people bring it on themselves.

Substance use disorder, like other chronic diseases such as heart disease or diabetes, develop from a combination of biological makeup, like genetics, and social factors, including behaviors, family environment and others.

The American Medical Association and other leading medical groups have long recognized addiction as a chronic disease.

SOURCE: NIDA, Drug, Brains and Behavior: The Science of Addiction

Addiction is treated behaviorally so it must be a behavioral problem, not a disease.

New brain studies show that behavioral treatments, such as psychotherapy and medication, work similarly in changing brain function. So addiction is a brain disease that can be treated by changing brain function through several types of treatments.

SOURCE: www.hbo.com/addiction; adapted from Myths of Addiction, Carlton K. Erickson, PhD, University of Texas Addiction Science

Prescription drugs are not addictive because doctors prescribe them.

Addiction to prescription medications, including painkillers, sedatives and stimulants, is a serious and growing problem, among all age groups. When misused, these drugs can be highly addictive and have serious harmful effects

SOURCE: NIDA, Prescription drug abuse research update

You can’t become addicted to marijuana.

Research shows that marijuana can be addictive, although dependence develops less readily than for other drugs. Still, 9 percent of those who try it will develop dependence. The percentage of those entering treatment for marijuana doubled between 1993 and 2005

SOURCE: NIDA, Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, December 2007

Who’s At Risk

Everyone faces the same risk of having an alcohol problem.

Your genetic history and environment play a key role in whether you develop a problem—or can use alcohol without any issues. Scientists found that if your family member has a problem and you choose to drink, you also may develop a problem. Yet environment also influences whether a person with a genetic risk for an alcohol problem ever develops the disease: the risk can increase based on where and how you live; family, friends, and culture; peer pressure; and even how easy it is to get alcohol.

Most people with substance use disorder can’t hold down a job

The truth is that most people with an addiction are at work. Research shows that about 75 percent of those with a problem are working full or part-time. (

SOURCE: SAMHSA

If you have a stable job and family life, you can’t have an addiction.

Many people live in denial because they’re successful in their professional lives, or don’t drink until after 5 pm, or come from a “good” home. The truth is that anyone can have an alcohol or drug problem, and the effects will eventually catch up with you. Having a problem is nothing to be ashamed of, and there’s a strong support system out there so you can get help.

I don’t have a problem since I only drink beer (or wine)

A drink is a drink. Although the alcohol content may vary, anything with alcohol can be addictive. The type of alcohol you consume has little bearing on whether you may or may not have a problem. It all affects the brain in the same way.