Myths
Here are just a few of the common misperceptions people have
about recovery, substance use disorder, 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.