Common Myths of Addiction | Misconceptions About Addiction
A person who has never gone through addiction and recovery might have a hard time understanding how complicated the process can be. That’s why myths about addiction are so widespread. These myths don’t just negatively impact young men looking for treatment. They can also confuse people seeking to help their ones get out of the cycle of substance use disorder. Misconceptions about addiction can lead to feelings of anger, confusion, and betrayal. However, with informed guidance, addiction can be confronted and successfully treated. At Red Oak Recovery®, we’ve helped countless individuals find their way out of substance use disorder. To learn about our young men’s rehab program, call us today at 828.382.9699.
Five Common Myths About Addiction
Since, like many disorders, addiction is largely misunderstood, it’s always crucial to clear up misconceptions that may hinder individuals seeking recovery. Here are five common addiction myths:
1. The Belief That Addiction Is a Choice
Most long-term addicts cannot just go cold turkey without experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms their body is going to go through whether they want it to or not. This is why the “addiction is a choice” myth is not only misleading but potentially physically dangerous to an individual seeking help.
2. The Belief That Addiction Is a Sign of Weakness
Many people think that having a significant amount of willpower is enough to avoid succumbing to addiction. But it’s more accurate to say that willpower is what comes into play when a person decides to seek addiction treatment. Substance use disorder can happen to anyone.
3. Environmental and Domestic Factors
These can also play a prominent role in the potential for future addictive behaviors. If a person begins to use substances at an early age, for example, those substances can rewire the brain to a significant degree. An individual who has been addicted for decades has different challenges than an individual who has been addicted for a year. Addressing these factors is a crucial part of many treatment programs.
4. Thinking Addiction Only Happens to Bad People
Those who have seen the worst sides of addiction sometimes come to believe that people with an addiction are not good people. Most individuals with substance use disorder will experience changes in brain function. These can sometimes cause negative behavior that is out of character. Most individuals will apologize for the distress their addiction has caused once they’ve gone through treatment and come to terms with the consequences of their addiction. Forgiveness and understanding are crucial parts of supporting the journey toward recovery.
5. Believing That Rehab Should Work the First Time
Getting a loved one into rehab can feel like an enormous weight off your shoulders. There’s no doubt it does represent a crucial milestone. It’s understandable to expect that your loved one will come out of rehab as a changed person. However, it’s important to remember that an individual seeking treatment hopes their treatment will succeed the first time, too. While a positive mindset is critical, so is understanding the nature of addiction. Relapses are a common occurrence among those dealing with a substance use disorder.
Don’t get discouraged if your loved one has a relapse. Make yourself a part of their network of support. Every failure is a chance to learn from experience and make a new start.
Reach out to Red Oak Recovery® to Begin Your Journey to Recovery
The trained, dedicated, empathetic staff at Red Oak Recovery® is proud to offer a way forward for individuals living with an addiction. We also have services to help loved ones understand the disease and find their path to healing. In addition to offering addiction therapy services and clinical rehabilitation, we offer family counseling. Don’t hesitate to call us at 828.382.9699 or reach out to us online today.
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