It is easy to make assumptions about other people and what their problems are like—especially for drug addicts. They are troubled individuals who fight with a mental disorder that is commonly looked down upon. It can be easy to make misconceptions about them that hurt their recovery and their overall morale.
But many of these misconceptions are just that—misconceptions. They are often outright incorrect and based off of nothing but preconceived notions spread over time.
The myths of drug abuse and the addicts troubled by them can create some of the worst impressions of a victim. One of the most crucial aspects of an addict’s recovery is a sense of understanding from their loved ones.
Whether an addict or a friend of an addict, being aware of these myths is important to avoid such misunderstandings.
“All Addicts are the Same”
Just like with any label, people make assumptions about drug addicts. This can be judgments based on a person’s class, behavior, education, etc.
Some believe all drug addicts are low in social class, and that such people are doomed to addiction. Others believe anyone who struggles in school could be a drug addict, or all drug addicts are low-performing students or adults that don’t care about their professional endeavors.
But the truth of the matter is that not all potential drug addicts are the troublemaker in the alley or the back of the classroom. You could be the top of your class or a Hollywood actor, but no trait or ability makes anyone immune to drugs. Any person of any class, any age, who struggles with any personality and level of education is susceptible to falling for an addiction.
“Anyone Who Uses Drugs is an Addict”
Drug addictions have created a common stigma towards drugs in general—even medical drugs meant to help people. While it is true that any person can become addicted to any drug—or any substance, for that matter—this shouldn’t put people who use medications or drugs in a negative light.
Many people rely on medical drugs to help them with their everyday lives, from pain killers to heart medications to antidepressants that help them get out of bed. There is a vast difference between a person who relies on drugs for a functional life and someone who is addicted to drugs.
There is also the important consideration of using certain drugs in moderation. Alcohol, for example, is perfectly safe for drinking every once in a while. In fact, some forms of alcohol can even be beneficial to your health. But the major keyword is moderation, not addiction.
“Addicts Just Have No Willpower”
Drug addicts are often accused of being lazy—having no willpower to fight their addiction and uncaring of their friends and family that they hurt in the process. The real issue here is not just the user of the drugs in question but the drugs themselves.
Many drugs are capable of heavy effects on the users that hurt their usual behavior and thinking. This includes impairing their willpower, reducing their self-control, their decision-making skills and even change their overall temperaments and behaviors.
Drugs may not be entirely to blame, but neither are the drug users in question. If you or a loved one deal with an alcohol or drug addiction of some kind, consider looking into your local Tennessee Residential Recovery Program or Discovery Place’s own Long Term Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery Program in Burns, Tennessee. Call us at 1-800-725-0922.
