Even though addiction has touched most of our lives in one way or another, the topic is still vastly misunderstood. Not everyone who tries alcohol or drugs will end up diagnosed with a use disorder. Common substances that may lead to abuse or addiction include opiates, stimulants, depressants (including alcohol), LSD, and cannabis. Substance use disorders do have consequences. Related problems may occur in social, legal, educational, familial, and occupational realms.

Five Common Misunderstandings

There are many myths about addiction. Here is a list of five common ones debunked:

1. “Addiction is always lifelong.” Addiction does not treat everyone in the same manner. For some people, active addiction may be endured for years, while others may learn to cope with their symptoms more quickly. The length of time may depend on how quickly you respond to treatment. In the long run, the goal is always the same: to be able to live a healthy, normal, and productive life.
2. “Addiction is a disease. Therefore, there is nothing that can be done to help you to not catch it or to recover from it.” Most experts are in a consensus that addiction occurs due to alterations in one’s brain during their substance use. This does not mean that someone in active addiction cannot let go of their victim stance via means of treatment, such as medication, therapy, and exercise. While this does require hard work from the individual following a treatment plan created with a professional, alterations to the brain which occurred during active addiction can be changed back.
3. “Willpower is the only thing needed to fight addiction.” Due to changes to the brain when a person uses alcohol or drugs, the brain begins to send intense signals leading to cravings and compulsions to continue using. Often, professional help is needed for a person to reverse these changes and learn relapse prevention skills and techniques.
4. “No one seeks help until they hit ‘rock bottom.’” Recovery does not happen at the same time for everyone. The process can occur at any time throughout the addiction process. Often, individuals find it easier to follow a sober lifestyle when they seek help or treatment earlier on. By doing so, there is less of a chance of continued changes to your brain. The longer that you reside in active addiction, the more costs your behaviors tend to incur. In turn, this leads to needing to work more in therapy or 12-step programs regarding guilt, shame, and remorse.
5. “Attempting treatment has to be an internal decision and must not be forced. If the individual goes into a treatment program against their will, they will fail.” Being under the influence of a substance creates a fog over your thoughts. Anyone (a family member, friend, the legal system, etc.) may push an addict to seek out treatment. Any time away from the mind-altering substance will allow you to think more clearly and process what your addiction has cost you.

Finding Treatment to Conquer These Misconceptions

Do not allow alcohol or drugs to have any power over you or your life! Give Discovery Place a call at 1-800-725-0922 to find the perfect fit to help you to stop using alcohol, cannabis, opiates, or other illicit substances. Our alternative rehab center is in lovely Burns, Tennessee. We have many options to help you along your recovery journey, including a long-term drug and alcohol alternative rehab program. Our trained professionals at Discovery Place are waiting by the phone to answer your call now. Do not waste another moment!