A lot of our thoughts on addiction are wrong and these myths hurt families and friends ,making it harder for patients to get well. These are the most common myths:
Myth: Alcohol Use is a choice and hence addiction is a choice
Reality: Nobody would choose addiction and addiction is a brought about by contributing factors, including : genetics, upbringing, trauma and other influences.
- Myth: Someone should be able to stop by use of willpower
Reality: Addiction has
a profound impact on the brain. The natural reward path-way of the brain is stolen. Naturally, rewards come with effort and after a delay but addiction shot-cuts this process and flood the brain with chemicals that signal pleasure.
- Myth: Addiction affects certain types of people.
Reality: The disease doesn’t
discriminate and can affect anyone irrespective of your age or income, ethnicity or religion, family or profession. Nationally, about one in eight people ages 12 and up are impacted.
- Myth: People with stable jobs are not affected by addiction
Reality: The reality is that anyone could be vulnerable to addiction. Majority of people struggling with addiction hide the severity of their illness or don’t get help because of stigma and shame
- Myth: People have to hit “rock bottom” before they can get well.
Reality: The longer one
waits, the sicker one gets, and this can have deadly consequences. Studies reveals that people forced into treatment have an equal chance of success as people who decide to go on their own.
- Myth: An individual who relapses is a lost cause.
Reality: Never be discouraged by a relapse. Addiction is a chronic illness very similar to type II diabetes or hypertension and hence requires lifelong management. Relapse is no more likely with addiction than it is for these other chronic illnesses.
A relapse may be a sign that the alcohol addiction treatment approach or other supports need to be changed, or that other treatment methods are needed.
- Myth: Addiction to alcohol is a behavioral problem, not a disease because it is treated behaviorally.
Reality: Human behavior starts in the brain. Advanced brain studies show that different types of treatments, such as psychotherapy and medication, can change brain function. Sometimes behavioral treatments, like counseling, are enough and other times different alcohol addiction treatment medication may be required as well. But the fact that behavioral treatmentsare effective in treatment does not mean addiction isn’t a real illness. Click here for more information about alcohol addiction treatment.
