Twelve Common Myths About Addiction

We should also raise awareness about the risks of prescription drugs. Misuse or overuse of a prescribed medication can lead to dependency or addiction. If we show the risks, people can use them responsibly and find alternatives for pain or mental health.

When the choice is stripped away from the user, the transition from use/abuse into addiction occurs. Yet these so-called harm reduction approaches have failed to stem the tide of drug deaths. Their failure is because they identify and address addiction as a brain disease to be treated medically. There is no sign that the failure of this perspective is causing or will cause any prevailing actors to change their thinking. Even though this person seemingly completes tasks at a sufficient level while using, it doesn’t mean that their life isn’t being affected in a less obvious way.

Five Meaningful Ways to Celebrate National Recovery Month

To break the stigma, we must challenge incorrect ideas by being compassionate and creating a safe space to talk without judgment. Educate people about addiction and spread awareness to end myths. Plus, the false idea that help is only needed at rock bottom ignores that addiction can influence anyone. It doesn’t care about age, money, race, religion, family, or work. That’s why it’s so important to provide early help and treatment to avoid further harm. To break down these misconceptions and promote better understanding, we must educate others about the nature of addiction.

Sandstone Care gave personalized care tailored to individual needs, creating a caring atmosphere for individuals to get the help they need. This will create an environment that encourages people to seek help and provide much-needed support for those struggling with addiction. Compassion, education, and open dialogue can break down the barriers that prevent people from reaching out.

Shame and its Impact on Seeking Help and Discussing the Impact of Addiction

Many of our team members are in recovery themselves and have firsthand knowledge of the healing process. But it would be naive to say it is as easy as just recognizing the problem—and then putting a stop to it by seeking treatment. However, encouraging a loved one to seek treatment may give them the motivation they need. If they aren’t ready to begin treatment, at least they are aware of the option.

But if you understand that relapse happens and you can move forward, you’ll be able to continue making progress. Substance abuse exists everywhere regardless of race, gender, age, or socio-economic status. The recent opioid epidemic has highlighted this more than ever. Older, white, middle-class adults are the face of the opioid epidemic, with many graduating to heroin abuse. In almost every aspect, this latest epidemic opposes the stereotype of addiction.

Myths and Realities About Addiction And Recovery

Unfortunately, abuse of these drugs can be deadly, with nearly five young adults dyingeach day from prescription drug overdose. Prescription medications have the potential to be as addictive and deadly as illicit drugs. For centuries, addiction has been seen as a moral failing. The common belief has been that those https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/13-common-myths-about-addiction-and-recovery/ who are addicted to drugs or alcohol simply aren’t strong enough to overcome it. Some people believe that there is something inherently wrong with a person who struggles with addiction. The central myth needing busting regarding EMDR therapy and addictions is that you must wait some time before doing this work.

However, since addiction is chronic by nature, some people relapse and begin using again after recovery. It’s important to understand that this is part of the process, and with effective treatment, relapse can be prevented. The bottom line is that addicts who seek help usually do recover. Addiction is a disease and has very little, if anything, to do with willpower. When a person is addicted to drugs or alcohol, their brain function has been altered, so even if they want to stop, they can’t. Once the brain is chemically altered by addiction, the disease begins to take over the person’s life in detrimental ways.

Healthy lifestyle changes like regular exercise, nutritious food, enough sleep, and stress management are helpful for sobriety. Doing activities that make one happy and give life purpose can fill the void left by substance abuse. Also, this shame can make it hard to talk about addiction. Friends, family, and loved ones may avoid discussing it, due to fear of judgement. Shame can be a large factor in stopping people from seeking help and talking about the effects of addiction. It often brings with it a sense of embarrassment, guilt, and self-blame.

Overcome shame and silence by seeking help and supporting others. Misconceptions about addicts are rife in society, yet it’s key to ditch these distorted ideas and push for understanding. Addiction is a complex illness that’s not much comprehended by the medical world. There is social prejudice around addiction which can put off folks from asking for help and talking about the impact of addiction. Shame also has a part in stopping folks from seeking help and can cause negative stereotypes about addicts. It is essential to confront these myths and address the addiction that usually goes unseen.

Raising awareness, reducing social stigma, encouraging compassionate dialogue, and creating supportive environments can help break down the myths and misconceptions, leading to better outcomes. Doctors can prescribe medications that are effective for treating pain and other conditions. However, these drugs are very dangerous when abused, primarily when it occurs with young adults and teens. Many prescription drugs are commonly abused, including narcotic pain medications, ADHD medications, and anxiety drugs. Prescription medications can be more deadly than illicit drugs and it’s estimated that around five young people die daily from overdoses with these medications.

At Anabranch Recovery Center, located in Terre Haute, Indiana, we will provide you with the care you need to become sober. Give us a call, and take the first step on the path to recovery. As we all know, there are a ton of stereotypes and stigma that surround addiction and recovery. Unfortunately, we must spend time debunking these recovery myths in order to educate the public and make help and treatment available to those who need it. If we don’t try our hardest to create an environment that’s accepting and promotes recovery, we will continue to see lives lost and an addiction epidemic that rages.