The Five Biggest Addiction Myths
1) Overcoming addiction is a matter of willpower.
Overcoming addiction is NOT a matter of willpower. Prolonged use of alcohol and drugs alter the brain in ways that results in powerful cravings and the compulsion to use. These brain changes make it very difficult to quit using drugs and alcohol. The brain changes of addiction can be reversed through therapeutic interventions, medication, exercise, support from friends and family and other treatment methods.
2) Addicts have to hit rock bottom before they can get better.
Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction can begin at any time. Drug and alcohol addiction is progressive, and if left untreated FATAL. Don't wait to get yourself or someone you love into treatment. The sooner the better!
3) Someone has to really want help in order to benefit from treatment.
It is not uncommon for an addicted person to feel resistant towards treatment. Think about it, when drugs and alcohol have become your only way of life, making the decision to quit can be scary. Part of a treatment team's job is to help an addicted person evaluate the consequences of drug and alcohol use, and encourage that person to begin to make significant changes. Through sobriety, a person is able to think more clearly and recognize the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol.
4) Treatment didn't work the first time, so it won't work this time.
Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction does not happen overnight, and often involves a series of relapses. It is important to explore treatment options, and pick one that is right for you. It is important to use relapses as part of your treatment process, so that you can prevent future occurrences.
5) 12 step programs are the only way to get sober.
While 12 step programs have helped many people, it is not your only treatment option. There are many evidence based practices, including CBT and DBT which have been proven effective in the treatment of addiction and other mental health disorders. If you have tried 12 step programs, and you don't feel like they are right for you, or you would like to incorporate other treatment methods with 12 step, it’s time to explore other options.
Overcoming addiction is NOT a matter of willpower. Prolonged use of alcohol and drugs alter the brain in ways that results in powerful cravings and the compulsion to use. These brain changes make it very difficult to quit using drugs and alcohol. The brain changes of addiction can be reversed through therapeutic interventions, medication, exercise, support from friends and family and other treatment methods.
2) Addicts have to hit rock bottom before they can get better.
Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction can begin at any time. Drug and alcohol addiction is progressive, and if left untreated FATAL. Don't wait to get yourself or someone you love into treatment. The sooner the better!
3) Someone has to really want help in order to benefit from treatment.
It is not uncommon for an addicted person to feel resistant towards treatment. Think about it, when drugs and alcohol have become your only way of life, making the decision to quit can be scary. Part of a treatment team's job is to help an addicted person evaluate the consequences of drug and alcohol use, and encourage that person to begin to make significant changes. Through sobriety, a person is able to think more clearly and recognize the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol.
4) Treatment didn't work the first time, so it won't work this time.
Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction does not happen overnight, and often involves a series of relapses. It is important to explore treatment options, and pick one that is right for you. It is important to use relapses as part of your treatment process, so that you can prevent future occurrences.
5) 12 step programs are the only way to get sober.
While 12 step programs have helped many people, it is not your only treatment option. There are many evidence based practices, including CBT and DBT which have been proven effective in the treatment of addiction and other mental health disorders. If you have tried 12 step programs, and you don't feel like they are right for you, or you would like to incorporate other treatment methods with 12 step, it’s time to explore other options.