(image: Pixabay)
Addiction is so intricate and multifaceted that in the face of extensive scientific research, there are still myths and misconceptions about it that often get in the way of treatment. They cause stigma that keeps people from getting help for fear of being labelled as ‘bad’ or ‘weak’. But, to win the fight against addiction, we have to confront some common misconceptions to create an environment that empowers people and encourages them to get treatment for successful recovery. Here are some of the top misconceptions about addiction:
5 Common Misconceptions About Addiction
(image: Pixabay)
Myth 1. Addiction is by choice: If a person is addicted to something, it’s because they chose to be, and it’s their fault.
The truth is that no one chooses to become addicted—addiction is a brain disorder. The American Society of Addiction Medicine describes it as a treatable chronic disease that is a result of the interactions between the brain circuits, upbringing, trauma, environment, and genetics. Heavy and prolonged substance use interferes with the brain networks and increases the likelihood of becoming addicted.
Nevertheless, a choice can influence the recovery journey. The person may choose to seek help dealing with addiction through addiction therapy, exercises, symptoms treatment, and other lifestyle decisions.
Myth 2. It just takes willpower to stop: Addiction results from a lack of willpower, if the person wanted to stop using badly enough, they would.
Sadly, a person cannot ‘will away’ their addiction, and it does not result from a lack of willpower or self-discipline. Drugs, alcohol, and other substances produce profound brain changes that alter the natural reward system.
Typically, mental rewards come only after exerting effort, and this takes a while. But, the addictive behavior shortcuts this process and gives the brain pleasure early on. When the brain is used to early results, the person’s self-control and capacity to make good decisions is eroded and replaced with the impulse to engage in rewarding behavior.
The substance-induced impulses are not like the usual urges to eat or drink. They are overwhelming and compulsive impulses whose resolution is only engaging the addiction. It’s the reason why addiction appears irrational in that a person will keep using it even when things are falling apart around them.
Myth 3. Tough love compels people with addiction to stop: If you are harsh with the individual, they will understand the seriousness of the issue and feel the need to change.
With addiction, ‘tough love’ is not the answer. Being harsh, insensitive, or indifferent may cause the person to feel unworthy, demoralised, and rejected. It typically produces the opposite results of what was intended.
The better way to address addiction is to take a kind and compassionate approach. The reality is that the majority of people with an addiction are usually contending with other struggles and use addiction to compensate. For example, many people with an addiction struggle with feelings of rejection, and pushing them away with ‘tough love’ only aggravates the underlying problem. However, love, kindness, and support can pull the person closer, address the underlying problem, and start them off on the addiction recovery journey.
Myth 4. Addiction does not really go away: An addict will never be truly free. Once an addict, always an addict.
Addiction is a complex condition, and recovering from it takes time. It can indeed be a chronic condition, but even then, the individual can still recover. Addiction is not a life sentence, and there is always hope to get back on a healthy path and live a fulfilling life.
Regardless, it’s normal to have some recovery setbacks. Although it doesn’t happen with everybody, relapsing and returning to substance use after abstaining for some time is normal. But this is not a sign of failure. Instead, it’s an opportunity to discover what is not working in addiction therapy and to restrategize the treatment. Every person is unique, and the relapse provides a chance to understand the unique factors that drove the individual to relapse and helps with formulating strategies to prevent another relapse in the future.
Anyone can break free from the cycle of addiction permanently. It just takes a combination of recovery therapy, support from family and friends, and personal growth to give them a renewed purpose to live.
(image: Markus Spiske, Unsplash)
Myth 5. You must abstain to recover: The only way to recover is to keep off the substance completely.
The truth is that recovery means different things to different people. Abstinence is only one form of recovery and not the final destination for all people. Moderating use so that substance reliance no longer interferes with a person’s productivity or relationships is also recovery. Some people are only looking to reduce substance use, while others are only looking to use a less harmful substance. From there, these people watch their consumption or wean themselves off, even without treatment.
So, instead of insisting on abstinence or giving a timeline for a complete cessation of use, understand that recovery from addiction is a journey that some reach pretty quickly while others take small steps and a long time to get to the same destination.
Addiction Recovery Can Be Made Easier
Addiction is difficult to resolve, and it doesn’t help that there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding it that further complicate the recovery. But, through education and awareness on addiction and recovery, and showing love, support, and empathy towards the individuals, society can make the recovery journey easier.
Addiction therapy is a particularly useful recovery tool because it sets the individual in an environment where the people and the programs support recovery. Sign up for therapy and start your path to recovery today!
Aaron Smith is a freelance writer.
beurownlight.com 