5 Common Misconceptions About Addiction

Dealing with Addiction

Think about how many people you encounter in a day on the bus, in your favorite coffee shop, or in your neighborhood – how many of those people would you suspect are suffering from a substance abuse disorder?

One in three American households are affected by addiction, according to Caron – an addiction treatment center that aims to transform lives impacted by addiction and substance use through comprehensive and personalized healthcare solutions. However, fewer than 11 percent of the almost 22 million Americans who suffer from a substance abuse disorder receive the treatment they need to recover.

It’s evident that addiction is common – but it’s also very complicated. There are plenty of misconceptions about addiction, including who it affects, why it happens, and how to prevent it. Here are five commonly believed misconceptions about addiction and suggestions on how to change the way that we view this prevalent yet misunderstood issue.

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Moral Weakness Causes Addiction

There’s a common belief that a person suffering from addiction should be able to toughen up and just “pull themselves out if it.” Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Having an addiction is not a moral failing; it’s a chronic neurological disease that requires great care and support, long-term, just like any other chronic illness such as cancer or diabetes. Meeting addiction with shame or blame inhibits affected individuals from accessing the help that they need. Instead, encourage them to seek out rehabilitation programs that are uniquely tailored to their needs (and, most importantly, free of judgement).

Successful People Don’t Struggle with Addiction

Just because someone is high-functioning at work doesn’t mean that they aren’t struggling with addiction. Often those suffering from an addiction work in overdrive to keep up appearances for their friends, family, and coworkers. Indeed, the same skills that helped them climb the corporate ladder in the first place, such as “critical thinking, problem-solving, and persuasion,” help them excel at hiding their substance abuse. These individuals often attempt to tout their behaviour as being ‘within their control’ and completely normal for them – and they are often able to convince those close to them of that, as well.

Addiction Can Be Treated With a One-Size-Fits-All Solution

Every individual is different, and it therefore takes a different approach to heal each person’s mind, body, and personal relationships. Though 12-Step Programs represent an important social component of addiction treatment, they’re just one part of a comprehensive, three-pronged approach. The best programs combine medication, behavioral therapy, and social support. No treatment method should be isolated; instead, the treatment process should address all aspects of the individual’s health and wellness and be tailored to each person’s specific needs.

Addiction Can Be Cured

Addiction is a chronic disease, and just like other diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, requires careful management for the remainder of the individual’s life. The proper diagnosis and treatment must be sought out, which may include medication-assisted therapy (MAT) and a continuing care plan. The patient must also have access to a licensed professional who understands what the disease is and how to treat it. Simply detoxing isn’t enough, as addiction is a lifelong struggle that can be effectively managed, controlled, and lived with, but not cured.

Addiction Only Affects the Individual
If your loved one is struggling with addiction, it can be challenging to know what to do. The best place to begin is with the family unit. Recovery is never a solo project, but a full ‘family recovery’ process that’s achieved through things like attending family therapy sessions and collectively adopting new behaviors and strategies. Create a united front and work on developing a deeper understanding of addiction, including the role that your family plays in your loved one’s behavior. Untreated addiction can bring families to their breaking point, so it’s important to bring the whole family into the treatment process if you can. You should also consider the impact your loved one’s addiction might be having on your health and well-being; caring for your own needs during this difficult time is equally important.

Despite the prevalence of addiction in America, we still have a long way to go in reducing the stigma surrounding this chronic disease. Addiction is misunderstood, misdiagnosed and mistreated. Cultivating a culture of support, empathy, respect, and encouragement is integral in assuring those suffering from an addiction that it’s okay to ask for help – and that help is available to them.

 

 
 

4 thoughts on “5 Common Misconceptions About Addiction”

  1. Pingback: 5 Common Misconceptions About Addiction - She's Healthy For Life

  2. Most addiction rehab centers are priced too high for the individual to seek out treatment. Are there any low cost facilities for individuals who have no current income?

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  4. Pingback: How to Support a Partner in RecoveryHow to Support a Partner in Recovery - LivingBetter50 - LivingBetter50

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5 Common Misconceptions About Addiction
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