If you’re worried about your drug or alcohol use and considering seeking addiction treatment, it’s important to make sure you have accurate information about addiction and recovery. In this article, we’ll debunk some common myths you may have heard.
Myth #1: Addiction Is Shameful
Addiction is a chronic illness. People who struggle with substance use disorders do not choose to continue abusing drugs and alcohol despite the negative consequences they are experiencing in their lives. Substance abuse causes changes in the brain that make a person continue to seek out drugs and alcohol regardless of the cost.
Although societal attitudes are changing, there is still an unfair stigma surrounding addiction. This is often related to simple ignorance. People who’ve never experienced an addiction to drugs or alcohol or watched a friend or family member struggle can’t understand how difficult it is to move towards recovery.
The stigma surrounding addiction is unfortunate, but you must know that asking for help is an act of bravery. If you get the treatment you need, you can share your recovery story with others and inspire them to seek help. Working together is the only way to overcome the unfair stigma that surrounds substance use disorders.
Myth #2: Addiction Is in Your Genes
It is true that addiction tends to run in families. However, having a parent, grandparent, sibling, or another close relative with a substance use disorder does not mean you are doomed to the same fate. Genetics aren’t destiny since only about half of a person’s risk of developing a substance use disorder is determined by their genetic makeup. The other half is determined by environment and individual choices.
Having a strong support system of friends and family, engaging in stress-relieving hobbies, and practicing healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious meals and exercising regularly can make it less likely that someone will develop an addiction. When problems do occur, reach out for help immediately instead of waiting until someone has hit “rock bottom.”
Myth #3: 12-Step Groups Are All You Need
Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-Step groups play a vital role in helping people to stay sober. However, they are not a substitute for comprehensive, evidence-based treatment. Peer support groups rely on the shared experiences of their members to overcome the daily challenges of recovery. They are not equipped to provide medically proven treatment.
Someone with a severe addiction needs a full continuum of care personalized to fit their individual needs. At Waypoint Recovery Center’s South Carolina residential treatment center, we are equipped to help clients deal with the underlying factors that contributed to their substance use disorder, such as clinical depression, childhood trauma, and chronic pain. We incorporate 12-Step support into our program as part of a holistic approach to building the foundation for lasting sobriety.
Myth #3: Sobriety Is Boring
If your life currently centers around substance abuse, it’s understandable that you’d have difficulty imagining what a sober life is like. Rest assured, it’s anything but boring.
When you’re no longer controlled by addiction, you’re free to do whatever you desire. You can return to old hobbies and interests—or use this as an opportunity to explore new ones. You can save the money you used to spend on substance abuse and splurge on a trip to someplace you’ve always wanted to visit. You can make new friends who share your commitment to recovery and repair relationships with loved ones who were hurt by your past substance abuse. The choice is up to you.
Myth #4: Relapsing Means You’re Doomed to Fail
Experiencing a relapse is frustrating, but it doesn’t mean that recovery is impossible. Addiction is a chronic illness, which means it can’t be “cured” in the same way you’d use a cast to set a broken bone or take antibiotics to get over strep throat. Relapse will always be a possibility, but you can reduce the risk by being proactive in managing your recovery needs.
If you’ve recently relapsed, it means that your current treatment plan was not working. You need to meet with your care team to determine what approach is best suited to managing your unique needs. You may need to return to residential treatment, increase your level of outpatient care, or adjust the dosage of the medication you’re using in MAT.
Myth #5: You Don’t Deserve Help After Everything You’ve Done
Everyone makes mistakes. Thoughts of how you’ve hurt the people you care about may be keeping you up at night, but we’re all worthy of redemption. The people you love want to see you get the help you need to manage your substance use disorder and build a new sober life for yourself.
Be kind to yourself. Instead of worrying about the past, focus on the future. Take your recovery one day at a time and know that you are not alone.
