Misconceptions About Substance Abuse
This article was written and published by Holdfast Recovery.
Myths About Substance Addiction
When it comes to substance abuse, many people have some preconceived notions about whom addiction affects, why a person struggles with substances, and the subsequent choices they make. The problem is that many of these ideas are entirely false and only further the stigma attached to substance abuse.
These are some common misconceptions about substance abuse that everyone should be aware of.
People Choose to Become Addicted
No one wakes up in the morning and actively chooses to become addicted to drugs or alcohol. Rather, they often begin using substances to cope with stressors in their lives, and, either over time or after even a single-use (depending on the substance), they find themselves unable to physically go on without using.
You Must Hit Rock-Bottom Before Needing Help
This one is an extremely dangerous myth. No person has to hit rock-bottom — which can often mean running into legal trouble or overdosing — before they receive help for their disease. There are plenty of opportunities to get a person help before their addiction becomes more dangerous.
Willpower is All You Need to Beat Addiction
Breaking free from addiction and staying sober requires more than the willpower to achieve. Battling substance abuse requires a person to address the underlying causes of their addiction, such as mental health issues or unresolved, past traumas, as well as form healthier coping mechanisms for everyday stressors.
Unless a person makes an effort to make those changes, all the willpower in the world can’t help them truly beat addiction.
There is No Coming Back from Addiction
Even though substances may have caused a person to make poor decisions while they were using, they are not their disease. As long as a person allows themselves to receive help and addresses the root causes of their addiction, there is a better, healthier, happier life in recovery.
Alcohol & Drug Treatment in Prescott
If you or someone you love has is struggling with substance use disorder, healing is possible. The best place to begin the journey to rehabilitation is at Holdfast Recovery.
Our mission is to deliver high-quality treatment, that emphasizes clinical excellence, physical wellness, and most importantly Christian values.