Addiction is a complex and often misunderstood disease. Despite advances in scientific understanding, many myths and misconceptions about addiction persist, hindering effective treatment and recovery. At JourneyPure At The River, we believe that education is a powerful tool in the fight against addiction. Let’s examine and debunk five common myths about addiction, replacing fiction with fact.
Myth 1: Addiction is a choice, not a disease
The Fiction: People who struggle with addiction simply lack willpower or moral character. They could stop using if they really wanted to.
The Fact: Addiction is a complex brain disease, not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. The American Medical Association, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and other major health organizations recognize addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder.
Scientific evidence shows that prolonged substance use alters brain structure and function, particularly in areas responsible for judgment, decision-making, learning, memory, and behavior control. These changes can persist long after a person stops using drugs, which explains why people in recovery remain at risk for relapse.
While the initial decision to use drugs is voluntary for most people, the brain changes that occur over time challenge an addicted person’s self-control and hamper their ability to resist intense impulses to use drugs.
Myth 2: You have to hit rock bottom before you can recover
The Fiction: A person with addiction won’t seek help or be successful in treatment until they’ve lost everything and reached their lowest point.
The Fact: The idea of “rock bottom” is dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It suggests that people should wait until their addiction has caused severe, possibly irreversible harm before seeking help.
Research shows that early intervention in addiction leads to better outcomes. The longer a person struggles with addiction, the more damage occurs to their brain, body, relationships, and overall life circumstances, making recovery more challenging.
At JourneyPure At The River, we encourage people to seek help at any stage of addiction. Recovery is possible at any point, and the sooner treatment begins, the better the chances for long-term success.
Myth 3: Medication-assisted treatment is just trading one addiction for another
The Fiction: Using medications like methadone or buprenorphine to treat opioid addiction is simply replacing one addictive substance with another.
The Fact: Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a evidence-based approach that combines behavioral therapy with FDA-approved medications to treat substance use disorders, particularly opioid addiction.
These medications work by normalizing brain chemistry, blocking the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieving physiological cravings, and normalizing body functions without the negative and euphoric effects of the abused drug.
Numerous studies have shown that MAT significantly reduces opioid use, opioid-related overdose deaths, criminal activity, and infectious disease transmission. It also increases social functioning and retention in treatment.
When used as prescribed, these medications do not create a new addiction. Instead, they help people manage their disorder so they can recover their lives.
Myth 4: Relapse means treatment has failed
The Fiction: If a person relapses after treatment, it means the treatment didn’t work and there’s no hope for recovery.
The Fact: Relapse is often a part of the recovery process, not a sign of failure. Addiction is a chronic disease, similar to diabetes or hypertension, which often involve symptom recurrence and require ongoing management.
Relapse indicates that treatment needs to be reinstated or adjusted, or that a different treatment method is needed. Each attempt at sobriety provides valuable lessons that can strengthen a person’s overall recovery journey.
At JourneyPure At The River, we view relapse as an opportunity to reevaluate and strengthen the treatment plan, not as a dead end.
Myth 5: People with stable jobs and families can’t be addicts
The Fiction: Addiction only affects people who are homeless, unemployed, or from troubled backgrounds. Successful people with jobs and families don’t struggle with addiction.
The Fact: Addiction does not discriminate. It affects people from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, social status, or economic background.
The term “high-functioning addict” refers to individuals who maintain outward appearances of success while struggling with substance abuse. These individuals often have jobs, maintain relationships, and fulfill their daily responsibilities, all while battling addiction.
At JourneyPure At The River, we understand that addiction can affect anyone. Our programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of all individuals seeking recovery, including professionals and those with family responsibilities.
The Truth About Addiction and Recovery
Addiction is a complex disease that affects millions of Americans from all backgrounds. Recovery is possible with the right treatment and support, but it often requires professional help.
At JourneyPure At The River, we offer evidence-based, personalized treatment programs that address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. Our approach is grounded in scientific research and tailored to each individual’s unique needs and circumstances.
By dispelling these harmful myths, we hope to encourage more people to seek the help they need and deserve. Remember, addiction is a treatable disease, and recovery is a journey, not a destination.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, don’t let myths and misconceptions stand in the way of getting help. Call JourneyPure At The River today at 615-410-9260 to learn about our comprehensive addiction treatment programs. Your path to recovery starts here.
