10 Common Myths About Drug Addiction

There are a lot of myths surrounding drug use and addiction and some of them simply aren’t true. The problem with perpetuating false myths is that they can prevent people from making positive changes in their lives. On the other hand, when one understands they way both drugs and their body works, they can effectively help themselves or loved ones who are struggling with addiction. Below is a list of ten common drug myths.

1. Addiction is Genetic

Genes can certainly play a part in drug addiction, but only a part. Research shows that around 50% of addiction tendencies can be related to genes. That means that half of addiction comes from other things like environment and personal choice. No one is bound to be an addict.

2. Drugs “fry the brain”

While certain chemicals in drugs can have lasting effects on the brain, it is a misleading metaphor to say it gets “fried”. Thinking of it that way makes it seem like once someone does drugs they are damaged forever.

3. You Have to Hit Rock Bottom to Seek Treatment

While some people choose to wait to seek help until there is nothing else to do, this certainly isn’t always the case. Recovery can start at any stage of the addiction process. In fact, the earlier you do it, the easier it is.

4. If Treatment Didn’t Work Once it Won’t Ever Work

Addiction recovery is a process and there will no doubt be setbacks. Some treatment plans work better for some people than others. Keep searching and don’t give up until you find the right match for your situation.

5. If Someone is Addicted to One Drug They Are Addicted to All Drugs

While some people may dependent on several drugs at the same time, this doesn’t mean they use all drugs. People prefer specific drugs based on what kind of experience they are looking for.

6. Drug Addicts Are Bad People

This simply is not true. People may experiment with drugs for a variety of reasons. Many do so in order to fix a problem they are facing in their lives. One of the best ways to help someone struggling with drugs is to be understanding.

7. Natural Drugs Are Safe

Some people think marijuana and mushrooms are safe because they grow naturally, but when taken to extremes as they often are, they can have very harmful side effects.

8. You Can’t Get Addicted to Prescription Drugs

Just because a doctor prescribes it doesn’t mean you can do anything you want with it. While perfectly safe within the doctor’s recommended usage, overuse can lead to addiction.

9. You Can’t Force Someone Into Treatment

You don’t have to want treatment in order to benefit from it. In fact many people who are forced in treatment do better than those who voluntarily do so. This is because when they are forced they are more likely to complete to program.

10. People Who Are Addicted Lack Willpower

Research has shown that addiction occurs in an area of the brain that is not under conscious control. Once someone is addicted to a drug there is much more at work than willpower.