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Myths and Misconceptions about Addiction

Unfortunately there are lots of misinformation and mythology from friends, media, our own culture and the society in general. We should be aware and ready to challenge these half–truths, which may harm us more than we may really think.

Myth: Addiction is a bad habit, the result of moral weakness and over indulgence.
Fact: Addiction is a chronic, life threatening condition, like hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and adult diabetes. Addiction has roots in genetic susceptibility, social circumstance, and personal behavior. Certain drugs are highly addictive, rapidly causing biochemical and structural changes in the brain. Others can be used for longer periods of time before they begin to cause inescapable cravings and compulsive use.

Myth: Substance abuse and alcohol addiction are not treatable.
Fact: Substance abuse and addiction are treatable. Treatment is typically most successful when the abuser him/herself realizes there is a problem and really wants help.

Myth: An addict can stop alcohol and drugs with willpower.
Fact: Very few people can just stop using them substances they are addicted to, no matter how strong their inner resolve. Most need to go through at least one course of structured substance abuse treatment. Some achieve sobriety through participation in community–based support organizations (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous), but relapse rates under this condition are very high. The most effective approach is one that combines structured treatment and community–based support.

Myth: Addicts often relapse, so treatment obviously does not work.
Fact: Medical treatment never guarantees lifelong recovery. So it is with addiction. Relapse is often a part of the recovery process. Even if a person never achieves perfect abstinence, addiction treatment can reduce the number and extent of relapses, which in turn lowers the incidence of related problems such as crime and overall health. A break in the cycle would improve the individual’s ability to function in daily life and be able to cope better with the next temptation or craving.

Myth: Once sobriety is achieved, most individuals can eventually return to social use of alcohol and/or drugs.
Fact: Addiction is a chronic condition that does not disappear, even after extended periods of sobriety. This is true regardless of the individual’s drug of choice, level of self–control, or length of abstinence.

Myth: You can’t get addicted to marijuana.
Fact: People become addicted to a range of substances and involvements. The measure of addiction is the degree to which an involvement usurps people’s life. Research shows that marijuana use can lead to psychological addiction.

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