Busting the Myths of Addiction

It never ceases to amaze me how many myths about addiction continue to plague our society. These misunderstandings can be harmful not only to those people who are struggling with alcohol or drug abuse, but also to the friends and family members who play such a vital role in their recovery.

While separating fact from fiction about substance abuse and treatment isn’t always easy, it’s critical that people struggling with addiction or alcoholism --- and those in their support network --- don’t allow the myths to impede their path to lifelong recovery.

To help set the record straight, here are some of the more widely held misconceptions:

Myth: A Relapse is a normal part of recovery.

Most addicts will have a few failed attempts at sobriety before eventually quitting for good. However, “normal” doesn’t mean that it’s something everyone will go through in overcoming addiction. There are many people who maintain abstinence without a history of relapse.

Myth: Addicts have to hit rock bottom before they can recover.

Many people do hit rock bottom before they enter recovery programs. However, there are many things that can motivate a person to enter and complete substance abuse treatment before they get to that point. Pressure from family members and employers, and personally recognizing they have a problem can be powerful motivating factors for individuals to seek treatment.

Myth: Once people are in recovery their problems are gone.

Quitting an addiction is the first step in a lifelong journey. There isn’t a magical day where all your problems will be gone, but handling addiction and triggers will become easier and more routine day by day. Issues you experienced when drinking or using drugs may still be there when in recovery which is why it’s important to learn how to cope with the challenges life throws your way.

Myth: Recovery is about deprivation.

A commonly heard myth is that people in recovery spend their time feeling deprived. Some people may feel deprived during their journey to recovery, but many people rarely even think about alcohol or drugs once they’ve established recovery.

Myth: Addiction is a choice.

People do not choose to become addicted to drugs and alcohol. In fact, genetics makes up about half the risk of addiction and environmental factors such as family life, upbringing and peer influence make up the other half.

Myth: If you have a stable job and family life, you cannot be addicted.

You can have a great job, a loving family, and wonderful friends and still have a drug or alcohol problem. Just ask anyone in recovery. Many of them were substance abusers for years without anyone recognizing their drug addiction. Just because you’re able to hold a job and keep strong relationships doesn’t mean you don’t have a problem. As soon as you recognize you’re dependant on drugs or alcohol seek help ---- before you ruin your career or relationships.

Myth: People don’t need treatment. They can stop using drugs if they really want to.

As a person in recovery I know first hand how difficult it is for people addicted to drugs or alcohol to achieve and maintain sobriety. Research shows long-term substance use actually changes a person’s brain function, causing them to crave the drug even more and making it increasingly difficult for the person to quit. But, it’s important to understand that treatment truly can help people. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that most people who get into and remain in treatment stop using drugs, decrease their criminal activity, and improve their occupational, social, and psychological functioning.

Myth: There should be a standard treatment program for everyone.

Treatment is not one-sized-fits-all. The most effective programs develop an individual treatment plan based on a thorough assessment of a person’s problems. These plans typically combine a variety of treatment methods tailored to address each person’s specific needs typically including behavioral therapy (such as counseling, cognitive therapy or psychotherapy) and medications.

Myth: Treatment didn’t work before, so there’s no point trying again. Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction is a long process that often involves setbacks. Relapse doesn’t mean that treatment has failed; it’s a signal to get back on track, either by going back to treatment or adjusting the treatment approach.

Don’t let the myths about substance abuse get in the way of seeking help for you or a loved one. Reaching out to a professional can help you separate fact from fiction, and help you begin --- and stay on --- the path to lifelong recovery.

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The trusted resource in addiction treatment, Kiva Recovery’s groundbreaking model focuses on the individual and the strengths within each of us. Kiva’s treatment approach aims to replace addiction with solution-focused, growth-oriented strategies focusing on Lifelong Recovery through Holistic Health, Positive Character Building through Continuous Character Growth, and Life Satisfaction through Contentment. The Kiva Recovery treatment center is located 35 miles from downtown Chicago in the beautiful northern suburbs of Lake County, IL. To learn more, please visit www.KivaRecovery.com.