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3 Common Misconceptions about Drug Addiction

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There are common misconceptions about drug addiction and you may have believe some of them, whether it’s you or a friend who is using regularly. Some of these same misconceptions might actually be the reasons why some people don’t go get the help they need, such as signing themselves into a heroin addiction rehab like http://www.pasadenarecoverycenter.com. Trying to get past these falsehoods so that you can get professional help is step one in the right direction. Let’s start proving the false beliefs wrong today and by doing so show you why professional help is a must to finally overcome a drug addiction.

Misconception #1. You Can Stop Whenever You Want

One of the most common misconceptions is that you can stop using whenever you want to do so. Unfortunately, it often takes much more than simple willpower to break yourself free from addiction. It is also important to note that the longer you misuse a drug, the harder it will be to break your body free from its strong grip.

Even if you have the strongest desire to quit a certain habit, you might need others to step in and help you out. Over time, drugs can alter brain communication. That’s because the substances can increase or decrease the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, for example. The result can be changes in mood, if it’s serotonin.

Different drugs affect neural pathways differently. With that being said, most drugs increase dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates:

  • Emotions,
  • Pleasure sensations, and
  • Motivation

With more dopamine resulting from taking drugs, users feel driven to keep taking the substances. This inner compulsion explains why many people return to their drug-use behavior repeatedly. That’s in spite of its negative effects on their relationships, career, and other areas of life.

The circuitry of the brain, shown in green, yellow and white
A misconception about drug addiction is that you can stop whenever you want to. Unfortunately substances can alter the brain over time in ways that encourage its continued use. Photo via Pixabay.

#2. You Can Do Something About It Yourself

Another of the common misconceptions about drug addiction is that you can break the addiction on your own. The reality is that addictions are diseases in your brain. While you may want to stop and have a lot of determination, your brain will put up roadblocks that can make it next to impossible without the proper help to get your through it. While addictions are not always “curable,” admitting yourself into a rehab facility can help you to put it into remission.

#3. It Can Work No Matter What Your Addiction Is

Some addicts might think their addiction is too hard to deal with. The best course of action is to get help asap. If you are addicted to something like heroin, you need real help from professionals. Heroin Addiction Statistics reveal that the longer you use the drug, the harder it will be to get help breaking free from that addiction.

It is a fact that too many people wait until their lives are almost in ruins before they try to get help. While you can get assistance for your addictions at any time, the sooner you seek help, the easier it will be to recover from it. That’s a truth rather than one of the misconceptions about drug addiction.

Two glasses full of alcohol, with lemon wedges, on a bar counter are not helping you overcome misconceptions about drug addiction
Alcohol is a type of addictive substance. Professional treatment is the way out – and there IS a better path ahead with the right help.

Realities about Rehab

Rehab Can Help All Levels Of Motivation

You don’t have to go into a rehab center with enthusiasm and a good attitude in order for the treatment to work. The key is to go into a professional setting like a clinic and work hard to break free from your addiction. But don’t wait until you are court ordered or have your friends and family members intervening on your behalf because you choose to give up on trying to fight your problems.

Even those who enter rehabilitation with resistance can find that the professionals are able to break down those walls a bit at a time. It is then that you start to see hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

Treatment Works Past The “What Ifs”

Recovering from any addiction takes a lifelong commitment. It is something you will have to be working on, always. That’s not one of the common misconceptions about drug addiction. However, it will get easier and easier with time once you learn how to cope effectively with urges.

For those who later relapse, it is essential to realize that the treatment or help you received did not completely fail. It just means you’re human and make mistakes; you need to get back on the right track as soon as possible. If you relapse, head back to your treatment plan or sign yourself back into rehab if possible. This is the best way to ensure you don’t undo all of the hard work you had put in earlier.

Conclusions about Rehab Truths and Falsehoods

Addictions are complex. Many people believe common misconceptions about drug addiction and fail to get treatment. It takes professional help to have the best chances of success. You need to work hard, have the right attitude towards getting better and the right help.

Finding a reputable treatment center can change the lives of those who are afflicted with all sorts of addictions. Find a center that has caring staff who will be there to walk you through every step of getting better and working towards an addiction-free life. You will be happy you made that decision.

15 thoughts on “3 Common Misconceptions about Drug Addiction”

  1. Hey, I enjoyed ypur article and Im a morher in recovery and was hoping you would follow me? More mothers and women who are recovering addicts or in active addiction should be able to fimd good information and support by doing an online search…i Started by blog because i noticed that there wasn’t many parents who were addicted speaking out and no information or support put there and I want to reach those who need the help and talk to mothers who are addicted if tjey need advice and It would help to have you follow me as you write for women. Thanks for your consideration and I hope to habe you as a follower

    1. Wonderful to hear of what you are doing here in the blog world! Yes, I’ll check out your posts and wish you all the best with helping women. Let’s do this!!

  2. Excellent post, Christy. Another aspect of treatment too often overlooked is recovering lost social skills or acquiring social skills that were never learned; this is especially true for people whose addictions began in adolescence. The stress of making up for lost time often leads to relapse.

    1. Great additional point about acquiring those social skills, Robert. Some rehab facilities even include programs on money management, such as budgeting skills, which I think is great.

  3. Your first sub-heading “You Can’t Stop Whenever You Want” is amazing. This is actualy people think and i went from the same situation once. You can do that much in a period of time.

    Very nice article, I can the see your effort to write this blog post. You went through a deeper thought.

    Great Going !

  4. Great post, Christy! Definitely right on the money! As the spouse of a recovering addict, I can say that there is no shame in seeking help to fight an addiction; it’s simply necessary. Even medical doctors do not treat themselves; individuals trained in dealing with addiction can make all the difference in terms of lasting success.

    1. You are amazing as a friend to me and I can only imagine how you help your spouse, Amy ♥

    2. It’s easy to do because I see you ARE special, Amy. I wish you lived closer to me!

  5. Terrific article, Christy. I found it encouraging to read: “For those that end up relapsing, it is essential to realize that the treatment or help you received did not completely fail. It just means that you are human and need to get back on the right track as soon as possible.” When I quit smoking years ago and then relapsed, hearing or reading those words would not only have made me feel understood, but also empowered ❤️

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