6 Weird Myths About Addiction You Never Knew

Think of ten people you know. Now, imagine that one of them is a drug addict. If you think that’s unreal, it’s probably because you’ve been told some of the common myths about addiction.

The truth is, one in ten Americans suffers from some form of substance abuse. 2016 and 2017 saw more people die from drug overdoses each year than the number of people killed during the Vietnam War. 

It’s time for us to get serious about drug addiction so we can curb the tide of drug overdoses and substance abuse.

The best way to do that is to arm yourself with real facts about this disease. Read on to bust some weird myths about drug addiction.

Myth 1: Addiction is a Choice

It’s a common belief that addicts use purely because they want to and that a strong enough desire to quit is all they need to stop. Many assume that someone is choosing drugs over them, or that they don’t care how addiction makes friends and family members feel.

This misguided concept ignores the fact that addiction is a condition. Some of the consequences of this disease, such as the loss of friends, families, jobs, living situations, and more, are all overpowered by the dependence on drugs.

Despite physical and mental illness, drug addicts continue to use because their brains and bodies need the substance to feel normal.

Myth 2: The Only Way Is Cold Turkey

Detoxing and going “cold turkey,” is difficult and painful. Addiction sufferers will go through various stages of withdrawal that will make them feel sick and miserable.  

When the body grows dependant on a drug, stopping use abruptly can cause side effects like seizures, vomiting, depression, changes in blood pressure, tremors, nausea, digestive issues, and more.

Combine that with emotional and psychological dependence, and you have a very difficult cycle to break. 

Professional treatment can help with solutions like medication-assisted treatment for recovery from addiction, psychological therapy, group support, and refusal skills. Developing a strong foundation of recovery is essential for many people to heal and overcome their addiction.

Myth 3: Only Bad People Are Addicts

It’s easy to think of addicts as morally bankrupt people since they had to make a choice to use in the beginning. Willingly using a substance does not mean someone chose addiction or knew the risks of addiction.

Not everyone who uses drugs is an addict. Some people can use drugs many times before becoming addicted. Genetics, family trauma, upbringing, environment, psychological factors, and many other elements can impact the likelihood of addiction.

Addiction is not a choice. It is identified by observable changes in the brain, that are predictable. Once the disease of addiction takes hold, brain changes make it difficult to function normally without the presence of those substances.

Addicts often make multiple attempts to quit. Recovery is often paved with instances of relapse. People from all walks of life may find themselves suffering the symptoms of addiction right away, or even far down the line after using the first time. 

Myth 4: You Can’t Get Addicted to Prescriptions

Drugs prescribed by doctors are not always free of risk. Many medications have potent, addictive qualities and thus are controlled because of their abuse potential.

Benzodiazepines, sleep aids, barbiturates, opioids, and stimulants all carry a risk of dependency. Especially with opioid pain medications, the risk for addiction is a very real threat. We are facing an opioid epidemic that has become a national crisis.

The DEA reports that 2.1 million people suffered from Opioid Use Disorder between 2016-2017. Patients who become dependant on fentanyl, methadone, oxycontin, and other high-risk prescription drugs make up 45% of heroin users.

Myth 5: Addicts Are Easy to Spot

Do you think you can pick a drug addict out of a lineup? Think again. 

You might see stereotypes about addicts that paint them as unemployed males from impoverished backgrounds. Do you picture a criminal? A person of color?

These myths are unsupported by real statistics. Heroin usage reports by the CDC tell us that non-Hispanic white heroin users are nearly double all other combined groups.

Women users are rapidly increasing too, and those who make $20,000-$50,000 a year show higher rates of addiction than those who make less. 

Don’t believe the misinformation about what addiction looks like. People from every gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and employment status can be substance addicted.

Addiction is not always easy to spot, and addiction doesn’t discriminate. That’s why it’s important to educate yourself on the signs of addiction so you know what to look out for. 

Myth 6: Rehab Cures Addiction

Residential rehabilitation can be a lifesaver, but it does not guarantee success. However, removing someone from an addiction-enabling environment can drastically increase their chances of breaking the cycle of addiction.

For one to three months, addicts focus on their recovery with the help of trained drug counselors in a structured environment. This helps them gain tools to combat addiction and make plans for their futures. 

Rehab isn’t a magical cure. After completing rehab, long-term enrollment in support programs are essential to give addicts the strength and care to overcome their illness.

Like many chronic illnesses, addiction can be a lifelong disease. For rehab to be successful, it works best when paired with outpatient therapy and ongoing aftercare. Relapses can and do happen, but a recovering addict is more likely to overcome those relapses when given a strong support system. 

Don’t Believe Myths About Addiction

When it comes to addiction, arming yourself with the facts can help save you or your loved ones. The stigma of addiction often leads to secrecy due to shame, guilt, and hopelessness. But the tide is changing, and we are beginning to treat drug addiction differently.

Myths about addiction can harm those suffering. If you’re looking for real advice about your treatment options, check out our article on weird ways to overcome addiction. 

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