Every year, addiction affects numerous individuals, but there is still so much misinformation floating around about dependence. Individuals will discover it easier to get all the assistance they need to experience lifelong sobriety by exposing and debunking 5 myths about addiction.
1. Addiction Is Not a Serious Problem
This is one of the most consequential of the 5 myths about addiction. More than 40 million Americans meet the clinical definition of addiction, and an additional 80 million are classified as risky substance users. Addiction is a problem, and it impacts more people than you might imagine.
2. Relapse Means Failure
Addiction is a disease, which means that ongoing treatment might be necessary. Although relapse rates can sometimes be as high as 40%, that is comparable to relapse rates for other illnesses like hypertension or Type 1 Diabetes. The risk of relapse isn’t a good reason to avoid treatment or the aim of lifelong sobriety.
3. Addicts Have to Hit Rock Bottom Before They Are Receptive to Treatment
This is absolutely one of the most problematic 5 myths about addiction. Every year in the United States, more than 36,000 die of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, there are more than 29,000 alcohol-induced deaths and an additional 47,000 die from drug overdoses. For those with an addiction, rock bottom could mean dying from substance abuse. Don’t let people you love work their way to rock bottom. Help them get the right treatment sooner rather than when it’s already too late.
4. Only Addictions to Illegal Drugs are Cause for Concern
One of the 5 myths about addiction to be most concerned with is the idea that only illegal or “street” drugs are cause for concern. In reality, substances like prescription medications or alcohol are just as dangerous. In 2010, treatment admission rates for alcohol abuse were higher than for illicit drug abuse, and the non-medical use of prescription medications is also on the rise and presents a serious danger.
5. Addiction Reveals a Lack of Willpower
This is completely false. Addiction is an illness, and it’s often concurrent with a mental illness. In fact, 1 in every 5 adults in the United States suffers from mental illness in a year, and more than 50% of individuals suffering from addiction also had a concurrent mental illness.
These 5 myths about addiction reveal the truth behind substance abuse. To seek help right away for you or someone you know that struggles with addiction, call Recovery in Motion, located in Tucson, Arizona, at (866) 418-1070.
