Here are some of the top myths about substance abuse and treatment:
Myth #1 Drug and alcohol addiction is a voluntary behavior. It’s true that using drugs or alcohol is a voluntary decision in the beginning. But over time, continued use of drugs or alcohol alters the way your brain works and leads to compulsive, even uncontrollable use of drugs and alcohol.
Myth #2 Drug and alcohol addiction is a character flaw. Addiction is a brain disease. Drugs and alcohol hijacks the reward system in the brain until they become the most powerful motivator in a person’s life. Addiction is not a character flaw, lack of willpower, or moral failing. It is a disease that requires medical attention.
Wow. Thanks for sharing these myths! I am always looking for information to share with my patients about drug addiction. I always have a hard time getting them to understand #9. Our treatment facility offers a variety of types of rehab and it’s always trial and error as to which works!