Addiction Myths vs Facts

Other people might not need to experience such drastic circumstances. Their wake-up call might come to them when they experience a breakup with their significant other or are no longer excelling at school or work. FDA-approved medications can be used to treat opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. Some people feel this merely swaps out one addiction for another. Comprehensive treatment for addiction, just like comprehensive treatment for other diseases, may require an investment, but many good programs are affordable. In many cases, insurance also covers a large percentage of the cost of treatment.

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Myth #1: I Only Need to Detox

According to the CDC, in 2020, there were 16,000 deaths involving prescription opioids which translates to 45 deaths a day. According to SAMHSA, 68.9 percent of the estimated 22.4 million illicit drug users of ages 18 or older are employed full-time or part-time. Choosing recovery close to home means your support system is just a few miles away. The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers is a nonprofit professional society designed to offer support to organizations across the continuum of care.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Mountainside can help. Additionally, one report found that 1 in 8 children in the US lived with at least one parent who had a past year substance use disorder. We’re here 24/7 to help you get the care you need to live the life you want. Talk to our recovery specialists today and start treatment immediately.

Myth #2: Relapse is a sign that treatment has been a failure.

It’s important to move away from this mindset as substance abuse rewires the chemistry of the brain, which makes discontinuing use challenging without professional help. Outward appearances can be deceptive, and addiction does not discriminate. Many people function in daily life and hold down a regular job despite being addicted to alcohol or drugs. The real problem with this myth is that it promotes a one-size-fits-all approach to addiction treatment, while each individual’s journey through addiction and recovery is different. Each addict has different needs for recovery that may not be met by trying to squeeze them into the rigid 12-step mold.

This can be problematic, especially because https://ecosoberhouse.com/ is not just the physical use of drugs and alcohol. It’s also an emotional and psychological dependence on those substances. So, even if a person suddenly stops drinking or using drugs, he or she still needs to overcome the emotional and mental dependencies. One of the biggest misconceptions is that addiction to drugs or alcohol is a voluntary decision. In reality, leading authorities and medical professionals agree that addiction is a chronic disease, like heart disease or cancer. Thanks to medical science, people with opioid use disorder and alcoholism are able to utilize medications to help them avoid relapsing.

Myth #4:  Prescription Drugs Aren’t as Addictive or Dangerous as Street Drugs.

There are plenty of budget-friendly options and payment myths about addiction and recoverys available at some treatment centers . Many inpatient and outpatient programs are even covered by some types of insurance. Medically Assisted Therapy may utilize prescription drugs like methadone and suboxone. However, these substances work to fight opioid use disorders and curb cravings during withdrawal. In fact, leading authorities on addiction agree that substance abuse is a chronic disease similar to heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Having a mental and physical dependence on something makes it that much more difficult. Know that the disease of addiction is progressive and as time passes it will only continue to worsen. I haven’t hit “rock bottom” yet, so I don’t need treatment.

MYTH: Severe Substance Use Disorder is a disease; there’s nothing you can do about it.

If you are living with an addiction, it doesn’t mean you’re weak. Finding amedical treatment planorrecovery supportcommunity can help you heal. Completing rehabilitation is a major step, but continuing supported treatment is crucial to avoid relapsing. Specifically, recovery is a never-ending process and patients must continuously adjust to what their lives offer and have support throughout.