Today, many myths center around drug abuse and alcohol abuse, most of which are outdated perceptions, old scientific data, or simply untrue. However, the more you investigate common myths about drug abuse and alcohol abuse, the more you can find the truth at the center of these false or outdated concepts.
Why does this matter?
It can help save a life, whether that’s yours or someone else’s.
Common Myths About Drug Abuse
There are several myths that surround the world of drug and alcohol abuse, and understanding what is true and what isn’t can help you get the treatment you or someone close to you need when the time comes.
Myth #1: Addiction is a Moral Failing
One of the oldest myths about drug abuse is based on outdated neurological information, the belief that the brain is subdivided into the more animalistic part and the more controlled part, and if an individual struggles with substance abuse it means they have some sort of moral failing whereby they let the animalistic part take over.
This is not only scientifically incorrect and an outdated idea of how the brain works, but it’s a complete fabrication to associate substance abuse with any type of moral decision or moral failing.
Substance abuse is a mental health disorder, one that needs to be treated as such.
Myth #2: You Can Quit Cold Turkey
One of the equally popular myths about drug abuse is that individuals can simply quit cold turkey.
Quitting cold turkey means avoiding any type of professional help or medical treatment and going through the withdrawal symptoms at home.
This is, in fact, very unhealthy and unsafe, particularly for substances like:
- Alcoholism
- Opioids
- Benzodiazepines
These substances come with significant health risks to the individual and medical complications that could be lethal. As such, it’s important to seek professional treatment at a detox center that can regularly measure vitals, check for any complications and treat them accordingly, and utilize things like FDA-approved medication to ease the process of withdrawal.
Myth #3: If You Finish Treatment You Won’t Relapse
It is very important to understand that relapse is often a part of everyone’s recovery journey. The more you focus on doing what is best for you, learning about your personal triggers, and developing healthy coping mechanisms, the longer you can postpone or potentially avoid a relapse.
That said, studies indicate that an average of 40-60% of people who complete their treatment programs successfully will relapse over the next 5 years, but this is an opportunity for continued learning and growth, not an indication of failure.
When you do experience a relapse, know that you can continue to reach out for care. This leads to another myth.
Myth #4: Inpatient Treatment is the Only Successful Treatment
While some people say that inpatient care is the only successful treatment, there are several levels of care, each of which serves different purposes. No single level is scientifically better than another. What matters most is that the type of treatment you receive is appropriate to your needs.
Inpatient and residential care is the most demanding, and it requires a full-time commitment where you reside at a treatment facility. Studies have found, however, that the same achievement is possible with a comparative intensive outpatient program or partial hospitalization program.
It is up to you to decide what you need and to be honest about how much support would be best based on the severity of your circumstances.
Getting Help with Ava Recovery
At Ava Recovery, we know that the majority of people struggling with addiction have developed that addiction as an attempt to meet their needs. As such, our addiction treatment focuses on providing clients with the tools they need to meet their needs without substance abuse.
As a residential treatment center, we provide clients with full-time care, helping those with severe addiction or those who simply want to extricate themselves from the stress and back and forth of daily life.
This includes a wide range of different therapies, particularly trauma-focused therapy, with an understanding that individuals need to improve their personal connection to themselves and recognize that unresolved trauma is often a key cause of addiction.
If you are struggling with unresolved trauma, untreated substance abuse, or a relapse, reach out to our team to learn about our luxury facility and how we can keep you on track to improve your quality of life long after treatment ends.
Call us today at (833) 330-3009.
