Dealing with addiction can be a stigmatized problem and there may be people who think overcoming addiction is easier than it truly is. Addiction can look different for every person which means that what works for one individual, doesn’t make that a fact.
Red Willow Counseling And Recovery knows that all types of people can heal from addiction. There are treatments that will help and family support can improve your environment. Debunking myths around addiction and sharing the proper information can help reduce the stigma around getting help for addiction.
1- Addicts Are Bad, Crazy, or Stupid
One of the biggest myths around addiction is that those who struggle with addiction are terrible people, or can’t get their life together. People in active addiction have brain chemistry that influences the choices that they make and are often in a fight or flight mentality, concerned about meeting their basic needs of avoiding pain and increasing pleasure.
Oftentimes times the behavior of people in active addiction is damaging and illogical. Telling people that they or their loved ones are “crazy” or “bad” is not helpful to get them on the road to recovery. While not condoning destructive behavior, support is the most important thing when someone is dealing with addiction.
No one is immune from the struggles of substances, alcohol, or other addictions, and people in active addiction often lead a life of chaos and instability. Even those with the most stable families can struggle with addiction. Everyone is vulnerable to addiction and many people will hide their struggles when they are in any stage of their addiction.
2- People In Active Addiction Show a Lack of Willpower. They Should “Just Say No”
The reason that substances are addictive is because of basic brain chemistry. The part of the brain that makes logical choices is shut down and the more frequent the use, the harder it is to stop. Telling a person who struggles with addiction to “Just say No” without offering any kind of support or plan in place to help them is not likely to have any positive effect.
3- Addiction Only Impacts the Person Using
A person who is abusing substances not only impacts themself, but also impacts partners, families, friends, co-workers, and in a sense, everyone that they interact with. We may feel that impact but not want to intervene or think that it’s not our place. We may not know what to do.
People who struggle with addiction are best helped by having a support network that encourages hope and change. Having boundaries is also important to keep the impact of a person’s addiction at a minimum.
4- People Who Struggle With Addiction Are Disconnected From Their Families
A person in active addiction often isolates themselves from their family members, as there is a lot of shame and self-loathing a person feels. The shame that surrounds addiction can cause people to draw away from their families when they need it most. At the same time, people who are abusing alcohol and drugs frequently attempt to reach out to family members to receive support. There are healthy ways for families to stay connected to their loved ones and support them to get the help they need.
5- Addicts Won’t Get Help Until They Hit Rock Bottom
One of the most popular myths around addiction is that they won’t seek help until they are faced with a life-altering moment or they reach their lowest low. This is a damaging and deadly myth, as it causes people to step away from people in active addiction and not offer support or intervene. Imagine if a person was having a heart attack and those around him or her ignored them because they didn’t ask for help.
Research shows that when family and friends express concerns about a person’s problematic drinking or drug use, it often motivates them to get the help they need. We can reach out and “Raise the Rock Bottom” so people don’t need to suffer.
Many people want to seek help but don’t know how or feel guilty when doing so.
6- You Have To Want Addiction Treatment For It To Be Effective
Not all people who have struggled with addiction will understand that they have a problem. It may take some time and encouragement to convince someone they can benefit from a recovery program or therapy. Sometimes a person doesn’t realize they have a problem until they have some sober time and are in some type of treatment program. We know that whether or not a person wants treatment if they complete treatment as recommended, they have an equal chance of long-term recovery.
7- If People Intervene, It Will Push The Addict Away
Many loved ones think if they push too hard, the one struggling will draw away. Often when a person with addiction is approached by people who care in a non-confrontational and genuine way, they accept the help that is offered them. If a person does become angry, it is usually because of their shame. Even if this happens, they are likely to return and re-engage with their loved ones.
Addiction is deadly. If we choose to not talk about how the addiction is impacting us, or our concern for their use of substances, it is likely that the disease will progress and result in incarceration or death.
8- Using Drugs And Alcohol Is A Private And Personal Issue
Many people start using drugs and drinking alcohol with peers or family. While addiction is based on the person’s individual choices, other people may be able to notice early signs and notice when the person starts to neglect their work or social obligations. However, often these people don’t speak out due to embarrassment or believing it isn’t their place.
Family and friends can be a crucial part of recovery, especially in motivating a person to get the help they need. There are many resources available for people to learn how to approach a loved one with their concerns about their substance use. A voice of silence with not make the problem go away.
9- There Is Only One Way to Get Sober
There are many factors that work for people who are in active addiction. Some of these are peer-run support groups, treatment programs such as rehab or IOP (Intensive Outpatient), medication, psychotherapy, pain management, medical care, family support, or spiritual enhancement.
While one method may work for someone, it doesn’t mean it will work with another. An effective treatment plan can be made by having a professional evaluation, and also continuing to work and modify the plan as time goes on. The road to recovery often has setbacks and relapses, but continuing to try will likely result in long-term success.
10- Treatment Doesn’t Really Work
What we know is that individuals who follow treatment recommendations for the full amount of time have remarkable success rates. Using evidence-based approaches is crucial for success, instead of following self-created plans or alternative therapies.
Treatment methods can help people control their substance use or quit altogether. Red Willow offers Intensive OutPatient (IOP) that utilizes research-driven techniques to help people struggling with addiction create a better life.
11- Only 28 Days In Treatment Are Usually Enough For People To Be Healed
The 28-day program is not evidence-based but was created by the insurance industry to set limits on what they are willing to pay.
Professional treatment should not be time-driven but based on a person’s symptoms and progression through a program. Research shows that a person who spends 45-90 days in residential treatment, followed by 3-6 months of IOP has a dramatically higher chance of success than someone who only spends 30 days.
Connecting to a sober community, taking medications addressing medical concerns, and having 12-24 months of some type of accountability are also shown to increase the chance of long-term sobriety.
