There’s long been a stigma around addiction. And that’s largely because we don’t understand it properly. We’re fed these stereotypes that are completely false, told rumours or simply take the myths around addiction as fact.
It’s why the myths surrounding addiction do need busting, particularly during a time when more and more people are living with the condition.
Sanctuary Lodge, one of the best alcohol and drug rehabilitation centres in Essex is often dispelling the myths to its patients and providing them with the help they need, and with more people needing help than ever before, it’s important wider society understands what’s a myth and what’s a fact too.
Myth 1: Addiction is a Choice
Firstly, people often don’t realise what addiction is. It’s not a thing you can just switch on and off. Like it’s a choice of your own. It’s far more complex than that and is influenced by genetics, environment and our mental health.
Many people believe that those who suffer could just quit if they really wanted to. However, addiction alters the brain’s chemistry, affecting areas that are responsible for decision making, controlling our impulses and our reward system. The brain becomes dependent on the substance for controlling these, making it incredibly difficult to stop without professional help. While the act of drug or alcohol use initially may be a choice, it becomes far from that for those living with addiction.
Myth 2: Only Weak-Willed People Become Addicted
As we’ve touched on slightly, addiction isn’t something that you can recover from easily if you so wish. People often associate those with struggling as being weak minded, but that’s really not the truth.
It doesn’t just affect those that lack self control or discipline. In fact, it doesn’t discriminate, and can affect anyone of all shapes, sizes, level of intelligence, personal strength and socioeconomic status.
The fact is, genetics plays a big part in a person’s susceptibility to addiction, with statistics stating that up to 50% of a person’s risk of developing a disorder being hereditary.
Then there’s the likes of trauma, mental health conditions, stress, the environment and exposure to substances which can all have a big impact on the risk of addiction. A flaw in someone’s character it is not.
Myth 3: You Have to Hit ‘Rock Bottom’ Before Seeking Help
If you were to think of the type of people you’d expect to find in rehab, you’d probably head down the stereotypical view of people who have hit rock bottom. Getting help doesn’t just have to be for those that have hit “rock bottom” though, and it’s actually early intervention that is most beneficial for people.
The sooner a person identifies they have a problem, the less impact it’s going to have on health and relationships and the easier it will be to repair the damage.
Not that overcoming addiction is easy, but the earlier you trap it, the more successful you can be in recovery.
Myth 4: Addiction Only Affects Drug and Alcohol Users
When people think of addiction, they often associate it solely with drugs or alcohol. However, addiction can manifest in many forms, including gambling, gaming, food, shopping, and even social media. Behavioural addictions trigger similar brain responses to substance addiction, leading to compulsive behaviour despite negative consequences.
Recognising that addiction extends beyond substances is essential in broadening public understanding and ensuring that individuals suffering from behavioural addictions receive the necessary support and treatment.
Myth 5: Relapse Means Failure
Relapse is often seen as a sign that treatment has failed or that an individual lacks the commitment to recover. In reality, addiction is a chronic condition, much like diabetes or hypertension, and relapse is a common part of the recovery process.
Many people go through multiple relapses before achieving long-term sobriety. Instead of viewing relapse as a failure, it should be seen as an opportunity to reassess and adjust the treatment plan. Support and encouragement during these times can make a significant difference in helping someone get back on track.
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