Having a mental and physical dependence on something makes it that much more difficult. As mentioned above, there are lots of “high-functioning” addicts. Addiction comes with a lot of guilt and embarrassment so many develop behaviors that allow them to effectively hide their addiction, at least for a period of time. When many people picture an addict they picture a dirty, unkempt bum with no job or goals in life—yet another stereotype that society perpetuates. Many addicts function in a regular life and can even lead very successful lives.

• Addiction is a chronic disease with similar relapse rates as other chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Just like other chronic conditions, a relapse can happen at any time.
• When someone refers to quitting drugs or alcohol “cold turkey,” they mean they plan to quit abruptly without the help of medication or assistance from experienced medical personnel.
• So, until the smoke clears and they are in recovery with a clear and honest mind, only then can they truly understand the extent of the damage done and fix their relationships.
• They might be used to calm cravings while your body goes through detox, or help a person with recovery maintenance.

If you choose to correspond with us through email, we may retain the content of your email messages together with your email address and our responses. We provide the same protections for myths about addiction and recovery these electronic communications that we employ in the maintenance of information received by mail and telephone. WebMD Connect to Care helps you find services to manage your health.

Myth #3 – Addicts/Alcoholics Have to Want Treatment

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, reach out to us for a free, confidential consultation. We provide evidence-based substance abuse treatment that helps you understand addiction and the reasons you abuse drugs and alcohol, so those can be addressed.

It is a force that takes hold no matter what your life circumstance. Addiction itself can cause someone to become a person who steals for more money or drugs, isn’t available to friends or family, or makes irresponsible choices that they wouldn’t have made otherwise. Once addiction takes hold, the brain chemistry can actually change making it hard to control impulses. The substance becomes a craving, an obsession that can become more important than other aspects of life. Find out if you or a loved one may have a mental health or substance use disorder. This takes time and effort and sometimes results in setbacks. This doesn’t mean previous treatments failed, because the person with addiction still made progress overall in getting well.

Addiction Cannot Be Beaten Alone

There are various changes to the brain when someone becomes addicted to a particular substance that disables their ability to make healthy choices. Let’s explore the five most common myths about addiction and recovery. The most important thing is to find a drug and alcohol rehab program that works for you or your loved one. If you’re interested in learning more about our rehab center and the continuum of care we offer, please contact our admissions team today. Often, people who develop addictions may not have developed other coping skills or may be rusty at using them. Safe Harbor Recovery Center in Portsmouth, Virginia works with each of our guests on developing new ways to cope, with their old tool, substances, out of their lives.

• It is okay if someone doesn’t have a desire for treatment; there can still be a potential for change.
• There is no shame or guilt in asking for help or more information.
• Oftentimes, there is physical and psychological damagebehind an addiction that needs professional attention.
• Many people come out of relapses stronger and more dedicated to their recovery.
• Ongoing support is important to enabling projects to continue their work, so we encourage donors to continue to contribute to projects over time.
• Drug addiction is a chronic illness, and as such, patients will need ongoing care like they would for any other chronic disease.

If you display symptoms such as intense marijuana cravings, being unable to reduce your use, or missing work because of marijuana use, you may have anaddiction to marijuana. Additionally, some studies suggest a genetic component to addiction. A family history of substance abuse can be a precursor as well as uncontrollable environmental factors. Addiction research shows that it has nothing to do with not having willpower or not being strong enough. Addicts/alcoholics don’t have to want to be in treatment, nor do they have to recover for themselves.

Myth #2: I Don’t Need Treatment for Withdrawal Symptoms

Often, the fears people have around leaving behind alcohol and other drugs are rooted in myths instead of reality. By addressing these myths head-on, Safe Harbor Recovery Center in Portsmouth, Virginia would like to help ease the minds of people who are considering entering recovery. There are plenty of budget-friendly options and payment plans available at some treatment centers . Many inpatient and outpatient programs are even covered by some types of insurance. Addiction can impact every area of a person’s life and can affect absolutely anyone, so it is important to know the truth about substance abuse disorders before making assumptions.