Most people who have no direct connection with using drugs find it very difficult to understand the illness of addiction.
And, to make matters worse, there are some common generalized myths about drug addiction and drug use that have become firmly rooted in society. In this article we will take a look at some common myths with the object of dispelling them.
1. The person using the drugs is bad and makes a choice for that lifestyle.
The choice to initially experiment with the drugs is definitely within the user. But then certain factors assert themselves that are beyond the control of the drug addicted person, such as genetic factors. At some point in using drugs they "crossed the line" into addiction. At that point they have lost the ability to control their use of drugs, and the phenomenon of obsession and compulsion to use take over their entire life. They prioritize drug use above all else, even family and work. Ironically, it does not mean they do not love their family, they are mesmerized by the drug.
2. Stopping drug use means just saying no.
While ultimately the goal is to never use drugs, being in complete abstinence, is not as easy as simply saying no. In order to be successful, the person must be physically detoxed from the drug. They need to address triggers and situations which led them to use drugs to begin with. Next they need to find a new way of life, living skills, and communication skills to handle the ups and down of life without resorting to drug use. If drugs were providing relief to life situations, we need to work on skills to handle life situations. This takes time and education.
3. You can't force people into treatment; it has to be their own choice.
Eventually the person has and must make the ultimate decision to become abstinent and stay sober, this is true. However, studies have shown that people entering treatment through interventions, the power of a court order, or other involuntary means have the same outcome rates as people who voluntarily entered treatment. Many people who are "forced" were backed into a corner to enter treatment come to the realization while they are there that their problem is significant. They may become agreeable about dealing with it. The fact is, treatment works.
4. Once a person completes treatment or rehab they are done.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The fact of the matter is that maintaining longtime abstinence and sobriety involves a lifelong process of maintaining awareness. A metaphor might be riding a bicycle uphill. As long as you apply force and effort you will continue to move forward uphill, but as soon as you stop peddling the pull of gravity is toward falling down or a slide toward the bottom. A drug addict's natural pull is to use drugs. There must be a constant effort and awareness applied against that natural tendency.
And, to make matters worse, there are some common generalized myths about drug addiction and drug use that have become firmly rooted in society. In this article we will take a look at some common myths with the object of dispelling them.
1. The person using the drugs is bad and makes a choice for that lifestyle.
The choice to initially experiment with the drugs is definitely within the user. But then certain factors assert themselves that are beyond the control of the drug addicted person, such as genetic factors. At some point in using drugs they "crossed the line" into addiction. At that point they have lost the ability to control their use of drugs, and the phenomenon of obsession and compulsion to use take over their entire life. They prioritize drug use above all else, even family and work. Ironically, it does not mean they do not love their family, they are mesmerized by the drug.
2. Stopping drug use means just saying no.
While ultimately the goal is to never use drugs, being in complete abstinence, is not as easy as simply saying no. In order to be successful, the person must be physically detoxed from the drug. They need to address triggers and situations which led them to use drugs to begin with. Next they need to find a new way of life, living skills, and communication skills to handle the ups and down of life without resorting to drug use. If drugs were providing relief to life situations, we need to work on skills to handle life situations. This takes time and education.
3. You can't force people into treatment; it has to be their own choice.
Eventually the person has and must make the ultimate decision to become abstinent and stay sober, this is true. However, studies have shown that people entering treatment through interventions, the power of a court order, or other involuntary means have the same outcome rates as people who voluntarily entered treatment. Many people who are "forced" were backed into a corner to enter treatment come to the realization while they are there that their problem is significant. They may become agreeable about dealing with it. The fact is, treatment works.
4. Once a person completes treatment or rehab they are done.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The fact of the matter is that maintaining longtime abstinence and sobriety involves a lifelong process of maintaining awareness. A metaphor might be riding a bicycle uphill. As long as you apply force and effort you will continue to move forward uphill, but as soon as you stop peddling the pull of gravity is toward falling down or a slide toward the bottom. A drug addict's natural pull is to use drugs. There must be a constant effort and awareness applied against that natural tendency.
Reference: Bill Urell
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