Everything in life comes with facts and myths, but can it determine an already a stigmatized topic such as drug abuse? Myths can sometimes be dangerous, as they can influence you and prevent you from making sound decisions for yourself.
Unless you get the right help for your addiction, your health will continue getting worse. Therefore, there is a need to clear the air. The best way you can reach proper understanding is when you understand each of these myths.
As always, myths come from opinions that hold no bearing. There is no scientific evidence to back up their reality, and neither is there any quantifiable data. But, being social creatures, if we hear enough of the same opinion, we may get convinced about anything or everything. Here are some myths and facts that will help you navigate through substance abuse and treatment:
- Addicts Have No Willpower
Addiction is a disease, a medical condition that stems from mental health issues. Addiction never had anything to do with moral standing. Our bodies are unique, which react to different chemicals in different ways. Without realizing it, some chemicals have a substantial effect on our bodies. A person who is an addict doesn’t necessarily mean to have a flawed character or is a failure in life. So if you’re struggling with addiction, get help. Numerous institutes are willing to help you. One worth mentioning is Serenity at Summit, located in various locations and covering multiple insurance plans to help you.
- Detox Is Life Saving
Detox can only work if you seek help right away, as your body can tolerate harmful substances to a specific limit. People who indulged in alcohol and substances for years may damage their liver. No amount of detox can save a liver from scarring. If fibers are already in your organs, you need to see a doctor. In some cases, a transplant is necessary, whereas detox can only help your body flush out substances.
- Prescription Drugs Are Safe
Prescription drugs are addictive. These drugs contain chemicals that can have pleasurable effects. Many painkillers and anxiety pills can become addictive very fast. It is common among young adults to abuse prescription pills. Therefore, there is a need for hospitals to pay attention to the medicines they’re handing out. They should make sure patients get a gap between each dosage to prevent addiction. Hospitals are inevitably contributing to the addiction crisis.
- Detox Is Enough Alone
Detox is the first step of the treatment process. However, going through detox doesn’t mean you recovered. You may still have withdrawals, body aches, and mental health issues that need addressing. You may also need to see a counselor through outpatient services to work through other conditions.
- Rehab Doesn’t Work
You don’t check into rehab to stay in bed; instead, meet counselors and doctors professionals. You get a proper routine to follow, receive education, care, and treatment. Doctors also work on improving your appetite and getting you back on eating good meals. You work on improving your body mass and fixing your mental health. Rehab is vital for people struggling with addiction. When a person gets injured, you go to a hospital. Rehab is akin to a facility for addicts.
- Rehabs Use Addictive Medicines
Rehab centers have the jurisdiction to use medicines. However, the medicines they use are different from the medicines in the market. These medicines help you manage withdrawal symptoms and pain. However, they are not addictive and have the FDA’s official approval for administration. It is misinformation to assume all medicines work the same way. Medicines depend on their chemical composition. The way chemicals bind with our body’s molecules determines the effect they will have on us. Rehabs use medicines that have sufficient research to prove they will never cause addiction.
- Only Rich People Go To Rehab
That is not true. Rehab facilities depend upon coverage. The facilities each rehab center provides are thoroughly planned. You will never get suggestions for rehab centers out of your coverage. So if you’re someone who has a low income, there are facilities for you. The idea of rich people and rehab comes from celebrity culture. People assume that anything celebrities can access is not for the commoner. A rehab center never discriminates based on your social status. Similarly, a hospital will give you treatment depending on your insurance. So, don’t think of addiction as a rich man’s disease.
- Relapse Is Failure
If you relapse, that means you’re in the process of adjusting. Expecting perfection after checking out of rehab is cruel and wrong. You’re going to make yourself nervous and anxious. Relapse is a part of progress. You learn where you struggle and how you can overcome it. For example, the first time you learned how to walk, you probably fell a lot. It will take a series of ups and downs before you get it right.
- If It Doesn’t Work The First Time, It’s Useless
Failure in maintaining sobriety after treatment is part of recovery. Nothing works perfectly on the first go. Even when you’re getting treated for a physical wound, you need to go through several rounds of treatment to heal. It would help if you also had time to get better. Rehab centers work based on sessions. No one can honestly know how deep your addiction runs. They may help you get over one hurdle for your addiction, but you may need extensive help. That doesn’t mean you’re failing. You’re in the process of healing. Don’t let presumptuous statements prevent you from getting help.
- High Alcohol Tolerance Means You’re Safe
Tolerance means you are used to the substance. High alcohol tolerance is a drinking problem. Your body is not supposed to handle too much alcohol in one sitting. If you can finish a pack of six without any issues, that means there is a problem. Your brain has a saturation point, which helps you decide how much you should consume in one sitting. If you get drunk after one glass, that means half a glass is a good idea. However, knocking back too many drinks is dangerous. So, get yourself checked what is preventing you from getting drunk.
Wrap Up
People assume that anyone struggling to handle their drugs is a failure in life, which is not valid. Humans are complex creatures, and addiction is a part of our complexity, which can strike anyone at any time. None of these issues have anything to do with you as a person, but you need to remember that addiction is messy, and you need help. Don’t hold yourself from going to rehab and seeking professional care. Detox is part of the treatment process but not the treatment itself. You will face many highs and lows, but that is a part of your progress. Your addiction is not a reflection of you. So don’t let shame and guilt cloud you.
