Stigma is everything, especially concerning substance use and addiction. Numerous individuals are often reluctant to seek help for their substance use because of the stigma surrounding addiction. Unfortunately, there is misinformation regarding addiction online that helps fuel this stigma. These myths can be extremely damaging to those struggling with substance use and their friends and family. Being able to identify these myths and correct them is a great place to start in stopping the spread of misinformation.
In movies and TV shows, it is common to see a person struggling with addiction to be at their lowest point before being convinced to go to treatment. However, this is not a reality for many individuals. Rock bottom can often refer to death, but it is essential to remember that rock bottom has a different meaning for everyone. Generally, rock bottom refers to a time or an event in life that causes a person to reach the lowest point of their disease. Rock bottom can include losing a job, getting a divorce, or becoming homeless.
Catching addiction early is perhaps the best way to ensure that it can be seen in time before chronic health problems take hold of the person. You don’t have to be at your lowest point to seek out help. Remember that you can go to treatment even if you don’t think your addiction is “that bad.” It is better to go early on rather than go too late.
It is common for people to assume that addiction is a choice because the first time using drugs or alcohol may be a choice. The logic in this thought process is that if someone can choose to be using addictive substances, then it’s their fault they got addicted in the first place. However, this is not the case. No one actively chooses to struggle with addiction, as it causes many health and life problems that no one wants to deal with willingly. There are risk factors that contribute to developing an addiction, such as genetics, environment, upbringing, abuse, and trauma. No one would choose to live in the misery that addiction often brings. Others must learn that addiction is a disease and have compassion.
Perhaps one of the most famous myths about addiction is viewing those struggling with substance use as weak. This may stem from a lack of education on how addiction affects the brain, namely why it is classified as a chronic disease. Many people believe that a person can stop using drugs or alcohol if they genuinely wanted to, but this is not always the case. Addiction causes chemical imbalances in the brain’s reward circuit that permanently change it over a long period. An individual will develop a compulsion to use, even if they do not want to.
While someone may recognize that addiction is a chronic disease, it is dangerous to get into the mindset that nothing can be done about it; therefore, it is pointless to treat. Sure, there is no cure for addiction, but this doesn’t mean that it can’t be managed through proper treatment and care. A happier life is typically found in sobriety and through the use of therapy, exercise, holistic therapies, medications, and other treatment approaches.
Detoxing may seem as simple as not using and getting the toxins out of your body. However, detox is a medical process that should be monitored, especially under severe circumstances. The effects of withdrawal can lead to health problems and possibly death if unproperly managed. It is recommended to detox at a hospital or other treatment facility so professionals can give you medication to make the experience more comfortable and safe for you.
Addiction does not occur how it is portrayed on TV with messy homes, medicine bottles strewn all about, etc. While this may occasionally be the case, individuals struggling with addiction are great at hiding their behaviors more often than not. Those struggling with substance use may feel guilty and ashamed of their actions and want to hide it from their loved ones. However, there are signs that you can learn to look out for if you suspect someone you know is struggling, such as withdrawal symptoms, drug-seeking behavior, financial issues, and isolating themselves from others.
Misinformation is the number one cause of the stigma surrounding substance use and addiction. This misinformation can be extremely damaging, causing those struggling with addiction to be treated with prejudice and ridicule. Education is critical, not only for those that have been touched by addiction but also for the general public. When those suffering from addiction are met with compassion, they may be more inclined to seek treatment. Debunking these myths can bring about greater understanding instead of judgment and harsh words. Northstar Transitions is committed to helping stop the spread of misinformation. We want to help those struggling with substance use, their families and friends, and the general public to be educated on addiction issues to bring about a more in-depth understanding. This way, more compassion can be shown, and the stigma can be lessened. Call us today at (303) 558-6400 to learn more. Together we can fight the stigma against addiction and encourage those struggling to seek help.
