Recovery Facts/Myths
- Myth #1- If I go to treatment I will be cured of my addiction.
This statement is false. Treatment may be the first step in a life long journey to maintain recovery. Addiction is a chronic disease that needs long-term maintenance and support. Although there are many avenues to recovery, there is not a one size fits all solution. There is no cure.
- Myth #2- I am not an alcoholic since I only drink beer.
This statement is false. A drink is a drink. Although the alcohol content may vary from other forms of alcohol it affects your BAC (blood alcohol percentage), and can impact your motor skills which control your thinking, speaking and reactions. The type of alcohol you consume has little bearing on whether you may or may not be an alcoholic.
- Myth #3–Addiction is only a bad habit and people who can’t stop are just weak in character.
This statement is false. Addiction is more than a behavior, it is a craving to to alcohol or other drugs which causes changes to the hormones in the brain.
- Myth #4-Marijuana is not addictive.
This statement is false according to the latest (DSM) accepted diagnostic criteria; about 10% of the population can become dependent/addicted to marijuana.
- Myth #5-Addicts are bad, crazy or stupid.
This statement is false. Research is demonstrating that addicts are not bad people. They have a brain disease that goes beyond their use of drugs. Many are good, sane, educated people.
- Myth #6-Alcoholics can stop drinking by simply attending AA meetings.
This statement is tricky the word here is “simply”. For most people AA is a thorough, lifelong working of the Twelve Steps. Research shows that a support system of people with a common experience is one of the active ingredients of recovery in AA. Attending meetings is good, but to work a program of recovery it is suggested that a person obtain a sponsor and work the steps.
- Myth #7 – You can not force someone into treatment for addictions.
This statement is false. Treatment does not have to be voluntary. Many are coerced into treatment through the legal system and often are more successful than individuals who come in voluntarily. In 1999 over half of the adolescents admitted into treatment came into treatment through the criminal justice system.