Drug abuse is among the major problems that Americans battle in their daily lives. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), tens of millions of Americans suffer from substance use disorders every year. The problem of drug abuse and overdose-related deaths continue to spread in the US because of the myths about drugs. Most people make the wrong decisions because of being misinformed and are unsure of when it’s time to visit a facility such as Midwest Recovery Center.
The Common Myths About Drugs
The most common myth about drug abuse is that addiction is voluntary behavior. Indeed, most users start the habit of occasionally taking drugs voluntarily. However, the main question is, do people deliberately develop dependence? The answer is ‘No.’
Drug users don’t choose to become addicted. Over time, as individuals continue with their voluntary intake of drugs, their habits lead them to become compulsive users. They reach a level where they no longer control their habit of taking drugs. Such individuals don’t choose to continue. Instead, they involuntarily start taking the drugs to meet the demands of their body systems and avoid withdrawal effects.
So, what other myths should you be aware of?
1. Drug Abuse Is a Character Flaw
Any dependence on a drug is a disorder that requires professional addiction treatment. Different drugs have distinct ways of modifying brain functions. However, individuals tend to exhibit similar effects for most drugs.
The changes resulting from chronic drug use have a significant impact on behavior; their use becomes the central aspect of their existence. It isn’t easy to judge such people from their actions because they do all it takes, while under the influence, to sustain their lives.
2. Rehab Treatment Always Depends on Participants
It is worth knowing that most of those struggling with substance use disorders don’t want anything to do with treatment. Most individuals seek treatment because a law enforcement agent (such as the court) or pressure from their loved ones has compelled them to enroll in rehab.
Also, some studies reveal that people who join treatment programs while under pressure from an external party may respond better to treatment because they have goals set for them.
3. Rehab Treatment Is One-Time
Believing that you only need to go into rehab once is among the main myths about drugs. Substance abuse is a chronic condition that doctors and users cannot overcome in one stint. Individuals need time to undergo outpatient treatment at home or in a rehabilitation facility. Sometimes, they need to endure repeated treatment to prevent chronic relapses.
4. Reducing Drug Intake Is Better Than Completely Quitting
Do you desire to overcome your substance use disorder? Cutting down on your drug intake will do you more harm than good because soon enough, you will revert to chronic use. For the best results, experts recommend first going for a medical detox to remove all chemical traces of the drugs from your body. Then you can work towards boosting your physical and mental health through psychotherapy.
5. Drug Abusers Are Beyond Help
This is a huge misconception. You can overcome drug abuse and regain your healthy life by checking into rehab. According to MayoClinic, you can also utilize several recovery pathways, such as:
- Stay calm amid life’s turbulence
- Refrain from situations that can attract relapse
- Seek assisted recovery
- Identify yourself with the recovery journey
- Join an alumni program in Ohio after you leave rehab
Learn More at Midwest Recovery Center
At Midwest Recovery Center, we will strive to understand your unique needs before offering our help in the recovery process. At our rehab facility, you will access services such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Group therapy program
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Outpatient drug rehab program
- Alcohol addiction treatment
Understand the myths about drugs and differentiate them from facts for a successful recovery. Contact Midwest Recovery Center today at 833.627.0039 to get started on your recovery.
