Seven Myths About Drug Addiction [Infographic]

In order to overcome drug addiction and enjoy lasting recovery, it’s important to get all of the facts. By debunking some of the most common myths about drug addiction, patients and their families can be better prepared for rehabilitation:

1. Addicted Individuals Caused Their Own Drug Addictions

Arguably the most dangerous myth about drug addiction is that people deliberately choose to be addicted to drugs. Drug addiction is essentially a brain disorder, and addiction is never the fault of the user.

2. Just Reducing Drug Use is Better and Easier than Quitting Altogether

To truly recover from addiction, it’s not enough to simply cut down on drug use. A complete detox is necessary to break ties from drugs and improve overall physical health.

3. Treating Drug Addiction with Public Funds is a Waste

To the general public, one of the myths about drug addiction that can do serious damage is the idea that paying for rehab or drug treatment is a waste of time and money. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, every dollar spent on treating drug use saves seven dollars that might otherwise be spent on jail, medical bills or legal costs.¹

4. Drug Addiction is Only a Problem in Certain Countries

Drug addiction is a global concern. Already, at least 114 countries have reported HIV infections relating to drug use, highlighting the scope of the problem.²

5. Drug Addiction Can be Treated in a Matter of Days

Some particularly dangerous myths about drug addiction relate to the average length of treatment. A week of detox simply isn’t enough for lasting recovery. Due to the specialized nature of treatment, there is no set length of time for a successful treatment outcome, however, research suggests improved outcomes from longer stays in relation how long a person struggled with addiction. ³

6. Prescription Drugs Aren’t “Real” Drugs

Many people believe that prescription medication addictions aren’t as problematic or common as drugs like heroin or meth. However, an estimated 18 million Americans misused prescription drugs in 2017, a number that can’t be ignored.⁴

7. Addicted Individuals are Beyond Help

Unfortunately, some people still believe that drug-addicted individuals are beyond help and can’t ever enjoy true rehabilitation. Although relapse rates do hover between 40 and 60%, that still means that roughly half of those who complete rehab say goodbye forever to drug use. ⁵ Understanding the truth behind common myths about drug addiction can make it easier to achieve the ultimate goal of recovery. Call us to discuss the treatment options that can help you break free from addiction.

Footnotes

1. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-questions/drug-addiction-treatment-worth-its-cost
2. https://www.who.int/substance_abuse/about/en/dependence_myths&facts.pdf
3. https://www.drugabuse.gov/download/675/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition.pdf?v=74dad603627bab89b93193918330c223
4. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/misuse-prescription-drugs/what-scope-prescription-drug-misuse
5. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery