Call 888-647-0579 to speak with an alcohol or drug abuse counselor.

Who Answers?

Common Misconceptions about Addiction

There are many misconceived ideas about addiction that lead people to make poor choices or to overlook certain consequences when addiction is a factor. Though addiction is a science that is continuously being addressed, many of the original ideas and perceptions about this disease continue to stick around in the minds of both those addicted and those trying to help. Unfortunately, these common misconceptions about addiction are causing many Americans to forgo treatment if they are addicted, push a loved one further into addiction if they are the family member of an addict or otherwise make poor choices in terms of the treatment and management of addiction.

It is estimated that almost 30% of all Americans still think that addiction is the result of moral failure or a lack of willpower. Many believe that the disease is treatable only if the addict has hit rock bottom and is ready and willing to get help and still others believe that the proper means of treatment for someone who suffers from addiction is to stigmatize them and treat them in a disrespectful manner.

Misconceptions about addiction can lead the person into relapse.

Many misunderstandings exist about addiction and some of these even carry through into the treatment field making proper treatment and care difficult to find. Despite advances in the medical field and the information that is being gathered about addiction, there is no “cure” for the disease and there are still many wrongly perceived ideas about addiction that cause difficulties for those who are already suffering enough from addiction itself.

Some still go as far as believing that addiction can be treated in just 30 days and others still think that there are few legitimate reasons for detox prior to treatment. Unfortunately, these misconceptions are often what leads an addict back into treatment over and over again. 30 days is not long enough to cure an addict and it’s usually not even enough to jump start the treatment and recovery process. Detox is vital to the successful recovery and effective psychiatric therapy cannot begin until detox has taken place.

Don’t let these misconceptions prevent you or a loved one from getting the help you need. If you are addicted to drugs or alcohol and need help, contact Treatment Centers today at 1-888-885-4616 to speak with a live counselor about your problem. We can help you find a local treatment center that can provide you with quality, effective addiction treatment.

More Treatment & Detox Articles

Choice of Drug Czar Indicates Focus on Treatment, Not Jail

The White House said yesterday that it will push for treatment, rather than incarceration, of people arrested for drug-related crimes as it announced the nomination of Seattle Police Chief R. Gil Kerlikowske to oversee the nation’s effort to control illegal drugs. The choice of drug czar and the emphasis on alternative drug courts, announced by….

Is PTSD Causing your Addiction?

It’s not uncommon for someone to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of a traumatic event in their life and what’s even more common is a subsequent addiction occurring as a result of a desire to self-medicate to overcome this condition. Is PTSD causing your addiction? Many people suffer great tragedy that causes….

Alcohol abuse among German youths more than sobering

Recent cases of teen and even child alcohol binges are indications of increasing abuse by younger Germans, as an alarming new report published by a German health insurance company reveals. Just last week, three children aged 11, 12 and 13 were found passed out at a playground in the city of Paderborn after drinking vodka…..

How Drug Abuse Treatment Helps You Stay Clean and Sober

Whether addicted to drugs or alcohol, the physical and psychological effects of addiction can transform a normal everyday person into a shell of what he or she once was. Addictive substances are well known for their ability to alter brain function in such a way as to create a cycle of dependency that becomes all….

Understanding Dual Diagnosis

When two mental disorders or illnesses occur at the same time, or in sequence, in the same person, it is known as comorbidity; when these conditions are diagnosed, it is called a dual diagnosis. Mental disorders are defined by the National Institute on Drug Abuse as “A mental condition marked primarily by sufficient disorganization of….