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Unfortunately there are lots of misinformation and mythology from friends, media, our own culture and the society in general. We should be aware and ready to challenge these half-truths, which may harm us more than we may really think
Myth : Addiction is a bad habit, the result of moral weakness and over-indulgence.
Fact : Addiction is a chronic, life-threatening condition, like hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and adult diabetes. Addiction has roots in genetic susceptibility, social circumstance, and personal behavior. Certain drugs are highly addictive, rapidly causing biochemical and structural changes in the brain. Others can be used for longer periods of time before they begin to cause inescapable cravings and compulsive use.
Myth : Substance abuse and alcohol addiction are not treatable
Fact : Substance abuse and addiction are treatable. Treatment is typically most successful when the abuser him/herself realizes there is a problem and really wants help.
Myth : An addict can stop alcohol and drugs with willpower.
Fact : Very few people can just stop using them substances they are addicted to, no matter how strong their inner resolve. Most need to go through at least one course of structured substance abuse treatment. Some achieve sobriety through participation in community-based support organizations (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous), but relapse rates under this condition are very high. The most effective approach is one that combines structured treatment and community-based support.
Myth : Addicts often relapse, so treatment obviously does not work.
Fact : Medical treatment never guarantees lifelong recovery. So it is with addiction. Relapse is often a part of the recovery process. Even if a person never achieves perfect abstinence, addiction treatment can reduce the number and extent of relapses, which in turn lowers the incidence of related problems such as crime and overall health. A break in the cycle would improve the individual's ability to function in daily life and be able to cope better with the next temptation or craving.
Myth : Once sobriety is achieved, most individuals can eventually return to social use of alcohol and/or drugs.
Fact : Addiction is a chronic condition that does not disappear, even after extended periods of sobriety. This is true regardless of the individual's drug of choice, level of self-control, or length of abstinence.
Myth : You can't get addicted to marijuana.
Fact : People become addicted to a range of substances and involvements. The measure of addiction is the degree to which an involvement usurps people’s life. Research shows that marijuana use can lead to psychological addiction.
Myth : Treatment to quit is expensive.
Fact : Treatment cost is far less expensive than the consumption cost.
Myth : Not many women become addicts
Fact : That may have been true some years ago, but today there are almost as many men as women.
Myth: Domestic violence is very high incases where alcohol or drug abuse is involved.
Fact : How people behave when they are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs depends on a number of things. You must consider the personal, social, physical and emotional factors. Episodes of problem drinking and incidents of domestic violence often occur separately and must be treated as two distinct issues. Neither alcoholism nor drugs can explain or excuse domestic violence.
Myth : Alcohol improves sexual performance and desire.
Fact : Alcohol may provoke the desire but it also inhibits performance. It can interfere with achieving erections and increases erectile dysfunction.
Myth : Alcohol helps one to sleep well.
Fact : Dependence on alcohol upsets regular sleep patterns.
Myth : Alcohol is a good way to stay warm in cold weather.
Fact : Alcohol can cause significant heat loss from the body. This can be dangerous for health.
Myth : Beer doesn’t come under the category of not hard liquor, so it can be consumed safely.
Fact : Beer contains lesser amount of alcohol than hard liquor like whisky or rum. But it is “alcohol.”
Myth : When your friends get together for a party and are drinking you have to drink to have a good time with them.
Fact : You can have a good time with your friends by doing things rather than than drinking.
Myth : My children know everything about drinking, so i don’t need to talk about it.
Fact : There is no harm in having a regular chat with them, just so they are aware at all times. It is difficult for them not to get carried away when they are with other friends who may indulge in drinking at times.
Myth : You can stop using drugs anytime.
Fact : It is not as easy as you think.Withdrawal symptoms, peer pressure and availability of drugs make it difficult, but being aware of the consequences and making an effort does help.
Myth : You get addicted to drugs only if you use them over a long period.
Fact : Drugs cause the brain to send the wrong signals to the body. It can cause the body and mind to become dependant on them to function. This can happen the first time the drug is used.
Myth :I can try drugs just once and then stop.
Fact : Almost all the drug addicts start by saying and thinking exactly this.
Myth : If I don’t do what my friends are doing, I will have no friends
Fact : Most of the addicts get their first drug from a friend or an associate. You have to learn to say “NO” to drugs and alcohol. Your friends will appreciate you having stuck to your principals.
Myth : Alcohol and drugs make me live a more creative life.
Fact : Drug use looses clarity of awareness and thinking and rationality in action. |
