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Addiction Myths


Many people believe that those struggling with addiction are weak or lack discipline, that they use substances every day and have a vision of the junkie strung out in the alley or passed out at the bar.  These misconceptions can lead to conflict, increased stigma, and shame.

The truth is, addiction is a disease with both human behavior and biology at its source. This makes it a complicated disease to understand, identify, prevent and treat.  Additionally, because there is usually an underlying cause of the addiction, this makes it more complex and will involve a set of circumstances that are unique to each individual.

It’s not just illegal drugs, such as cocaine or heroin, that can lead to abuse and addiction. Prescription medications such as painkillers, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers can cause similar problems. In fact, next to marijuana, prescription painkillers are the most abused drugs in the U.S. and more people die from overdosing powerful opioid painkillers each day than from traffic accidents and gun deaths combined.







Common Addiction Myths

  • Myth: Addiction is a choice

The reality is, just like cirrhosis of the liver is caused from drinking too much alcohol, addiction becomes a brain disease, affecting the dopamine levels and neurological pathways, making it almost impossible to make a cognitive choice.

  • Myth: Addiction only happens to "Bad" people and bad families

The truth is, addiction can and does happen to people from all walks of life.  "Good" people, rich people, poor people, educated and uneducated.  White, black, young old, male, female, addiction does not care.

  • Myth: If they loved me enough, they would quit

Like other chronic illnesses, addiction cannot be “willed” away. Without structured help, most addicts don't even know where to start or how to take the first step in recovery.

  • Myth: You have to hit rock bottom before you can recover

This belief is dangerous because it encourages someone to keep going until they are near death or an overdose.  The earlier in the addiction a person starts recovery, the better their chances are for a continued recovery.