Find out the 7 most common myths about drug addiction. It is a chronic disease, but can be treated. First, you need to understand it well. So, read on.

1. MYTHS ABOUT DRUG ADDICTION

2. What is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction, more widely termed as substance abuse, can lead to changes in the
structure and functioning of the brain. These changes can have a detrimental impact
on a person's self-control, leading the addict to make decisions that are not in their
best interest.
Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease. It has a high
tendency to relapse and cause a person to compulsively
seek drugs, despite going through severe consequences.

3. Myth 1: Drug Addiction is a Character
Flaw
No! Drug addiction cannot be narrowed down to a social problem. Drug addicts are not
people who are morally weak. Drug addiction is a brain disease and it can happen to
anyone.

4. Myth 2: Drug Addiction is Voluntary
A person may start out by trying a drug and then become an occasional user, with all
good intentions of never becoming a drug addict. However, drugs are chemicals that
impact the brain and cause changes that lead to cravings and irresistible dependencies.

5. Myth 3: Overcoming Drug Addiction is
all About Willpower
Overcoming drug addiction is not simply about having enough willpower, although this
helps to some extent. People who believe that one can stop abusing drugs merely with
willpower are underestimating the complexity of drug addiction. Drug addiction can be
treated successfully by good rehab centers through an array of treatments, which may
include medication, meditation, therapy, counselling, exercises, etc.

6. Myth 4: Treatment is Effective Only if the
Drug Addict Consents
Almost all drug addicts resent treatment. They are either forced by a loved one or a
court to seek professional help. There are rehab centers that have achieved success
even without the drug addict actually wanting or opting for treatment.

7. Myth 5: If Treatment Failed Once, It Will
Fail Again
Some people respond to treatment quickly and are able to quit drugs after the first
program at a rehab facility. However, most drug addicts require longer-term treatment.
So, repeated treatments do not indicate failure. You may need to take three tablets to
control your fever. This does not mean that the first two tablets were wasted or they
failed.

8. Myth 6: The Treatment Should Be
Standardized
Many people believe that a proven formula will work every time. This is far from the
truth. Every drug addict is unique – physically and emotionally – and has different
circumstances. Treatment plans need to be based on a thorough assessment of a
person’s condition, problems and environment.

9. Myth 7: There is No Hope for People
Who Take Drugs Being at a Rehab
Drug addiction is a chronic disorder and there is a high degree of relapse. This does not
indicate failure. Recovery may be a long process. Give people a second chance. If
needed, give them a third, fourth and fifth chance as well.

10. Act Now
Contact The River Source TODAY if you recognize that you or your loved one has a
substance abuse problem.
Visit our website at www.illinoisdrugrehab.net