Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug use. Repeated drug abuse can drastically alter the way the brain functions. But don't fool yourself into believing these 5 misleading myths about drug abuse and addiction.

1. Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug use.
While each drug produces different physical effects, all abused substances
share one thing in common: repeated use can alter the way the brain func-
tions. But this has given rise to some common myths about drug abuse and
addiction.
Drug abuse affects every aspect of your life. Overcoming it requires making
major changes to the way you live, deal with problems, and relate to others.
To open up to facing the challenge, you must find a realistic balance between
your optimism and pessimism. Know the facts and don't let these 5 myths
about drug abuse and addiction flaw your judgment.
5 MISLEADING MYTHS ABOUT
DRUG ABUSE & ADDICTION

2. MYTH 1
Overcoming addiction is
simply a matter of willpower.
You can stop using drugs if you really want to.

3. TRUTH 1
Prolonged exposure to drugs alters the brain
in ways that result in powerful cravings.
These brain changes make it extremely
difficult to quit by sheer force of will.

4. TAKEAWAY 1
You will certainly need to dig deep.
But the smartest thing you can do
is seek professional help in your community.

5. MYTH 2
Addiction is a disease;
there’s nothing you can do about it.

6. TRUTH 2
Most experts agree that addiction is a brain
disease . But the brain changes associated
with addiction can be treated and reversed
through therapy, medication, exercise,
and other treatments.

7. TAKEAWAY 2
Scrap your pessimism here.
Others have recovered from addiction
and so can you.

8. MYTH 3
Addicts have to hit rock bottom
before they can get better.

9. TRUTH 3
Recovery can begin at any point in the
addiction process—and the earlier, the better.
The longer the drug abuse continues,
the stronger the addiction becomes and
the harder it is to treat.

10. TAKEAWAY 3
Don’t wait until the addict has lost it all
to intervene.The more the damage,
the more the repair that will need to be done.
Stand up and speak up for a loved one now.

11. MYTH 4
You can’t force someone into treatment;
they have to want help.

12. TRUTH 4
Treatment doesn’t have to be voluntary
to be successful. People who are pressured
into treatment by family or the legal system
are just as likely to benefit as those who choose
to enter treatment on their own.

13. TAKEAWAY 4
As they sober up and their thinking clears,
many formerly resistant addicts decide they
want to change. Sometimes all an addict has
is you—so be of service.

14. MYTH 5
Treatment didn’t work before,
so there’s no point trying again.

15. TRUTH 5
Recovery from drug addiction is
a long process that often involves setbacks.
Relapse doesn’t mean that treatment
has failed or that you’re a lost cause.

16. TAKEAWAY 5
Get back on track, either by going back
to treatment or adjusting the treatment
approach.

17. YOU HAVE A CHOICE
The power to gain control over your life
lies within you. As for any other health
problem, seek a professional to help you
with the tools necessary for recovery.
http://lifecoachleanna.com