Common Stereotypes and Misconceptions That Surround Drug Addiction and Recovery

It is not really a very long period of time before someone becomes physically addicted to drugs. The drugs will change the way the brain works as well as the composition of their blood. The person then becomes dependent on the drug and will be obsessed with getting more. Because of this, it can be said that the first time drugs were used was a voluntary action. However, the addictive substances in the drugs take over making it close to impossible for the user to stop.

Another stereotype that surrounds drug addiction is that those who take drugs are terrible people. More often than not, the person who is addicted to drugs has an addictive personality making him predisposed to becoming addicted. It doesn't matter what the drug is. The effect on the brain is the same. As soon as addictive substances start to affect the brain, the person will have a physical and mental desire for more drugs. That need will take over and nothing else will matter. The addiction is not a terrible person's disease. Although addicts often show erratic behavior, those who are predisposed to addiction do not necessarily have disturbing characteristics. Drug addiction can happen to everyone.

Among the most common misconception related to drug addiction is that no treatment will work unless the addicted wants it to work. Most drug addicts will say that they do not want treatment and many people who are addicted to drugs will enter a drug rehabilitation facility because they are forced to by a court or their families. Actual studies around this show that the reason why a person enters a treatment facility really does not matter. If the program is thorough and is actually effective, there is no reason why a person who initially did not want treatment cannot successfully go through the program and recover.

One of the saddest myths us that people who are addicted to drugs are a waste of time and effort. Addiction is a disease and it is something that the addict will suffer from if there is no help and support available. No one should be considered a hopeless case. There are many addicts who move past their addiction and go on to lead very productive lives. Moving past an addiction can be something that is very difficult to go through. However, living with an addiction is surely much harder.