Do you have a loved one struggling with substance abuse or addiction? Any addiction presents a complicated problem that requires professional treatment. Those experiencing it tend to have little understanding of how it works and how hard getting sober is, which makes misconceptions about addiction commonplace. Is that why so many people create a general stigma surrounding addicts?
Perhaps learning the truth behind these myths can improve the perception of dependence or even enhance general treatment approaches. In Balance Counseling services in Tucson focus on helping people conquer addiction and address underlying issues. Below, the team discusses four myths about addiction and how to break the cycle.
Myth #1: Someone Can Quit Their Addiction At Any Time
One of the most common misconceptions about addiction is that anyone can stop their addiction at any time. Even the strongest willpower cannot overcome addiction, particularly after the addiction has caused physical and psychological damage. Quitting on your own is almost impossible.
Instead, individualized attention from a substance abuse professional can prove invaluable in quitting an addiction. Counseling helps people address the underlying factors and gain the tools they need to get clean after extensive clinical treatments and integrative therapeutic approaches.
Myth #2: You Can’t Help People With Addictions
Many people believe that anyone addicted to drugs must be beyond help. However, all people with substance abuse disorders can get better, whether that’s through professional help and appropriate support from family members or other things that make a positive impact on someone with an addiction.
Encouraging self-care is a great practice to promote increased self-worth in someone with low self-esteem, depression, or other underlying factors contributing to an addiction. Professional drug counselors also provide resources for coping with addiction, supporting loved ones with addiction, and navigating rehabilitation.
Myth #3: Happy People Aren’t Addicts
Another common misconception about addiction is that upbeat, happy people can’t be addicts. While death, job loss, illness, and divorce are all risk factors for addiction, they’re only some of the factors behind substance abuse issues.
Even a person who leads a fulfilled life can develop an addiction! For example, a team like In Balance Counseling sees seemingly functional people struggle with factors such as:
- Past trauma
- Genetic predispositions
- Mental health concerns
Don’t let the smile fool you; people with successful careers and loving families can still be susceptible to addiction.
Myth #4: All Addiction Treatments Take the Same Tack
There’s a mindset that all addiction treatment involves the same thing. In reality, addiction is a nuanced condition, and so is the treatment each person needs.
Treating substance use disorders requires a thorough understanding of the mechanisms behind the particular addiction. For example, someone with an addiction stemming from childhood trauma would require quite specific therapeutic approaches and counseling to move beyond it.
The Truth About Addiction: Help Is Possible, and You Can Move Forward
Are you or someone you love struggling with addiction? In Balance Counseling provides addiction treatment in Tucson, AZ, including exercise to support addiction recovery. We’re striving to dispel misconceptions about addiction and help people lead their best lives, so contact 520-722-9631 to learn more!
