Drug use is often glamorized in movies and TV shows, tied to cultural norms, and accepted in many segments of society. As such, it is easy to see why people believe myths about drugs instead of finding out the facts. Peer pressure and clever marketing often influence a person’s views about drugs, thus leading them to fall into addiction, dependency, or drug overdose. When you need help for yourself or a loved one, reach out to a Houston, TX addiction treatment center, and take the first step to lasting recovery.
Contact Right Step Houston at 1.844.768.0169 for more information about our substance abuse treatment programs and how we can help you or a loved one break the cycle of addiction.
Exploring Myths About Drugs
Whether it’s prescription medication or illicit substances, many of us know very little about the drugs we ingest and instead base our ‘knowledge’ on many myths about drugs. Consequently, the death toll rises. Without help from substance abuse treatment centers in Houston and elsewhere, addiction can be impossible to overcome. Before you fall into the trap of drug use, make sure you know the facts.
Most myths about drugs only serve to make the stigma around addiction worse and prevent people from getting the help that they need to break addiction and regain control of their lives. A more compassionate response to addiction is what society needs to end the epidemic. Let’s explore some of the most common drug myths a little deeper.
It Will Never Happen to Me
This is perhaps the biggest cliché in drug addiction. Nearly every person who drinks or takes drugs for the first time does not expect to suffer from an addiction. Why is this? Because addiction slowly progresses over time. Furthermore, many people are not aware that they have a problem. At the very least, many users deny it.
As it stands, millions of people in America have a severe addiction to opioids, benzodiazepines, and other prescription medications. However, they somehow function and give the illusion that everything is ok. The bottom line is this: if you think you are immune to addiction, then think again. It can happen to anybody.
Drug Addiction Is Not a Disease
The public perception that drug addiction is not a disease is also one of the most common myths about drugs. The Center on Addiction defines drug addiction as a complex disease of the brain and the body. It is a compulsion that controls the thoughts and behaviors of the user. Evidence-based addiction therapies help to manage these negative thought and behavior patterns. Then, each individual can work on coping skills and strategies they need for recovery.
While the key factor in addiction is choice and you do have the ability to stop using drugs, addiction also takes on several characteristics of a disease such as terminal consequences, altering brain function, and creating physical dependence on a substance.
An Addict Can Stop Anytime
Addiction is a serious disease that over time, alters the chemistry of the brain and forms a physical dependence on the substance within the body. Quitting cold turkey is dangerous and potentially deadly. Some symptoms of drug withdrawal include:
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Seizures and related injuries
The safest way for someone to start their journey to recovery is at an addiction treatment center and rehab, where they can safely detox and begin treatment.
You Just ‘Know’ If Someone Is an Addict
Addiction comes with a certain stigma. People often envision the homeless ‘wino’ on the street who is begging for a few bucks. However, addiction can strike anyone from any background, gender, age, or ethnicity, such as:
- The soccer mom taking prescription meds for anxiety
- The high-performing athlete who excels at their sport
- The CEO in charge of a major corporation
- The valedictorian who is well-respected in their school
- The family that seems to have it all together
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse (NIAA), less than 10 percent of addicts fit that stereotype. The fact is, we rarely know who is struggling with addiction behind the scenes and primarily know many myths about drugs.
Get Help for Drug Addiction at Right Step Houston
Despite the myths about drugs, what is clear is that addiction can destroy your life. So, if you are addicted to drugs or alcohol, you can get help at The Right Step Houston. We offer complete care for addiction at our addiction treatment center in Houston, TX. Contact us at 1.844.768.0169 to get started with your treatment.