If you’re currently living with an addiction, you aren’t alone. However, it’s important to consider seeking treatment while battling addiction. Statistics gathered from 2010 to 2013 found that female deaths caused by heroin overdoses have unfortunately tripled. This is just a small portion of the realities of drug addiction. Another study from the American Society of Addiction Medicine found that drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental deaths taking place throughout the United States. Being addicted to something sometimes makes it hard for others to understand what you’re going through. Considering that, here is the truth behind four myths about addiction.
- Addiction Indicates Weakness
This is a hurtful and untrue myth about addiction. Being addicted isn’t about being weak or strong. People from all walks of life become addicted to something throughout their lives. Regardless of how weak or strong you feel, an addiction treatment program can help provide you with the strength you need. - Relapsing Reduces Chance of Overall Recovery
Another myth has to do with relapsing. A relapse occurs when someone who has used a particular drug stops using it for a certain period of time. After this, the person relapses and begins taking the drug again. You should never think of a relapse as something that indicates the end of your journey to recovery. Relapses happen and it’s completely possible to recover from this happening to you. Many people who have relapsed have gone on to successfully kick their respective habits. - Prescription Medications Can’t be Abused
Unfortunately, many who are living with addictions sometimes have to face certain truths. One of these truths is that prescription medications can absolutely become addictive. In addition, statistics gathered from 1999 to 2010 found that 48,000 females died of overdoses from prescription pain medication. The sad truth is that many of these medications can become addictive and the price of abusing these medicines can sometimes be costly. - Working People Have no Time for Addiction
This is another untrue myth about addiction. Anyone can face an addiction problem regardless of whether they have a job or not. In some cases, the stresses that come with a job can increase someone’s susceptibility to developing a drug addiction. That being said, others not working might have turned to addiction as a way to cope with boredom. It’s important to remember that anyone, regardless of their profession or lack thereof, can face an addiction problem.
To summarize, there are several myths about addiction that are simply untrue. If you’re currently addicted to something, it’s important to consider substance abuse treatment. Addiction treatment programs have helped many get back to living a normal life again. Many have found success by entering an addiction treatment program that focuses on developing and maintaining faith in a higher power.