Breaking Down The Myths And Misconceptions About Addiction And Recovery Lantana Recovery: Addiction Treatment Rehab Center

One of the most common misconceptions about substance abuse is that it is an active, conscious choice that can be stopped at any time. Some may describe it as choosing drugs over something else, and if they really cared, they would just stop. There is a notion that a person with an addiction wants to live that life and chooses it over everything else. And no one in a power or policy advocacy position in the U.S. seems to notice, or care about, the negative consequences of this approach.

Your healing and recovery matter to us and shouldn’t be deterred by shame or negative feelings due to addiction and recovery myths. I hope folks outside the EMDR community can see that EMDR therapy as a treatment for addiction is the present and the future. The more we take this trauma-focused lens into addiction treatment, the more we will have long-term sustainable recovery for individuals, families, and communities. Furthermore, addiction may also change the way the brain processes stress. This can make it difficult for individuals to quit using drugs or alcohol even when they want to.

People In Recovery Don’t Go To Places Where People Drink

I asked the group of 180 people whether any of them had ever taken a painkiller. Virtually every person in the audience raised their hand. In my recent presentations, I have begun by warning audiences that I will undercut all of their fundamental beliefs about addiction — but that if that prospect seemed alarming, they shouldn’t worry.

• Sandstone Care gave personalized care tailored to individual needs, creating a caring atmosphere for individuals to get the help they need.
• This is why relapse is common and many will need multiple attempts at recovery before it is successful.
• Tell us a little about you, your experience becoming an EMDR therapist, and what led you to work with people struggling with addiction and recovery.
• Many prescription drugs are commonly abused, including narcotic pain medications, ADHD medications, and anxiety drugs.
• Individuals who experience both mental health and addiction disorders can and do recover.

They provide a safe and non-judgmental space for open conversations. An anabranch is a portion of a river or stream that diverts—that is, branches off from—the main channel but then rejoins it again downstream. At Anabranch Recovery Center, we believe this is a useful way to think about treatment for a substance use disorder. The truth is that there is no way to identify an addict or alcoholic.

Shame and its Impact on Seeking Help and Discussing the Impact of Addiction

If we did that, we’d have to avoid most social interactions and life events for the rest of our lives. I still enjoy the occasional fun night out dancing at the club while sipping sparkling water. Each person in recovery gets to decide what events they attend, how long they stay, and what boundaries for their sobriety they have in place.

This lack of comprehension causes challenges for healthcare professionals trying to find the right treatment for those with addiction. By addressing the knowledge gaps, new prevention, intervention, and long-term recovery https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/13-common-myths-about-addiction-and-recovery/ strategies can be created. Some people believe that because alcohol is legal and many people drink, it’s not as dangerous as illegal drugs. However, alcohol is one of the most dangerous drugs available.

The myth: It’s only dangerous to be addicted to illegal drugs.

It’s essential to recognize that people with addiction are not inherently bad or deserve punishment; they are people struggling with a true illness that needs proper treatment and help. Additionally, prescription drugs can have damaging effects if used incorrectly or without expert advice. There are common misconceptions regarding addiction and recovery that must be addressed.