The Truth about Various Drug Addiction Myths

As much information is available about drugs and other addictions, there exist a handful of myths and misconceptions about drug addiction. When trying to seek treatment from addiction for yourself or your love one, it is very important to be able to accurately separate fact from fiction. In the dangerous and highly complicated world of addiction, taking wrong decisions due to misinformation can put your life at risk.  In an effort to help people understand what drug addiction really is, here are some of the most common myths that people perceive about drugs:

Drug Addiction is voluntary in nature

While it is true that the first time you drink or take the substance is somewhat a personal decision, it is still important to highlight the addictive effects of these substances. Drugs alter the mind which in turn makes a person addicted to it. While no one likes to become an addict, a lot of those “first-timers” are not aware that they are slowly being controlled by those substances.

Only weak people are prone to drug addiction

The fact that athletes, lawyers, doctors and other professionals have been a victim of drugs clearly emphasizes the extent of what prohibited drugs can do. Regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, physical built and fitness, drugs will always be a threat to any individual.

Prescribed medications are good drugs that cannot cause addiction

It does not matter if a prescribed medicine is helpful to humans; the fact is that all drugs can be abused. It is important to follow what is prescribed by the doctor in order to avoid any instances of drug abuse which could ultimate lead to harmful effects.

A person who is addicted to drugs should seek help on their own

While it is very much possible for an addict to seek their own rehabilitation, it is still highly advisable for love ones and close relatives to be the one to take the initiative. There is a need for intervention in order to lessen the extent of damage that drugs have inflicted to the person’s physical and mental well-being. If you know someone who suffers from drug addiction, it is best to bring him/her immediately to a drug rehab center.

Rehab can be completed within week’s time

The duration of a drug rehab program may vary from person to person. Depending on the type of drug that he/she has been taking and the length of usage, a drug rehab program can normally last for months or even years. Shortening the duration of the rehab will only make the program ineffective.

Completion of a rehab program means the end of it all

It is very important to know that an aftercare program is necessary for every successful drug rehab program. When the patient exits the rehab center and begins to blend in with the real world, an aftercare program should be instilled in order to provide guidance and continued treatment. The presence of family members, relatives and close friends is very vital in guiding the patient every step of the way.