Drugs, and therefore drug addictions have been around a long time. Although scientific knowledge and treatment options may change, the facts about drug addiction do not. There are myths and untruths a plenty about drug addicts and drug addictions. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Drug addiction is a choice.
This is wrong. The decision to take that first hit of a drug was a choice, but becoming addicted to a drug is not something anyone chooses to do. Most addicts just do not equate that the first time they try it may be the beginning of an addiction. Is drug addiction a choice?
The drug addict must decide he/she wants treatment.
This is totally outdated. It is now known that intervention can and does help addicts seek treatment.
An addict only has to go through rehab once.
It would be wonderful if that were true, but it is not. Sometimes it can take 2 or 3 (or more) times in rehab to be successful. Relapses do happen, especially in the case of cocaine and meth addiction.
One form of treatment should help everyone.
No two people are the same. No two addictions are the same. Therefore, the “one size fits all” theory is impossible. All treatments should be geared toward the individual.
There are myths and untruths a plenty about drug addicts and drug addictions.
Rehab is a waste of time.
There are an awful lot of drug free, recovering addicts in the world who would disagree. It is possible to overcome an addiction and many have already done just that.
All rehab centers are the same.
Rehabilitation centers can vary widely in their mission and method of treatment. If you did not have success in one center, you may have success in another. A treatment center which takes a holistic approach usually works the best. A holistic approach is one that treats the person physically, mentally and spiritually.
Drug abuse treatment only takes a couple of weeks.
Successful stays in residential drug rehabs can take from 21-90 days depending on whether it is inpatient or outpatient. Some patients may even need more time.
If someone relapses after rehab, there is no hope for them.
There are many people who are now drug free that have been through rehab 2 or more times. The key is; never give up.
Someone has to hit “rock bottom” before treatment will work.
While that may be true in some extreme cases, some who have intervention early enough never have to it rock bottom.
People cannot be forced into drug treatment.
The justice system has the authority to send anyone to drug rehabilitation and they often do.
