Drug Addiction Myths

Drug addiction is one of the most misunderstood and criticized diseases in the world. The mere fact that drug addiction is, in fact, a disease is something that is contested by many. The spreading of drug addiction myths does great harm to women who are addicted, as well as to the people who love her, because these myths prevent her from getting the help and treatment she needs. Understanding the truth can be instrumental in helping you make the right decision about your treatment center and your recovery.

At Orchid Recovery Center, we provide treatment and assistance to women who are suffering from drug and alcohol addiction with a wide range of treatment options that we handpicked for the express purpose of meeting one or more of the needs that come up for women in recovery.

Drug Addiction Myth #1: Drug addiction is a choice.

Although the initial use of a drug is a voluntary choice, as time passes, people gradually become addicted through no fault of their own. Why is this? Because, when an addictive substance is used repeatedly, it changes how your brain operates and causes you to become dependent upon the drug, not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well as it changes the way your pleasure and reward system are triggered.

Drug Addiction Myth #2: Drug addiction only affects those who are weak willed.

Drug addiction doesn’t just affect those who have trouble with self-control; it can affect anyone who has tried drugs. This is because drugs fundamentally alter how the brain operates and begins this process with the first use. The effects of drug addiction on the brain are varied and affect things like memory function, basic motor skills and how a person views and perceives the world. Drug addiction also causes a person to focus solely on obtaining the drug and nothing else. If a person is dependent upon a drug, she will do anything to get it, including resorting to crime and even violence.

Drug Addiction Myth #3: Chronic relapsers in drug addiction are hopeless cases.

Even if someone relapses continuously they are not a failure. It is easy for anyone to fall back into the habits of drug abuse and addiction due to the fact that addiction is a medical disease and one that is chronic in nature. A number of things that can cause an addict to ‘slip’ or relapse, including sights, smells, people, emotional situations and anything else that brings back memories of the time when they were previously addicted or the reasons they began using in the first place. The time when a person is most prone to relapse is in the first weeks and months after they have left drug treatment. The process of recovery is a long and slow one, and it is not uncommon for people to try several times before they succeed.

Drug Addiction Myth #4: Drug Addicts can quit anytime they want.

Is a common myth that a drug addict can quit anytime they want. The truth of the matter is that once a person becomes addicted to drugs it is nearly impossible for them to quit of their own accord. This is especially true for teens and adolescents, because once they become addicted it is more than likely that they will remain addicted for the rest of their life.

Drug addiction treatment at Orchid Recovery Center

Orchid Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol rehab facility located in South Florida that provides treatment and resources for women who are suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. Because Orchid provides assistance only to women, we are uniquely qualified to handle the challenges that you face in today’s world. Contact us today about our woman-focused drug rehab in Palm Springs, Florida.

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