The following guest post on myths about addiction is by Joey Holub. Joey was the first resident and graduate of Shadow Mountain Recovery. He’s earned a degree from the University of New Mexico and continues his on-going education and recovery, having experienced wilderness programs and long term extended care along the way.  Now over 8 years sober, Joey can relate first hand to the feelings of residents at Shadow Mountain Recovery, where he works as the Admissions Managing Director for the New Mexico facility.

5 Dangerous Myths About Addiction by Joey Holub

If your loved one is an addict or a recovering addict, you’re probably already familiar with all the self-help tips and addiction information you can possibly Google. Despite how many people suffer from addiction, it’s something we continue to explore and research. But as you sift through all there is to know, there are some myths that deserved to be debunked. Here is a collection of myths that can be damaging to the addicts in your life, and anybody with the potential of becoming an addict. Basically, everybody. So pay attention.

Myth #1: Addiction is in your genes

While genetics no doubt play a part in addiction, addiction research has yet to pin down a single gene or group of genes related to addiction. It’s generally agreed that about 50% of addiction is genetics. The other 50% is environmental factors.

This combination of genetics and environment makes navigating addiction in a loved one very difficult. However, it’s important to remember that genetics and environment play an equal part. Don’t stress genetics above everything else. Blaming genes for addiction only does two things: it lulls those who are not suffering from addiction into a false sense of security about their own infallibility, and it discourages current addicts from seeking treatment. (1)

Myth #2: Addiction is a choice

Addicts are capable of doing just about anything to get a fix. This no doubt causes family members and loved ones a great deal of pain as they interact with an addict, and even a recovering addict. That’s why it’s important to remember that once someone begins using drugs, it alters the way their brain functions, making it difficult to control urges and find pleasure in natural stimulants. (2)

This makes recovery for an addict more than just a matter of willpower. So try to be understanding of your loved one as he or she battles with addiction and addiction recovery. They are literally trying to rewire their brains.

Myth #3: Prescription Drugs are less dangerous than street drugs

This is absolutely and unequivocally not true. When abused, prescription drugs are just as dangerous as street drugs. In fact, in 2008, prescription drug overdoses killed more people than heroin and cocaine combined. (3) From 1990 to 2008, deaths due to drug overdoses tripled, with most of those deaths caused by prescription drug overdoses. (3)

However, few parents think to talk to their children about prescription drug abuse. According to a recent survey, one in four teens has abused or misused a prescription drug in his or her lifetime. (4) And yet, despite the danger and prevalence of prescription drug abuse in teens, one in six parents believes using prescription drugs is safer than using street drugs. (4)

This same survey showed that while one in eight teens admitted to having taken stimulants like Ritalin or Adderall when it was not prescribed to them, nearly one third of parents believe these stimulants can help their child academically, even if their child is not diagnosed with ADHD. (4)

If you have children, or if you know a loved one is abusing prescription drugs, talk to them about prescription drug abuse. Prescription drugs are just as dangerous as street drugs, and far more readily available.

Myth #4: Addiction is for life

While addiction can be chronic for some people, recent research is beginning to debunk the idea that addiction lasts for a lifetime. The National Institute of Alcohol and Alcoholism did a recent study which revealed that more than 70% of people who develop alcoholism have a single episode of alcoholism that lasts for 3-4 years. (5) The same survey showed that people who seek treatment are usually able to remain alcohol free, and many others are able to recover without formal treatment. (5)

This isn’t to deter addicts from seeking help. Definitely not. It merely means that an addict who is willing to do the work is likely to succeed. With the right help, and possibly prolonged treatment in sober living houses, it’s possible to overcome addiction and stay sober permanently. Telling an addict that he or she may deal with addiction for their whole lives may prevent them from ever seeking help. This myth can also lead non-addicts to look at recovering addicts as damaged goods. While there certainly are lasting side effects of drug use, a recovered addict is just as able to contribute to society as someone who has never dealt with addiction.

Myth #5: You have to hit rock bottom

If you wait for an addict to hit rock bottom, it may be too late. Rock bottom may also look different for different addicts. For some addicts it could be becoming homeless, but it could also be doing poorly at work or losing close personal relationships. (1)

Instead of waiting, approach your loved one about their addiction as soon as you notice it. While addicts should want their own recovery, numerous studies have shown that an addict can do well in recovery if they face “high pressure” to confront and overcome their addiction. (6) That high pressure can come from family and loved ones who offer their support and are firm in getting help for their loved one.

Don’t give up on your loved ones, and don’t let these myths discourage you from helping the addicts in your life or seeking help for your own addiction recovery. If there’s anything you should have learned as we debunked these myths, it’s that addiction recovery is possible and sustainable for everyone.

1. http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/13/health/jaffe-addiction-myths/
2.http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/where-science-meets-the-steps/201305/5-myths-about-addiction-undermine-recovery
3. http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/rxbrief/
4. https://www.drugfree.org/newsroom/pats-2012
5. http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-use-disorders
6.http://www.waysidehouse.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7B8749B141-0CA5-40A8-BF47-BB97F1E279B7%7D&DE=%7B9546BA50-47BF-4284-BD49-DBCFFEDBFA72%7D