4 Myths About Drugs and Alcohol That Lead to Addiction

When hearing myths about drugs, you should first ask yourself where the source of information is coming from. Can you rely on your friends more than an expert in drug research? Is a celebrity more reliable than a treatment specialist? Should your thoughts be governed by cultural acceptance or science-based facts?

Understanding the truth about drugs can literally save your life. Furthermore, it can help you end an addiction before it begins, by spurring you to seek an accredited addiction treatment program that understands how to help. Below are some four common myths about drugs and alcohol that almost always lead to an addiction. 

1. Drugs Aren’t Addictive – People Have Addictive Personalities

While it is true that some people may carry addictive traits, it doesn’t negate the addictive properties in certain substances. Drugs have a profound psychological and physical effect on the brain. Nearly every product on the market today – both illicit and prescription – is designed to alter brain function. 

Drugs impact the production of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin or dopamine. An increase in dopamine produces euphoria, relaxation, or pleasure. If the substance continues to produce pleasure, the brain forms a dependency on the drug. This is why it becomes difficult to stop using the drug after prolonged use.

2. One Drink a Day Doesn’t Hurt

This myth about drugs is somewhat conditional. A drink a day may be harmless for some people who have a high level of self-control. However, habits are formed as a result of behavioral patterns. Meaning, if a person drinks every day for several months or years, the pattern they created becomes increasingly difficult to break.

For people who lack self-control, one drink a day becomes two drinks a day and so on. They slowly increase their intake. If a person’s intent is to relax or get drunk, then they have to drink more to feel the effects of alcohol. This leads to addiction, dependency, and a wide range of health problems.

3. Addiction to One Drug Doesn’t Necessarily Lead to an Addiction to Another Drug

Some myths about drugs do warrant some merit, such as a person who is addicted to a substance doesn’t necessarily get addicted to another substance. For instance, a person who is addicted to prescription medication may be able to snort cocaine once and walk away.

However, co-occurring addictions are common in the U.S. People who seek treatment for drugs often abuse alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or have an addiction to another substance. For some users, a single drug can be a gateway to experimentation and addiction to other drugs.

4. You Can Quit Anytime You Want

This may be one of the oldest myths about drugs. Again, this myth is somewhat true, depending on how you view it. People who decide to quit using drugs have the ability to do so. However, very few can do it alone. Even fewer sustain a self-recovery for very long. This is why professional care and support are crucial to recovery.

A person who enters an addiction treatment center is far more likely to recover from addiction than someone who attempts it on their own. Treatment centers offer science-based care, holistic treatment, individual and group therapy, and numerous resources for extended treatment after rehab. If they participate in everything available to them, they are far more likely to avoid a relapse.

Bust the Myths About Drugs at Right Step Hill Country

Do you need help with drug addiction and how to reduce misconceptions by learning myths about drugs? If so, then contact Right Step Hill Country. Addiction treatment programs at Right Step Hill Country include:

• Drug and alcohol detox
• Inpatient rehab programs
• Outpatient addiction treatment programs
• Rehab aftercare planning
• Dual diagnosis treatment programs

Our compassionate and experienced staff are ready to help you begin your recovery. Call us at 1.844.675.1628 to find out more about your treatment options.