The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides information about many substances, treatment, and resources, including:
Myths and Facts:
MYTH: Willpower is all one needs to beat addiction.
TRUTH: Prolonged substance use alters the way the brain works. The brain sends signals of powerful and intense cravings, which are accompanied by a compulsion to use. These brain changes make it extremely difficult to quit, and often a treatment program is required.
MYTH: Those with an SUD must hit “rock bottom” before they can get help.
TRUTH: Recovery can begin at any time. Given the impacts on the brain and consequences of SUD, the earlier one can get treatment, the better. The longer an SUD continues, the harder it is to treat. Get help early, rather than holding out.
MYTH: Severe SUD is a disease; there’s nothing you can do about it.
TRUTH: Most experts agree that SUD is brain based, but it is possible to recover from an SUD. For most substances, the brain changes related to SUD can be treated and reversed through therapy, medication, exercise, and other treatments.
MYTH: Addiction is lifelong.
TRUTH: SUD is different in every person, where some can deal with it for years and others manage to respond to treatment quickly. The goal is that each person can achieve their own recovery from SUDs, allowing them to lead a healthy and productive life. Although an active addiction may resolve, the process of recovery is lifelong.
MYTH: People can’t force someone into treatment; if treatment is forced, it will fail.
TRUTH: Treatment doesn’t have to be voluntary to be successful. People who are pressured into treatment by their family, employer, or the legal system are just as likely to benefit as those who enter treatment voluntarily. People are often able to think more clearly as they recover, which can help foster change.
MYTH: Medications used for SUD are just a replacement for the drug itself.
TRUTH: Medications for SUD are designed to treat withdrawal symptoms and cravings and allow a person to recover without the use of the substance. These are medications, just like any other medication designed to treat chronic illness.
–From the National Library of Medicine, adapted from Indian Health Service. (n.d.). Myths about substance use disorders.