3 Misconceptions About Chemical Dependency
Misconceptions about chemical dependency have made it more difficult for addicts to accept that they need help. They have also complicated how families view the addiction of a loved one. If you have a family member struggling with an addiction, it is important that you are able to separate fact from fiction. Here are some of the misconceptions about chemical dependency and the truth.
Drug Addicts Must Hit Rock Bottom Before Treatment
One of the most-believed misconceptions about chemical dependency is that an addict must hit rock bottom before he or she is ready and able to receive treatment. In actuality, there is no set starting point for fighting addiction.
Substance abuse programs are designed to handle addiction at every level. Even if your loved one has not experienced a "rock bottom" situation, such as being arrested for a drug-related activity or having a medical crisis, he or she can receive treatment from professionals.
Legal Drugs Are Not Addictive
Some drug addicts do not consider themselves to be such because they are abusing prescription medications. In reality, chemical dependency can also extend to prescription medications.
Prescription drug abuse can be just as dangerous as using street drugs. It can also have the same consequences, such as arrest and health-related problems. Even if a doctor is signing off on the drugs, the continued reliance on prescription medications can result in a drug addiction.
Drug Use Is a Lack of Willpower
Some drug addicts and their families believe that drug use is a lack of willpower. They believe that by simply resolving not to use drugs again, a person can overcome a chemical dependency.
Chemical dependency is not a matter of lack of willpower. It is a disease that can result from a number of factors. For instance, some people are more susceptible to becoming a drug addict due to a genetic history of drug abuse. Some people become addicted to prescription drugs after relying on pills to help overcome pain.
A drug addiction can develop over the course of years of use without the abuser realizing he or she has a chemical dependency problem. It is because of this that it is treated by medical professionals.
There are many other misconceptions about chemical dependency that can impact your loved one's willingness to get treatment. Consult with professionals at a drug treatment facility like Olalla Recovery Centers to find out the truth about dependency and what treatment options are available for handling an addiction.
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