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7 common myths about drug addiction
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Did you know there are many misconceptions about addiction? These myths can also harm addicts in their recovery process. - photo by Amy Rothermel
There are many misconceptions about drug addiction today that affect addicts and how people in society perceive them.

Drug addicts depicted in the movies often follow certain stereotypical behaviors that can lead some real-life users to assume theyre not one. At the same time, these stereotypical notions can cause many to see drug addicts in a bad light.

But in the real world, drug addicts are everyday people -- somebodys husband, daughter, cousin or friend. Here are seven common myths about drug addiction to help spread awareness about what its like to live with addiction, and how to recover:

Myth 1: Drug addiction is a choice

Its true that people make the choice to use drugs, but addiction isnt a choice. Prolonged drug use can change your body function and even rewire your brain, making both systems feel like they depend on the drug to survive.

Once this happens, many addicts dont appear to have a choice. Thats the distinction between use, misuse, and addiction.

Myth 2: Drug addiction boils down to a character flaw

Drug addiction boils down to a brain disease. Different drugs affect the brain differently, but they can impact mood, memory processes, and even motor skills.

When drug use gets to this point, it cant be attributed to a character flaw. The changes made in the brain can affect all aspects of a persons behavior in ways they can no longer control.

Myth 3: If you dont want drug treatment, it wont work

Luckily, this is a myth, because the vast majority of people who seek drug treatment dont want it.

Most individuals who seek treatment do so because a loved one encouraged them to, or because of a court order. A lot of people were either forced or pressured to seek treatment, but still could benefit from the program and take significant strides to surmount their addiction.

Myth 4: Any person can stop using drugs without treatment

Some people are under the impression that overcoming drug addiction is all about willpower. But in reality, long-term abstinence can be very difficult for an addict to maintain on their own.

The changes in a persons brain function from drug use makes them crave the drugs even more. Many are convinced theyll die without the drug. After use of certain hard drugs, death is a possible withdrawal symptom.

The fact is most people need help to succeed in quitting for good. Seeking treatment in a safe environment is an excellent way to improve your chances of success.

Quote: When you can stop you dont want to, and when you want to stop, you cant -Luke Davies

Myth 5: Drug addicts cant recover until they hit rock bottom

Its a common misconception that a drug addict will have to reach an ultimate low point in their life before theyll be able to successfully recover.

It is true that some people will need to hit rock bottom before seeking treatment, but the term is subjective.

Rock bottom for one person might mean losing someone they care about the most, like a spouse. For another, it could mean losing possessions and becoming homeless. For some, rock bottom means death.

Addicts can start treatment at any time, and all have the potential to see positive results.

Myth 6: If youve tried and failed at recovery before, youll never succeed

Drug addiction is a chronic disorder. Particularly for doing hard drugs, former addicts can have sudden cravings years after quitting.

People relapse, but that doesnt mean theyve failed. Factors such as psychological stress, family issues, or your environment can be strong influencers to start using again.

Drug addicts are most vulnerable during the first few months after release from treatment. But its always possible to get back on the wagon and try again. Each relapse is a learning experience that can help an addict understand the places and behaviors that are worse for their health.

Myth 7: Theres only one way to recover from drug addiction

Treatment facilities often offer very structured addiction recovery programs, which have led some to think that there is only one way to succeed at recovery.

In reality, these structured programs are very personalized, using individual therapy, group therapy, medical treatment, sports and other positive activities to create treatment programs that work best for each individual.

The fact is there is no set way to recover. Each persons psychology and addiction is unique to them and needs personalized attention to overcome.

Be aware of the common misconceptions about addiction, and how they affect an addict and the people around them.
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Street musician killing it on clarinet

She must have lungs of iron! Its inspiring hearing the upper registers being played so well.

Posted by Clarinet Life on Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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