Myths About Addiction

1. An addict or alcoholic can stop using if they really want to.
Most alcoholics and addicts really do want to stop, at least some point in their using career. Those suffering from addiction are suffering from a physical, mental, and spiritual disease which cannot be overcome through willing the problem away.

2. Addicts and alcoholics are misfits and criminals.
Addicts and alcoholics are sick people who most times want to get well, not bad people who want to get good.

3. Alcoholics and addicts go to treatment and get cured.
Alcoholics and addicts suffer from a chronic disease meaning it is an ongoing and lifelong condition. Recovering addicts and alcoholics are granted a daily reprieve from their disease through the maintenance of sobriety.

4. Alcoholics can safely drink if they gain an education about the disease.
Alcoholics can never safely drink without reactivating the disease

5. When an alcoholic is drunk their true personality is revealed.
An alcoholic’s personality is distorted when they are using due to the changes the body and mind experience. Genuine personality features are only present in sobriety.

6. People become alcoholic due to psychological or emotional problems.
Alcoholics have the same problems as anyone else. Prolonged drinking effects the alcoholic’s ability to handle situations and problems effectively.

7. An alcoholic or addict has to want to get better before they can begin receiving treatment.
In many instances, the person suffering from addiction is forced to receive treatment because of some kind of intervention, legal or otherwise.