One of the biggest problems with drugs is not just their addictive nature, but the misinformation that people receive on a constant basis. One of the best things that one can do to avoid drug addiction is educate people on the dangers of drugs and addressing the myths surrounding them. Today we aim to reveal some of the more pervasive myths that surround drug use.
Myth #1 – Once detox is complete, everything goes back to normal
Even though detoxification provides someone struggling with addiction the best possible odds of avoiding relapse, it is important to remember that fighting addiction requires an active choice. The only person that has the option to make the required change to avoid relapsing is the former user himself/herself.
Myth #2 – Drugs are drugs, combining drugs is not dangerous
False indeed, in fact, many times death and overdose occur because someone combined two or more drugs. Combining alcohol with illegal drugs or mixing certain types of prescription drugs together could have lethal, unexpected, consequences.
Myth #3 – Cannabis has no harmful consequences
For as many myths as there are about cannabis, it is important to remember that chronic marijuana use has been associated with depression, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and anxiety. Just because something may not be physically addictive does not mean that it is not mentally addictive.
Myth #4 – All drug abusers are either poor or middle-aged men
The truth is that drug addiction does not discriminate. The numbers have shown that over the last few decades, the ratio between male and female drug users has become increasingly even. It is important that people realize that nothing they do makes them immune to addiction, save for not using drugs in the first place.
Myth #5 – Drugs do not impair driving
Even though the results may vary on the drug, drugs do negatively affect driving ability. Many drugs can blur your vision, affect judgment, affect your attention span, weaken muscles, or impair coordination.
Myth #6 – Addiction is acute and people can stop whenever
Again, sometimes people believe that they are impervious to the dangers of drug addiction. It is true that drugs that provide the “one-time-and-you-are-hooked-for-life” result are few and far between, but drug addiction remains a real threat. It affects all areas of life including relationships, work, as well as physical and mental health.
Myth #7 – Drugs and pregnancy are no problem
Fortunately, more and more people are aware of the harmful and dangerous role that drugs can play in a pregnancy. Most drugs, prescription drugs included, can break through the placenta barrier and enter a developing fetus. Even breastfeeding may be dangerous for the newborn if the mother is taking drugs.
Myth #8 – Legal drugs are always helpful, illegal drugs are dangerous
A drug’s legality does not make any difference if it is abused. Even those drugs regulated on a federal level can have harmful effects if they are abused or misused. Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem and the results should not be underestimated.
Myth #9 – You choose to be a drug addict
Not including those precious few that are forced to either take drugs or take them unaware of what they are consuming, it is true that the first use may be voluntary. However, over time the chemistry of the body and brain is altered in such a way that it has a compulsive need for the drug. One does not “choose” to be an addict as much as it is a side effect of drug abuse. That is why so many people may be determined not to use drugs anymore, but still require help from a rehabilitation facility.
Myth #10 – Addicts can’t recover
This is the typical lie fed to those struggling with addiction by the traditional 12-step program. It is true that some people do not recover from drug dependency, however with abstinence from drugs and a solid drug rehab program, a successful recovery is possible.
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