Addiction to pyschoactive substance use can be  misunderstood. This may explain why there is a lot of stigma against individuals who suffer from substance  addiction. This article aims to highlight common myths about drug addiction and debunk them.

MYTH 1: Addiction is the patient’s fault

Although it may seem so – after all, we think, the patient chose to drink or take substance  – addiction is not a choice. It is a disease that deserves attention just like any other disease. No one chooses to be addicted to substance use; people suffering from addiction have altered brain structure that predisposes them to compulsive behavior, leading to repetitive drug use.

MYTH 2: Successful people can’t suffer from addiction.

Anyone can suffer from addiction, irrespective of their race, religion, or economic status.

MYTH 3: Substance addiction should be punished

Addiction is a disease, and should be treated as such. Punishing drug addicts with jail time or community service for their use of psychoactive substance is an ineffective way to curb the rate of substance addiction in the society. They should rather be encouraged to seek medical help.

MYTH 4: Addiction can be cured by willpower and going to treatment.

Addiction can’t be fixed by a single visit to the psychiatrist, or by a decision to stop using that psychoactive substance. Addiction can be recurrent and require long periods of treatment and follow up until the the individual can abstain from drug use.

MYTH 5: Only alcohol and hard drugs can cause addiction

People can also be addicted to prescription medication such as sedatives, painkillers, etc. as well over the counter medications.

MYTH 6: It is impossible to get addicted to drugs on the first try

No one can predict whether or not they will get addicted. A first try can lead to subsequent consumption, which can result in a cycle of abuse and addiction. The wiser choice is to abstain.