Myths
"You can become addicted after using a drug one time" True or False
This is actually true!!
A person's childhood experience can lead to addictive behaviors as an adult.
True. There is a direct link between higher ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) scores among persons with SUD.
Addiction and Dependance are the same.
False. An addiction is defined with the compulsive and chronic use of substances despite negative consequences.
Dependance is a biopsychological state where the body requires a substance to function normally. Many drugs, including antidepressants have a dependance risk and withdrawal symptoms if discontinued abruptly.
Using labels like "addict" can contribute to stigma and discourage people from seeking help.
True. A person is not defined by a certain condition or disease. Person first language reduces the negative stigmas associated with many diseases.
Person with substance use disorder, a person who has bi-polar syndrome, etc.
"Addiction is a choice"
False!!!! Addiction is defined by that American Medical Association as brain disease since 1987
This can account for up to 40-60 % of a persons risk for addiction.
Genetics
Repeatedly using substances causes actual physical changes in the brain.
True, brain scans show significant changes in dopamine receptor activity when past users are show pictures of various substances.
Recovery means complete abstinence from all mind alter substances.
Recovery is the process of regaining health, strength, or a former better state after illness, injury, or difficulty, and the act of retrieving lost sense of self. It is an ongoing, personal journey involving improved physical, mental, and social well-being. Recovery definition is different for each person based on their goals.
All people who consume drugs or alcohol develop addictions.
This is false.
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking, substance use or behaviors (even gambling) despite severe harmful consequences.
Factors like peer drug use, drug availability, and community norms are part of a persons _________
Environment.
In fact, this is the second biggest factor contributing to a persons risk to develop a SUD.
"Harm reduction is enabling"
Harm reduction focuses on reducing negative consequences of drug use rather than requiring immediate abstinence.
With buprenorphine, a drug used to treat Opioid Use Disorder, persons who continue to use opioids while being prescribed BUP have a 40 % decreased chance of fatal overdose.
False. Most medical residents have little to no training in trauma and associated conditions.
"People who live in bad neighborhoods use drugs more"
False. Although there is a link between trauma associated with poverty that those who live in lower income areas and addiction.
Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can increase the risk of substance use.
Very true. Dual-Diagnoses programs have become the standard because both must be treated in order to increase chances of successful recovery.
Treatment doesn't work for everyone
The word treatment commonly refers to a 28 residential program where a person goes to withdrawal safely and participate in day long programming. There is not one sized fits all treatment, because each person has unique experiences that over time developed into substance use disorder. It is the combination of many treatments, including a persons continued participation that leads to successful recovery
The leading cause of death for 18-44 year old is drug overdose.
Cold turkey is the fastest and easiest way to overcome addiction.
This is false and actually really dangerous. Withdrawal from certain substances (alcohol and benzodiazapines) can be fatal.
A person can be cured of addiction, especially after going to treatment or "rehab."
False. Addiction does not have a cure. Just like other chronic diseases like cancer, it can go into remission with proper, continued treatment (self help, spiritual practices and medication management).
What is the biggest and most important predictors of long-term succesful recovery?
Social Support. These can be found in families, churches, self help programs, schools and volunteering.