Whether you even realize it or not, you hear and see a lot of things about drugs, particularly heroin, that aren’t true. TV and movies make smoking look like a cool thing to do, but it’s not. Because these myths about drugs are so common, you may not have all the vital information about drugs. For example, all drugs can affect your brain. Different ones can do different things, but each one will mess with the signals and wiring. It’s necessary to shatter the myths about drugs that are so easy to believe.
Drug addiction is a serious problem in the United States. It can ruin lives and families. At a heroin rehab center in Worcester Massachusetts, residents can get help for their addictions, and begin recovering.
Why It’s Important to Not Believe Myths about Drugs Like Heroin
The many misconceptions about substance abuse, addiction, addiction treatment, and recovery make getting help harder. The stigma attached to addiction sometimes prevents an individual from getting the help he or she needs. Through public awareness and education, people can eradicate drug myths and get help.
Myth: Drugs are always dangerous
Fact: Not all drugs are dangerous. Many prescription medications can be safely taken when used as directed. However, even “safe” prescription drugs can suddenly become dangerous when intentionally or accidentally used improperly.
Myth: It can be easy to find an addict in a crowd
Not every addict will fit the stereotypical picture you have in your head, or you see in the media. This stereotype is one of the myths about drugs that movies and television can perpetuate. Many addicts will look just like everyone else and have hobbies, families, and jobs.
Myth: Heroin addiction is only a problem for inner city minorities
The reality is quite different. In fact, heroin addiction can virtually affect anyone, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. In other words, there’s no “typical” heroin user.
Myth: Only hard drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, are addictive
While harder drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines, are dangerous and can come with plenty of risks, other drugs can be just as addictive. Drugs used in a more recreational manner, such as marijuana and alcohol, can be addictive as well. Drugs prescribed by a doctor, such as opioid painkillers, can also lead to addiction. To combat addiction to all drugs, many treatment centers offer men’s and women’s rehab programs in Massachusetts.
Myth: Heroin addiction is voluntary
An individual may start as an occasional drug user, and, yes, this is voluntary. As time passes, the person goes from being an optional user to a compulsive user. Over time, the continued use of addictive drugs like heroin changes brain chemistry. What ends up happening is the development of compulsive and uncontrollable drug use.
Myth : Heroin addicts are morally weak
People often think of addicts as morally weak people who deserve to be punished. However, heroin addiction is not a choice and addicts are not morally weak. They are people who are struggling with a disease that has taken over their lives. Each day, they are struggling with things that would be difficult for anyone to bear. They don’t deserve judgement. They deserve help.
Myth: You can’t get addicted to prescription drugs
Many people think that if a doctor prescribes a drug, it is safe. However, this is not the case. Many prescribed medications are potent and can lead to abuse and addiction. It’s easy to become addicted to opioids, sleep aids, stimulants, and barbiturates. You should only take these medications for a short time and follow the dosage. The U.S. is currently in the middle of an opioid epidemic, and drug overdose is one of the leading causes of injury death in the country. Prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when it comes to addiction.
Myth: All treatment programs are the same
Treatment programs and doctors vary. This thought is one of the more dangerous myths about drugs because it helps create an attitude of hopelessness. If a doctor or specific treatment plan isn’t working for you or a loved one, then there are different alternatives for the most effective approach. Many programs can combine various forms of treatment. Besides, program needs can vary based on the social environment and a person’s age. For example, substance abuse treatment for teenagers and young adults usually relies on family involvement. Some forms of treatment include:
- Group addiction counseling
- Psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Medications
- Alternative therapies like a yoga therapy program
Myth: Rehab doesn’t work
It is true that many addicts can relapse after going to rehab. Addiction is compelling, so it can take more than one method to fight. This occurrence doesn’t mean that rehab isn’t effective. Don’t try to fight addiction alone, reach out to a treatment center like Washburn House today.
Myth: Addicts can stop anytime they want
Quitting may not be as easy as it sounds. Quitting a habit, such as having dessert after dinner every day, can be easier, but with addiction, it is much more difficult. Addiction creates dependence where your body physically needs the drug to be able to function. Depending on the drug, the withdrawal process from dependency can even be dangerous.
Contact Washburn House Today
No matter what myths about drugs you or a loved one believe, there is help available at a quality rehab center.
Drug addiction, especially heroin addiction, is a serious problem, but it can be treated. There are many effective treatments available, including counseling and medication. With treatment, most people can overcome their addiction and lead healthy, productive lives.
Contact Washburn House for individualized drug and alcohol treatment. Call 855.298.3104 to get on the road to recovery today.