Myths about Drug Addiction Busted by the Best Rehab Centre in India

Drug Addiction or Substance Abuse has become a colossal problem in today’s time due to the ease of accessibility of substances, and pop culture. It has caused around 10,000 suicides in India in 2021 and the number continues to increase.

A lot of people suffering from addiction don’t receive adequate treatment which puts them and their loved ones at risk.

For people with drug use disorders, myths about addiction and recovery can be extremely damaging. In this blog, we bust the myths surrounding addiction and recovery to help you avoid being duped by what others may say about addiction.

Myth 1: Addiction is not a disease but a choice

It is commonly believed that addiction is a choice but this statement is far from true and extremely harmful to those who are living with the condition. In actuality, no one chooses to develop an addiction, just as no one chooses to be diagnosed with a life-altering illness like cancer.

An addiction diagnosis may result from several factors such as trauma, other mental health conditions, and even genetics.

Myth 2: Only willpower can help you in recovery

Willpower plays a pivotal role in long-term recovery but it’s not the first thing one should focus on while starting the de-addiction treatment. When a person becomes addicted to a certain substance, their brain undergoes many changes that impair their capacity to make wise decisions.

These alterations frequently block the brain's normal reward pathway, causing it to express pleasure when drugs or alcohol are ingested. This shortcut in the rewards process frequently demands effort and exertion before receiving an incentive, detracting from a person's natural self-control and positive instincts. As a result, they are unable to use their willpower or good judgment.

Myth 3: Only some types of people get addicted to alcohol and other substances

Various factors, such as heredity and mental health condition, can raise a person's chances of getting addicted, but this does not mean that someone cannot avoid the disease entirely.

In a nutshell, this condition does not make a distinction. No single personality type alone can develop a drug or alcohol addiction.

Myth 4: Individuals with addiction should be at their lowest and then only seek rehabilitation

If neglected, addiction is a serious illness that can be fatal. There is a multitude of ways we can assist individuals who are already struggling with addiction today before things turn fatal. Don't wait to seek treatment until "rock bottom" is reached. Waiting puts you and the people around you at risk; get help now.

Myth 5: Relapse indicates that you have failed

Relapse signified that you are experiencing one of the previous symptoms. This is quite normal; around 85% of individuals with addiction have experienced it in their journey to recovery. It could be an indication that your present treatment regime is not working efficiently.

During this phase, one should not get swallowed into the spiral of negative thoughts and feelings that come with relapse. Instead, work on creating a recovery plan where the de-addiction treatment plan specializes in relapse help.

Myth 6: There is a one-size-fits-all treatment available for addiction

Any addiction cannot be magically cured by anyone. Even though the same substance is abused, everyone reacts to rehabilitation very differently. Successful treatment must be adapted to the patient and their unique requirements.

Athena recognizes this need and has tailor-made programs for its patients making it the best rehabilitation center in Gurgaon for alcohol and substance addiction.

Myth 7: You are not an addict if you have a job

Another caricature that society reinforces is that of an addict as a filthy, uncared-for person without a career or life aspirations. Several addicts enjoy prosperous lives and carry on with daily activities.

Such high-functioning addicts are experts at hiding their addiction so that no one notices. This is particularly risky since it makes it much more challenging for friends and family to step in before it's too late.

Myth 8: If you are struggling with addiction, you should keep it a secret

Many people fear that their loved ones will criticize them for their addiction, that it will lower their status at work, or that their friends will ridicule them. But when it comes to your health and the kind of life you lead, all of this is insignificant.

Maintaining a secret requires a significant mental effort and is very taxing. Allowing your friends and family to observe changes in you without context is challenging on both ends. Informing them of the situation opens the door to helpful support.

People occasionally exhibit much greater empathy than you might imagine. It is crucial to look for support in whatever form. If you are not willing to open up to your loved ones, Athena offers a safe space at our mental health treatment facilities to talk to the best psychologist in Gurgaon and share your concerns.

Myth 9: If you do a drug once, you will become addicted.

The majority of individuals who use a drug just once do not develop an addiction. For instance, opioids are administered to hospital patients after surgery or childbirth; they do not cause addiction. Some people use drugs for recreational purposes without developing an addiction. However, it is also true that the danger of addiction increases with the frequency of use—even at that point, addiction may not happen.

Addicts may be seeking to numb uncomfortable feelings by numbing their bodily, emotional, spiritual, and mental anguish. It is therefore essential to treat the underlying and ongoing trauma, grief, and loss that fuel this pain.

Myth 10: Teenagers do not require treatment as they are too young

Teenagers and young adults are among the age groups who experiment with intoxicants most frequently. For some of these people, the experimentation turns into an addiction. Drug and alcohol addiction can affect people of any age, so getting assistance is just as vital for kids and teenagers as it is for those of other ages.

Next Steps

Athena Behavioural Health is the best de-addiction center in India. If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol addiction or substance abuse, we can help. With our state-of-the-art, mental health rehabilitation facilities we offer comprehensive, individualized, and highly effective care to all our patients. Contact us over WhatsApp at 9289086193 for more details.

As one of India's best mental rehabilitation centers, the empathetic and knowledgeable professionals at Athena have helped countless individuals overcome the problem of addiction and live their best lives. It might seem daunting to take the first step but we assure you it is the right one.

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