MYTH
A common misconception of alcoholism or drug taking is that it is the quantity, when and how often you use the substance that equals an addiction, e.g. "I'm not an alcoholic because I don't need a drink in the morning", "I'm not an alcoholic because I only drink 2-3 glasses of wine a day" or "I'm not addicted to cocaine because I only use it socially every evening".
FACT
It is not the quantity of the substance, but the behaviour around it that indicates a possible addiction. Contrary to common beliefs, you do not have to be drinking large quantities or using 24/7 to be in need of professional help.
MYTH
Many people believe that detoxing is a cure for addiction.
FACT
Going through a medically supported detox is an important aspect of recovery, although it only works to remove the substance from your system. You then need a seamless admission to an alcohol and drug rehab programme so that the therapeutic treatment and long-term recovery can begin.
MYTH
The majority of addicts can stop by themselves if they want it enough, i.e. “I can stop by myself – I've done it before and could do it again if I really wanted to”.
FACT
“If you stopped drinking or using before, why did you start again?” The vast majority of people suffering with a drug and alcohol addiction require professional help to get them well and help start them on their journey of recovery. Indeed, it is generally accepted that less than 2% of drug addicts and alcoholics can get well without external professional support.
MYTH
“The best treatment centre for me is the one closest to home”.
FACT
The most successful treatment matches are made through consideration of appropriateness of treatment, duration and budget. Location should be your last consideration. Visiting is very limited in most clinics and it is often better to be well away from home, family, business or job, and particularly your dealer whilst in drug and alcohol treatment. The patient may think there are compelling reasons to be near home but this is about life-saving treatment and it is far more important that the treatment works and not that it is a 30 minute trip from home.
MYTH
“You have to want to go into a rehab clinic in order to get into recovery.”
FACT
Research has shown that those addicts or alcoholics who show low motivation do equally as well as those who claim to want to get well. Clearly, you have to agree to get in the car and go to the rehab clinic, but those who say they want to get better can sometimes say this often to just appease family and friends.
MYTH
“You have to reach ‘rock bottom’ before you should go into rehab.”
FACT
Everyone’s rock bottom is different and who can judge where that is? Certainly, the addict or alcoholic is not going to be able to judge. The truth is that for most people, NOW is the right time to go into rehab. The longer you leave it, the longer it will probably take and the harder it will be.
So it is clear to see that there are numerous myths surrounding addiction, but Steps2Rehab can provide you with the facts. For more information regarding aspects of seeking and engaging in a residential drug and alcohol rehab programme, please contact us on the phone numbers listed, or email us direct. We are here to provide you with our knowledge and expertise and to answer any questions or queries you may have.
