Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug use. While each drug produces different physical effects, all abused substances share one thing in common: repeated use can alter the way the brain func-tions. But this has given rise to some common myths about drug abuse and addiction.

Drug abuse affects every aspect of your life. Overcoming it requires making major changes to the way you live, deal with problems, and relate to others. To open up to facing the challenge, you must find a realistic balance between your optimism and pessimism. Know the facts and don't let these 5 myths about drug abuse and addiction flaw your judgment.

5 MISLEADING MYTHS ABOUT DRUG ABUSE & ADDICTION

MYTH 1

Overcoming addiction is simply a matter of willpower.

You can stop using drugs if you really want to.

TRUTH 1

Prolonged exposure to drugs alters the brain in ways that result in powerful cravings.These brain changes make it extremely

difficult to quit by sheer force of will.

TAKEAWAY 1

You will certainly need to dig deep. But the smartest thing you can do

is seek professional help in your community.

MYTH 2

Addiction is a disease; there’s nothing you can do about it.

TRUTH 2

Most experts agree that addiction is a brain disease . But the brain changes associated with addiction can be treated and reversed

through therapy, medication, exercise, and other treatments.

TAKEAWAY 2

Scrap your pessimism here. Others have recovered from addiction

and so can you.

MYTH 3

Addicts have to hit rock bottom before they can get better.

TRUTH 3

Recovery can begin at any point in the addiction process—and the earlier, the better.

The longer the drug abuse continues, the stronger the addiction becomes and

the harder it is to treat.

TAKEAWAY 3

Don’t wait until the addict has lost it allto intervene. The more the damage,

the more the repair that will need to be done. Stand up and speak up for a loved one now.

MYTH 4

You can’t force someone into treatment; they have to want help.

TRUTH 4

Treatment doesn’t have to be voluntary to be successful. People who are pressured

into treatment by family or the legal system are just as likely to benefit as those who choose

to enter treatment on their own.

TAKEAWAY 4

As they sober up and their thinking clears, many formerly resistant addicts decide they want to change. Sometimes all an addict has

is you—so be of service.

MYTH 5

Treatment didn’t work before, so there’s no point trying again.

TRUTH 5

Recovery from drug addiction is a long process that often involves setbacks.

Relapse doesn’t mean that treatment has failed or that you’re a lost cause.

TAKEAWAY 5

Get back on track, either by going back to treatment or adjusting the treatment

approach.

YOU HAVE A CHOICE

The power to gain control over your lifelies within you. As for any other health

problem, seek a professional to help youwith the tools necessary for recovery.

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