Make decisions about your health based on facts, not myths.
WCAP Counseling, a reputable provider of substance abuse counseling in Ohio, wants to shatter some of the most common myths surrounding substance abuse and recovery.
- Addicts are bad people.
Addicts aren’t “bad” people trying to be “good” – they are sick people trying to get well. They don’t belong to a particular culture or race or exist only in certain areas of the country. They come from people of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds who struggle with substance abuse. - If it’s prescribed by my doctor, it should be safe.
Some people think that you can’t get addicted to something a doctor prescribes. Many medications are perfectly safe when taken according to the prescribed dosage for a short period of time. However, prolonged use can be dangerous and often addictive. Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs, include Adderall, Vicodin, Demerol, Valium, Xanax, and more. - Alcohol causes alcoholism.
While alcohol is a component, it is not the single cause of alcoholism. There are several risk factors for alcoholism, including genetic predisposition and psychological factors. - Addicts can stop anytime they want to.
Quitting isn’t easy and most people who abuse substances can’t always stop on their own. Substance abuse leads to cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it hard to stop taking them. Drug dependence also comes with withdrawal symptoms that may be physical and psychological in nature, and sometimes even life-threatening. - Rehab and mental health therapy don’t work.
Some individuals relapse after going to rehab. However, this doesn’t mean that rehab and mental health therapy don’t work or that it shouldn’t be an option when fighting substance abuse.
Thoughts?
Did we successfully dispel any myths for you? Are there any other myths you’ve heard about substance abuse that need to be shattered? As a leading provider of counseling services in Reynoldsburg, Ohio want to hear from you.