The addiction world is full of helpful resources and information, compelling stories of individual recovery journeys, and countless recovery centers dedicated to the success of helping those struggling to find lasting sobriety. Among this beautiful world of helpers and healers trying to support and encourage others in their path to sobriety, myths and misconceptions persist and prevent some from getting the treatment help they need. Probing the truth behind these claims helps to bring greater understanding to the reality of addiction issues. Dispelling common myths about addiction can stop the cycle of hurtful misinformation that brings unnecessary pain to family, friends, and those suffering from addiction.
Myth #1: You have to hit rock bottom before you can get sober.
Buying into this belief is wrong not only because it is untrue, but it can also spell deadly as a person gets deeper into their addiction. According to research, people are equally successful in treatment when they are forced into it as they are when electing to go on their own accord. The sooner someone chooses to recover, the better since there are better resources to draw upon earlier on, like supportive family and motivating forces like a job to return to.
Myth #2: Going to treatment will fix the problem and cure the person of their addiction.
Recovery is a lifelong process as addiction is a chronic disease that requires ongoing management and doesn’t have a cure. Going to treatment marks the perfect first step in someone’s journey to recovery and wellness, but many often require multiple rounds of treatment to dedicate themselves to sober living fully.
Myth #3: Abstaining from drug and alcohol use is enough to be successful in recovery.
Going the extra step to understand yourself and deal with the underlying emotional patterns that began and perpetuated your addiction is key to having lasting success in recovery. Simply “not using” is not enough to fully recover body, mind, and spirit. Additionally, not continually prioritizing recovery in your life makes it easy for yourself to slip back into your old, toxic patterns of abuse.
Recovery comes from a place of honesty and truth, and myths about addiction have no place in the recovery space. Being informed about the reality of addiction recovery will help those struggling with addiction get well sooner. If you or a loved one is struggling to get or remain sober, call Avalon Malibu. Avalon Malibu is a California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse treatment center that can help you in addiction recovery and mental health struggles. Our supportive staff of professionals will create a treatment program tailored to all of your individual needs through our effective combination of clinical and holistic therapies. Contact us as soon as you are ready to begin your successful recovery journey at (844) 857-5992.
