The nature of drug addiction is frequently misunderstood in our society. Family and friends don’t know how to deal with an addict partially because of these misconceptions. The following are some of the biggest myths about this condition.

Myth #1: Drug Addiction Recovery is Impossible
Thousands of individuals attain addiction recovery every year at treatment centers. It may be a lifelong struggle for some people to avoid relapsing back into active drug abuse, but remaining drug-free is certainly possible. One of the keys to successful recovery is to carefully choose the best rehab center that meets an individual’s specific needs. Entering the wrong treatment program is one of the biggest reasons why addicts relapse.

Myth #2: Drug Addicts Choose to Be That Way
Many people mistakenly believe that addiction is simply due to laziness or lack of willpower. They have the idea that an addict should be able to quit anytime they want. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. While the individual may have voluntarily chosen to begin drug use in the first place, addiction quickly takes hold and it become an entirely different ballgame. Drug addiction changes the addict’s brain chemistry, making it nearly impossible to quit without an addiction treatment program. It’s also very dangerous to attempt to detox oneself without medical supervision.

Myth #3: Drug Addiction Is Not a Big Deal
Drug abuse has dramatic negative affects on the addict as well as those people who are close to him or her. It slowly takes over the individual’s entire life until all they care about is their drug addiction. Work, relationships, school, hobbies, family, and everything else that was once important becomes second to drug abuse. There are enormous mental and emotional affects, as well. The addict becomes depressed and unable to think rationally. Drug addiction causes all kinds of health conditions and often leads to death.