Myths About Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a complex and often misunderstood disorder. A person can abuse a variety of substances, such as prescription drugs, cocaine, alcohol or food. For many people, chronic abuse of substances can lead to addiction: characterized by craving the substance of choice, in spite of negative consequences.

Myth: You Can Quit Whenever You Want To

• People who don't have a problem with substance abuse believe that addicts don't exercise sufficient willpower. The truth is that chemical abuse affects the brain, so overcoming drug abuse becomes more than a matter of willpower. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people can choose to make the initial decision to use or abuse drugs, but this freedom of choice vanishes once drug abuse has caused changes in the function and structure of the brain.

Myth: Using a Substance Once Isn't Harmful

• Many people believe that using a substance once can't hurt them, but experimentation can be deadly. Club drugs such as ecstasy and LSD can be very dangerous, especially when mixed with alcohol, according to Addiction Science Research and Education Center. In addition, everyone's chemical make-up differs, so the way drugs affect people can vary dramatically from one individual to another. Some people can abuse substances for years and simply quit, while others can set off an intense craving from a single use. Substances sold on the street aren't always what they seem to be, so using unknown substances constitutes a significant risk

Myth: Marijuana Is Not Addicting

• According to Addiction Science Research and Education Center, about 10 percent of people who abuse marijuana can become addicted to it. The drug or substance doesn't cause the addiction; rather, the susceptibility of the person taking it can lead to problems.

Myth: Treatment Doesn't Work

• Addicts or people who abuse other substances are often judged harshly by people who don't have a problem with addiction. According to Addiction Science Research and Education Center, some people point out that alcoholics or addicts often "fall off the wagon." Observers may conclude that treatment doesn't work. Relapse often occurs in many types of illnesses, such as diabetes and hypertension, not just in substance abuse recovery. Relapse doesn't indicate failure. It's just a sign that the addict should re-start or adjust the treatment, or attempt different forms of treatment.