5 MYTHS OF ADDICTION

MYTH 1:

Overcoming addiction is a simply a matter of willpower. You can stop using drugs if you really want to. Prolonged exposure to drugs alters the brain in ways that result in powerful cravings and a compulsion to use. These brain changes make it extremely difficult to quit by sheer force of will. It takes something supernatural to help empower people to overcome addictions. People need help from God and from people around them in order to get off drugs successfully.

MYTH 2:

Addiction is a disease; there’s nothing you can do about it. Most experts agree that addiction is a brain disease, but that doesn’t mean you’re a helpless victim. The brain changes associated with addiction can be treated and reversed through therapy, medication, exercise, and other recoverys. God can help people overcome any addiction and any disease. Jesus came to heal our diseases and people can overcome addiction by coming to Jesus Christ!

MYTH 3:

Addicts have to hit rock bottom before they can get better. Recovery can begin at any point in the addiction process—and the earlier, the better. The longer drug abuse continues, the stronger the addiction becomes and the harder it is to treat. Don’t wait to intervene until the addict has lost it all.

MYTH 4:

You can’t force someone into recovery; they have to want help. Recovery doesn’t have to be voluntary to be successful. People who are pressured into recovery by their family, employer, or the legal system are just as likely to benefit as those who choose to enter recovery on their own. As they sober up and their thinking clears, many formerly resistant addicts decide they want to change.

MYTH 5:

Recovery didn’t work before, so there’s no point trying again. Recovery from drug addiction is a long process that often involves setbacks. Relapse doesn’t mean that recovery has failed or that you’re a lost cause. Rather, it’s a signal to get back on track, either by going back to recovery or adjusting the recovery approach. There is always HOPE for people no matter how many times they may fail!

ADDICTION BASICS

Audio and video from addiction professionals

• Introduction to Addiction Basics (PDF)
• A New Way of Life (audio link | video link)
• Addicted to What (audio link | video link)
• InTOXICated (audio link | video link)
• Signs of Addiction (audio link | video link)
• The Question to Ask (audio link | video link)
• Who Is Addicted (audio link | video link)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Statistics, conversation starters, signs of abuse, and other important information

• About Adult and Teen Challenge (PDF)
• Addiction Statistics (PDF)
• Drug Lingo (PDF)
• Setting Appropriate Boundaries (PDF)
• Signs of Drug Abuse (PDF)
• Talking to a Loved One about Addiction (PDF)