When you complete your initial program, it will be wise to avoid the people and situations that may cause you to crave alcohol or other substances. You might not want to accept a friend’s invitation to head out to a club, or you might skip going to a house party where you know drugs will be present. You may also find it’s beneficial to avoid certain friends or groups of people if they played a role in encouraging you to use. You will also spend time learning how to take care of your body and mind through healthy eating and exercise. Developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you heal from the effects of addiction, physically and emotionally. Substance abuse rewires the brain so that it sends similar messages to you about drugs and alcohol that it does food, water, connection with others, and other survival instincts.

• Unfortunately, prescription drugs can be incredibly harmful if a person takes them without a prescription.
• You will also encounter medical staff and counselors who are experienced in guiding patients through treatment and are committed to encouraging you through every step of the process.
• Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified health provider with questions regarding a medical condition.
• Around 247,000 people in the U.S. died from a prescription opioid overdose from 1999 to 2019.

Rehab gives patients access to a team of experienced medical professionals and therapists who can manage the multitude of complex issues that myths about addiction and recovery addiction patients often face. Unfortunately, prescription drugs can be incredibly harmful if a person takes them without a prescription.

Myth #5 – All Addiction Treatment Facilities Are the Same

While it’s true that you may encounter some people who don’t understand your decision, treatment provides you with an environment where you are surrounded by people who know what you’re going through. Besides the others in your program, many addiction programs rely on help and support from former patients who have turned their lives around and are now committed to giving back to their communities. As you progress in your recovery, you will find you can make choices and spend time with friends without constant fear of relapse. Part of this comes from making the most of your treatment program, learning to identify your triggers and developing strong coping strategies for saying “no” when you face temptation. You might also join a rehab alumni community to enjoy sobriety-friendly events and create new friend circles with others who understand and support your recovery journey. During withdrawal, you will likely experience some intense physical symptoms that may cause you pain or discomfort.

Since doctors prescribe prescription drugs, they certainly can’t be that addictive, right? Prescription drugs like ADHD medication or narcotic pain medication can be and are abused if not taken under a doctor’s supervision. For example, a report from the National Institute on Drug Abusereported that an estimated 18 million people in the U.S. misused prescription medications in the past year. However, it’s important to know that addiction treatment will not “fix” an addict. The psychological aspects hold the key to recovery, and treating the mind is not as straightforward as treating the body.

Myth About Addiction: Changing your life through education, relocation, or a new job can fix addiction

You will also encounter medical staff and counselors who are experienced in guiding patients through treatment and are committed to encouraging you through every step of the process. Studies show that people who volunteer for treatment and those who were pressured into it still experience the same success rates. If a loved one isn’t ready to begin treatment, at least they are aware of the option to get better, so don’t wait to express your concerns. The information on this website is not intended to be a substitute for, or to be relied upon as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified health provider with questions regarding a medical condition. Addiction in America 40 million people in America struggle with addiction and it’s the third largest cause of death, but many don’t get the help they need. They can feed a cycle of shame, resent, and negativity.

It’s a force that can take control of anyone regardless of their life circumstances. Once it takes hold, addiction can cause a person to change. They may become unavailable to family and friends, steal for money or drugs, or make bad choices they wouldn’t have otherwise made. But, the fact is that they aren’t addicts because they lack moral fiber https://ecosoberhouse.com/ or because they are weak or bad people. They make bad choices in life because they are addicted. Once you’re in active addiction, “just stopping” drugs or alcohol without treatment and drastic lifestyle changes is extremely difficult. Sometimes the addict/alcoholic goes through several rehab centers until he or she finds lasting recovery.