This post is the second entry in our series devoted to debunking some myths and correcting some misinformation about substance use disorders, treatment, and recovery. As we noted last time out, sometimes individuals are wholly convinced that something is true…even though it is not.
Many times, those misunderstandings are easily cleared up and no harm is done. But other times—like when people offer advice or opinions about recovery that are not grounded in reality—the result can be unfortunate. In fact, misinformation about substance use disorders and how they are overcome can delay or even prevent a person from seeking out the help they need to put drugs or alcohol behind them. The results of those delays can be truly catastrophic—and that is why it is so important to know the truth about such things.
Let’s look at three more examples of misinformation that you should not fall for.
Misinformation: Alcohol is not as problematic as other substances.
In the first entry in our series, we put to rest the idea that “safe” and “legal” are the same thing. A substance can certainly be legal while still being dangerous. This myth—the idea that alcohol is less problematic than other drugs—is, arguably, a variation on the wrongheaded idea that legality indicates safety.
That is to say, alcohol is a powerful drug in its own right—and a substance use disorder centered on alcohol can have terrible consequences. In fact, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that alcohol is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. Sounds pretty problematic to us.
Misinformation: You don’t have to seek out help until you hit ‘rock bottom.’
Many people seem to believe that there is a moment when a person struggling with drugs hits “rock bottom”—a situation in which things cannot get any worse. And some of those people believe you can put off seeking treatment until you actually arrive at rock bottom.
The problem is that a person in the grips of a substance use disorder is mighty likely to redefine rock bottom over and over again. They might decide that getting into a fight while under the influence of a substance represents rock bottom—until they actually get into a fight. Then they might decide that rock bottom actually means missing a day of work due to the impact of drugs or alcohol—and then they miss a day of work.
You can see how this could keep going and going, allowing the person in question to experience worsening impacts without leading to treatment. The truth is that the time to get help for a substance use disorder is always right now.
Misinformation: Treatment for a substance use disorder is ‘one and done.’
Going through treatment for a substance use disorder allows you to get drugs or alcohol out of your system safely, learn some strategies and gain some resources for leaving substances behind you, and become part of a recovery community that can offer mutual support.
Some people are convinced, however, that treatment is the kind of thing you only go through once—even if you experience a relapse. It is easy to see how someone might draw that conclusion. After all, the thinking might go, a relapse indicates that treatment failed, right?
Wrong. The recovery journey is challenging and can include many setbacks—including relapses. That does not mean that treatment failed you. In fact, the best thing you can do to respond to a relapse is to return to treatment. Doing so gives you the opportunity to start again. Failing to do so means you are unlikely to restart your recovery—and that is a terrible outcome.
More to Come
We will continue this series in an upcoming entry. Our goal continues to be setting the record straight when it comes to bad information that can lead to bad outcomes for you or anyone else who is fooled by it. The most important truth to keep in mind is that you can get help and take the first steps toward recovery.
Believe Us When We Say: We Can Help
Located in Mesa, Arizona, Canyon Vista Recovery Center is committed to providing personalized treatment for substance use disorders as well as co-occurring mental health disorders. We provide medically supervised detoxification so that you can safely withstand withdrawal in an environment free of temptations.
We follow detox with a robust rehabilitation program built around group and individual therapy. In rehab, you will have the opportunity to discuss the challenges you have faced, your hopes for the future, and your concerns about what might lie ahead.
The end of treatment does not mean the end of your relationship with Canyon Vista. We are dedicated to providing ongoing support so that you can start your recovery journey with confidence. And in the event of a relapse, we will be here to help you start again—without judgement.
Are you ready to take back your life? We are here to help.
