In 2023, it was estimated that more than 107,000 people in the U.S. died from a drug overdose. And misconceptions surrounding addiction have proven to contribute to the ongoing national opioid epidemic.
However, understanding the truths about addiction, treatment and recovery can help people with addiction disorders get the care they need and inform their loved ones about the best way to offer support.
Charles Westfall, LMFT, with Sharp McDonald Center, debunks five common substance use myths in an effort to slow rates of addiction disorders and related deaths.
MYTH: People with a substance use disorder (SUD) simply lack the willpower to stop using.
SUD is a chronic medical disease. There are physiological, behavioral and psychological impacts from use, all of which make it difficult to stop using.
“When a person develops SUD, their brain structure changes, as addiction affects memory and judgment making abilities,” says Westfall. “Addiction makes a person act as a reflex, rather than thinking rationally to make a decision.”
MYTH: If you have an SUD, quitting cold turkey is effective.
Sudden cessation is likely to cause serious health consequences. It can also lead to intense cravings of substance use, severe mood states and other dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Stopping substance use in the short-term can lead to a dangerous cycle of continued use.
MYTH: You can only get treated for a substance use disorder if you hit “rock bottom.”
Treatment and early invention can effectively lower the “bottom” for those affected by SUD. There is no reason for someone to suffer the numerous devastating consequences associated with addiction before they embark on the path of recovery.
“No one should have to recover from addiction alone,” says Westfall. “A variety of medical professionals, such as addictionologists, psychologists and nurses, can help, aiding patients to have a higher chance of staying on the path of recovery.”
MYTH: You can’t receive addiction treatment while taking care of your family and yourself, or going to work or school.
Treatment recommendations always prioritize safety first. Among the various offerings at Sharp McDonald Center, the partial hospitalization program supports patients with intensive services five days a week for six hours a day.
“Programs that offer flexibility can help a patient to gradually embed positive change in their life,” says Westfall.
Sharp McDonald Center also provides an intensive outpatient program available in the mornings and evenings that runs three days a week for three hours a day. This allows people to continue their personal lives, such as working or attending school. Engaging in treatment and maintaining sobriety can lay the foundation for a lifetime of achievement and responsibility.
MYTH: Relapse means you’ve failed.
The recovery process is expected to include challenges. The symptoms that make substance use disorders difficult for people to manage on their own can lead to an unintentional return to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
“Some individuals may relapse during their recovery journey, but that doesn’t mean they can never get better,” says Westfall. "It’s important to provide someone in the healing process with support and compassion."
Additionally, a structured treatment program with a full continuity of care is available to help patients, Westfall says. Programs use harm-reduction interventions, which intend to decrease the damage of substance use.
Learn more about addiction treatment services at Sharp McDonald Center.
