Victory Recovery Partners, a network of eight addiction-recovery centers on Long Island, New York, provides outpatient care to patients suffering from addiction and substance use disorders. We provide total care under one roof, consisting of behavioral health, psychiatric, wellness, and medication-assisted treatment services. While many people may have somewhat of an understanding of what addiction is, there are several misconceptions that must be addressed.
Myth 1: Addiction is a Lack of Willpower
An extremely common myth about addiction is that addiction stems from a lack of self-control. This is false – addiction actually changes how the brain works and operates. Specifically, areas of the brain that are involved in decision-making and motivation are impacted. It is an issue of biology, rather than an issue of not having enough willpower.
Myth 2: You Can Quit on Your Own
There are cases where people have quit and stopped their addictions on their own; however, this is very rare, and people suffering with addiction generally need a support system to help them. This can include support from friends and family, as well as support from an outpatient addiction-recovery center like Victory Recovery Partners. Withdrawal is tough – cravings and psychological triggers can increase the chances for a relapse. Most people need additional help, rather than just quitting on their own.
Myth 3: There is a Certain Group of People Affected
One of the most harmful stereotypes about addiction is that it only affects a specific group of people with specific lifestyle choices. This is very false. Addiction can affect anyone of any race, age, profession or educational level. At Victory, we have treated thousands of patients who all have their own unique and different backgrounds and stories. There are some traits that can put someone more at risk of developing an addiction, such as genetics or mental health issues. However, the important point to note here is that anybody can be affected – nobody is completely immune.
Myth 4: Relapse is a Failure
This is so far from the truth. A relapse does not mean you’ve failed. The road to recovery is not a straight line. There will be bumps along the way, with twists and turns. A relapse should be looked at as a sign of reflection to see if changes should be made to help you stay on track. Staying committed and keeping a positive attitude and outlook will help you to overcome the relapse and continue forward.
Myth 5: People with Addiction Will Always Be Addicted
This is another common myth. As we can proudly say, those suffering with addiction can fully recover. This is what makes our work at Victory so meaningful for us and the patients we serve. There are millions of people who have fully recovered from their addictions. A combination of having the right treatment plans, support systems, and attitude (staying motivated, determined, and positive), can help increase the chances of a full recovery.
There are many myths about addiction that people have believed for quite some time. Understanding the differences between the myths and the truth is key to being properly educated on addiction. By helping thousands of patients recover, we stand by our motto of No One Left Behind. For more information on Victory, visit our website.