Alcohol and drug(s) is a significant element of any celebratory event, and their popularity or peer pressure has increased their acceptability in social settings. Consequently, thousands of people are addicted to alcohol and various stimulants and hallucinogenic drugs. They may seem to be cool and offer an escape route.
There are many different types of addiction. However, anything you crave and cannot stop indulging yourself in and satisfying that craving is considered an addiction. Addictive substances are cocaine, alcohol, methamphetamine, nicotine, marijuana, or heroin. However, common hallucinogenic, dissociative drugs and cannabis are not the only kind of addictive substances. Opioids and sedatives are also addictive.
Addiction causes loads of health problems beginning with mental impairment. Your mind cannot discern right from wrong and become increasingly inclined toward negativity in your life. Addicts exhibit antisocial behavior and suffer from anxiety and depression. Addicts are at risk because they cannot function properly without having a fresh dose.
Infographic Provided By addiction treatment center in Arizona, Fountain Hills Recovery
Addiction Treatment
Addiction is a disease. It is a neuropsychological disorder in which the brain craves a drug or substance with possible harmful effects on the body. The addiction phenomenon involves three essential experiences. The first one is the reward impulse. When someone abuses a substance, it gives them a ‘high.’ The person immediately feels relaxed and considers himself rewarded. The second factor is motivation. Motivation is triggered by memory. It means that it reminds the brain of previous experiences, which is the third component- memory.
Addiction is difficult to overcome. Many organizations and programs like Serenity at Summit Rehab can help you in your journey to be sober. These organizations start necessary treatment and then proceed with counseling and stress management. These facilities offer inpatient rehabilitation programs as well.
Myths related to Alcohol and Drug Addiction:
There are lots of myths associated with addiction. Some of them are genuinely absurd. These are created by the general public and sometimes by druglords and manufacturers. The illegal companies manufacturing drugs try to create an environment where addiction is presented as a norm. They make it seem like addiction is normal and cool. Following are some of the myths surrounding alcohol and drug abuse:
Myth #1: Alcohol is not dangerous:
Alcohol is a dangerous substance. A Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) of 0.10-0.12% can cause physical and mental damage and impair your decision-making ability. A small amount of alcohol is enough to cause a mental disturbance. Your ability to make judgments is reduced after having a single glass of wine or beer.https://www.pinelandsrecovery.com/all-about-blood-alcohol-levels/
Myth #2: It is safe to drive after having a dose:
When the brain gets stimulation from the addictive substance, many of its normal functions start to decline. Balance is one of the functions you begin to lose when you get high. Hallucinations set in, making it difficult to differentiate between reality and utopia. It is not safe at all to drive when high. Studies show that the use of cannabis can increase the risk of car accidents by 300%.
Myth #3: Alcohol use can ameliorate sleep patterns:
Alcohol causes drowsiness, but it does not mean you get better sleep. Acute alcoholic intoxication may lead to sleep eventually, but you experience a night of disturbed sleep. Additionally, the duration of deep-sleep decreases with alcohol abuse.
Myth #4: All addicts are the same:
People might think that all addicts look the same. Their clothes are ragged, they are homeless, or they live in shelters and slums. Generally, this is not the case at all times. Addicts are like regular people. They have jobs and families like us. The only difference is that they cannot overcome their urges. A person may seem ordinary, yet can be an alcohol addict. The stereotypical image of an addict does not fit all addicts.
Myth #5: Only cocaine and heroin are addictive:
Cocaine or heroin may be powerful addictive substances, but others like marijuana and nicotine are also addictive. They are not as harmful as cocaine or meth, but anything you can’t stop using is addiction. They also cause hundreds of health problems and compromise your ability to reason. Sometimes people become addicted to prescription drugs like Adderall and hydrocodone. These drugs have harmful effects on the body, too.
Myth #6: There is no use for rehabilitation:
The probability that an individual may have a relapse is high, and the addict may start to use even more powerful addictive substances. This possibility does not mean that rehabilitation is not the solution. Addiction is not a common cold, so its treatment is more complex than antibiotics. It takes more than one course to treat this disease. Rehabilitation support groups help bring the person back whenever he starts to lose hope. Willpower is not the only thing needed to quit. Support groups, rewards after different achievements, and support from friends and family are also necessary.
Myth #7: Methamphetamine is safe:
Methamphetamine/ice is an illegal chemical. Its manufacture and handling are banned. Therefore, the labs are ‘underground’ and grubby. It means that they are hidden and are suboptimal. No safety procedures are followed during its production. Crystal meth causes many problems like heart, lung, kidney disorders, stroke, psychosis, and paranoia.
Myth #8: Vaping is non-addictive:
Like other nicotine-containing substances, vaping also causes addiction. Vaping is becoming more and more common these days. Young adults are more likely to be its victims. It can change a person’s behavior and judgment and increase the urge for powerful substances.
Myth #9: High tolerance can prevent addiction:
High tolerance for any substance means individuals need an increased amount of that substance to stimulate the desired effect. This incremental need leads to increased levels of that substance in the blood and increased metabolism. It increases the production of harmful elements that damage the body subsequently.
Conclusion:
A large number of myths surround alcohol and drug abuse. False information creates a popular viewpoint that persuades people to make choices that may be detrimental to their health. This possibility makes it imperative to debunk myths about substance abuse. We have tried to bust all the myths one by one to help you understand the basics of addiction and rehabilitation.
It may not be easy to overcome addiction, but it requires strong willpower, treatment, counseling, and support. Many institutes provide rehabilitation facilities. It is good to consult someone when you feel you have become dependent on a substance. If your loved one is using a substance, it is essential to help them get out of the pit.
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