Alcoholism and drug addiction have been around for a long time. In the absence of scientific research and understanding, people tried to make sense of it and came up with different theories or interpretations of what addiction was, how it worked, and what would be the cure.

Now we have made dramatic advances in brain science and research. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as “a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry.“

As a result, certain long-held beliefs about addiction come into question. In fact, a better understanding of addiction and its treatment is an essential part of the recovery process for the individual to find the most helpful treatments and tools, and to reduce the shame often associated with having this issue. It also dispels misconceptions in the community to help create a more supportive environment for people in recovery.

Myth #1: Addiction is a choice.

People may have chosen to use drugs or drink alcohol. It starts out as experimentation and/or recreation. However, as time goes on, occasional use becomes regular use, then becomes compulsive use. In that process, the person crosses an invisible line (which is different for everybody) into having the disease of addiction where there is no return, similar to the fact that people can reverse pre-diabetes but there is no cure for diabetes. Normally, people would not choose to have addiction because it is not a favorable condition. 

Myth #2: Addicts or alcoholics are weak. They lack will power. They can stop if they really want to. 

Many factors come into play in a person developing an addiction. A lot of those factors are outside of the person’s control, such as genetic predisposition and experiencing trauma. Moreover, repeated use of addictive substances or practice of addictive behaviors will change your brain in a way that makes it difficult for you to control your use or addictive behaviors in the future. If you have hypertension, you can’t use will power to control your blood pressure.

Myth #3: Addiction is a character flaw. Addicts are bad, crazy, or stupid.

Addiction is a chronic brain disease. It changes the brain and its functioning in critical ways. However, having an addiction does not define the whole person. They may have acted in ways that are not healthy or helpful. Because their brains are hijacked by addiction. But they can get well with support and help. They can still be kind, caring, intelligent, and hard-working individuals. It is said that addicts are not bad people who need to be good, but good people who need to get well.

Myth #4: Addicts and alcoholics need to hit “rock bottom” before they can recover.

There is no evidence that it’s true. In fact, “the earlier in the addiction process that you can intervene and get someone help, the more they have to live for. The more they have to get better for. “- Dr. Kathleen Brady, a professor at the Medical University of South Carolina. As addiction progresses, more problems pile up in work/school, family life, health, etc. which create more barriers for people to overcome in recovery.

Myth #5: Addiction is a hopeless condition.

Addiction is a chronic disease. Research shows that the relapse rate in addiction recovery is comparable to that in other chronic illnesses. The lifestyle change required in recovery is difficult to maintain, especially when people don’t have the tools and the support they need.

According to ASAM, “Clinical interventions can be quite effective in altering the course of addiction. Close monitoring of the behaviors of the individual and contingency management, sometimes including behavioral consequences for relapse behaviors, can contribute to positive clinical outcomes. Engagement in health promotion activities which promote personal responsibility and accountability, connection with others, and personal growth also contribute to recovery.“

Even though risk for relapse is always present, the disease can be effectively treated and put into remission, 

Myth #6: People have to want treatment in order for it to be effective.

People who are forced into treatment do recover. The court, an employer, or a loved one may force a person to enter addiction treatment. Many scientific studies have shown that the outcomes for those who are forced into treatment can be as good as the outcomes for those who sought treatment voluntarily.

What I have observed in my clinical practice is that many clients are confronted with the reality, learn important knowledge and skills, are surrounded by supportive people, and/or experience the benefits of sobriety through treatment. As a result, it turns their external motivation into internal motivation to help them change their attitude. Then they keep going even after treatment. 

Myth #7: Addiction is treated behaviorally, so it must be a behavioral problem.

Addiction is a chronic brain disease that leads to dysfunctions in different brain circuitry. These dysfunctions in turn lead to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations, which means there are changes biologically, socially, and spiritually, as well as in thoughts, behaviors, and emotional functioning. Several types of treatment, such as behavioral treatment, counseling, and medication-assisted treatment, are developed to treat the disease. 

Myth #8: People don’t need treatment.

They can just quit.Research shows that repeated use of addictive substances changes a person’s brain function. The brain is essentially hijacked by the drugs or alcohol that tells the person he or she needs the substances for survival. Granted, a very small percentage of people quit without treatment or 12 steps or another recovery program. However, most people do need support and help to establish and maintain long-term sobriety. Treatment can be especially helpful in early recovery when the person is most vulnerable.

Adapted from:

  1. Exploring Myths about Drug Abuse by Alan I. Leshner, Ph.D., Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health https://archives.drugabuse.gov/exploring-myths-about-drug-abuse
  2. https://www.asam.org/