‍It is estimated that 10% of US adults suffer from addiction at some point or another. When it comes to addiction, preconceived ideas and negative stereotypes are common. Unfortunately, these myths can prevent people from getting the help they need. Addiction is a condition that has been misunderstood for many years. Many people associate it with weakness of character or a failure of moral standards, leading those who need help to be afraid to admit they have a problem. This fear and lack of understanding leads many to believe false things about addictions and the people who have them. Here are 8 common myths about addiction and why they’re all false.

People with addictions can just quit if they want to.

Many people mistakenly believe that if someone has an addiction, they can just quit if they want to. This is far from the truth. Addiction is a chronic disease that affects the brain. Just like someone who has diabetes or high blood pressure, someone with an addiction has an underlying condition that needs treatment. Addiction is considered a “primary” medical condition just like diabetes, hypertension, or asthma. Research has shown that addiction has a physical component in the brain that makes it just as real and serious as any other medical condition. The person struggling with addiction must want to quit and recognize they have a problem in order to get help and recover. Unfortunately, many people with addictions don’t realize the severity of the disease. They think they can stop whenever they want or that their addiction doesn’t have to be treated like a disease.

Addicts are bad people who make bad choices.

Addiction is a chronic medical condition that is treated with therapy, medical intervention, and support. It is a disease that changes the way the brain works and causes a person to make poor choices. People with addictions need treatment and support to heal, not judgment and criticism. People who have addictions are often judged more harshly than others who are dealing with some sort of challenging situation. An addict is someone who is struggling with a disease, not someone who is a bad person. They are someone who needs help and compassion. People who have addictions often feel shame and guilt about the way their disease affects their lives and relationships. Unfortunately, many also experience judgment and criticism that only makes them feel worse. Instead of judgment and criticism, people who have addictions need understanding, compassion, and support. They need people to help them find the treatment and assistance they need in order to heal.

Addiction is a choice.

Many people mistakenly believe that addiction is a choice. This is far from the truth. Addiction is a chronic disease that changes the way the brain works and causes compulsive behaviors. People who have addictions don’t choose to have the disease any more than someone chooses to have diabetes or high blood pressure. The difference is that while those other diseases are treated with medication, addiction is treated with therapy, medical intervention, and support. People who have addictions need help to treat their disease, not judgment and criticism. People who have addictions often feel shame, guilt, and regret over the choices they make while using. They know they are hurting themselves and those around them, but they feel powerless to stop. Instead of judgment and criticism, people who have addictions need treatment and assistance in order to heal. People who have addictions are not bad people who make bad choices, they are people who need help to overcome their disease.

12-step programs are the only way to recover from addiction.

Many people mistakenly believe that 12-step programs are the only way to recover from addiction. In fact, there are many different types of addiction treatment programs. Some are 12-step programs and others are not. People who have addictions need treatment that works for them, not one-size-fits-all treatment. A program that is right for one person may not be right for another. People who have addictions need treatment that addresses their medical condition. Research has shown that addiction is a primary medical condition that should be treated as such. People who have addictions need therapy and medical intervention, not judgment and criticism.

You can’t be in recovery and have a job or relationship at the same time.

Many people mistakenly believe that people in recovery are too fragile to hold down a job or maintain a relationship. In fact, people in recovery can do all of these things and more. People who have addictions are often sensitive and gentle people who just want to do the best they can with what they have. They deserve love and support in return. People in recovery deserve the same chance at success as anyone else. They can hold down a job and have meaningful relationships with friends, family members, and romantic partners. People in recovery deserve to be loved and supported, not judged and criticized for their past or current challenges.

Rehab is going to help your loved one recover from addiction.

Many people mistakenly believe that rehab is the end all and be all of addiction treatment. In fact, there are many different types of addiction treatment programs. Some are residential and others are outpatient. People who have addictions need treatment that works for them, not one-size-fits-all treatment. A program that is right for one person may not be right for another. People who have addictions need treatment that addresses their medical condition. Research has shown that addiction is a primary medical condition that should be treated as such. People who have addictions need therapy and medical intervention, not judgment and criticism. People who have addictions need help to treat their disease, not a place to go for 30, 60, or 90 days. People who have addictions should get treatment as long as it takes for them to recover. Some may need a few months of treatment, while others may need months or years of treatment. Many people who graduate from rehab need to continue to receive aftercare support at a sober living home afterwards, since these facilities decrease the likelihood that a person will relapse after finishing rehab.

Every addict needs to hit rock bottom before they can get better.

Many people mistakenly believe that an addict must hit “rock bottom” before they can recover. People who have addictions are often sensitive and gentle people who just want to do the best they can with what they have. They deserve love and support in return. People in recovery deserve the same chance at success as anyone else. They can hold down a job and have meaningful relationships with friends, family members, and romantic partners. People in recovery deserve to be loved and supported, not judged and criticized for their past or current challenges. People who have addictions don’t need to hit rock bottom before they can get help. They need help now. A person who has an addiction can get treatment at any time. But they need to want to get help and recognize they have a problem.

Recovering from Addiction at Bridges Sober Apartments in Los Angeles, CA

The most important thing to remember about addiction is that it is a real medical condition that can be treated. People who have addictions are not bad people who make bad choices. They are people who need help to overcome a serious medical issue. People with addictions deserve understanding and compassion, not judgment and criticism. They need treatment to heal and recover from the disease that is destroying their lives. Addiction is a disease that can be overcome with help and support.

Fortunately, sober livings like Bridges Sober Apartments can help people at all stages of recovery. By enrolling in a sober residence like Bridges, recovering addicts can get the social support, resources, and skills training that they need. Not only will they decrease their likelihood of relapse in the safe environment of a sober living, but they will also be able to build a joyful and fulfilling life in sobriety. Contact us at Bridges Sober Apartments today to learn how you can continue your journey of sobriety!