PCN 605 Topic 8 DQ 2

PCN 605 Topic 8 DQ 2

What are some of the popular myths about addiction with which you are familiar? Use examples.

The concept of addiction is clouded with many misconceptions and assumptions, making it difficult for friends and family members to truly understand what an addicted loved one is going through. There are countless myths floating around about drug abuse, addiction, and alcoholism, but here are just a few of the most common myths and misconceptions.

Addiction Myth #1: People who are addicted just lack willpower.It’s a common notion to assume that addicted individuals just lack the willpower to overcome their drug or alcohol abuse. However, addiction actually changes the brain of the user, severely impairing willpower and hampering self-control. Additionally, most medical associations including the American Medical Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine classify addiction as a chronic disease, meaning it is a long-lasting condition that can be controlled but not cured (similar to diabetes or cancer).1 Just as individuals cannot overcome cancer with sheer willpower, it’s highly unlikely that addicted individuals can either.
Addiction changes the way a person’s brain and body functions, inhibiting their ability to resist their substance of choice. When drugs are abused, pleasure chemicals are released in the brain, and over time, this release of chemicals modifies the parts of the brain that control pleasure, motivation, and memory. As a result, people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol with experience extreme cravings and frequently end up prioritizing their drug use over life-sustaining necessities like food, water, and shelter.
Addiction Myth #2: All addicts are the same.The stereotype that addicted individuals are all low-income or unemployed, minorities, criminals, or of low socioeconomic status is simply not true. Recent reports published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clearly show that addiction can affect anyone.2
Many people are also high-functioning addicts. These individuals are often able to achieve professional success, maintain a social network, and continue to hold up appearances at home, all while hiding their addiction and substance abuse from family, friends, and coworkers. This can’t last forever, but in many cases, loved ones don’t find out about the problem until it has completely spiraled out of control. High-functioning addicts may be able to function for a while, but in the end, the truth always makes itself known.
Addiction Myth #3: Prescription drugs are safe as long as they are taken as prescribed.Many people believe prescription drugs are safer than illicit drugs just because they are recommended by a doctor. But according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, prescription drugs can be just as dangerous and addictive as illicit drugs.3 Unfortunately, some drugs, such as prescription opioids, can result in addiction even if a person takes them as prescribed by their doctor. In fact, prescription opioids are the most commonly abused prescription drugs. Cough and cold medicines are the most frequently abused over-the-counter medications.3
Your doctor should always consider your health conditions, current and past drug use, as well as alternative medications before prescribing a potentially addictive drug to treat your symptoms. If you feel uncomfortable taking a medication that your doctor prescribed, there is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking a second opinion or asking your doctor about alternative options.