Understanding Myths About Substance Use, Treatment, And Recovery

There may be a number of common myths about substance use and addiction that can impact how people think about substance use disorder (SUD). Dismantling these misconceptions can not only help change the cultural stigma surrounding addiction but it can also help people with SUD and the families impacted by this condition feel more understood, supported, and encouraged to seek the help they may need.

What National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is and why myths matter

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW), the third full week of March each year, allows communities and community partners to dispel myths and dismantle misconceptions about substance use. There are a number of NDAFW events that occur between March 18th and March 24th, with event planners bringing together students, educators, healthcare providers, and scientists to help address substance use and addiction. As studies show the importance of destigmatizing mental health, learning more about the facts surrounding substance use disorders and addiction can help you make an impact in your community.

Why teens and families need science-based facts

Access to accurate information may be especially important to young people and their families. Misinformation about substance use and addiction may impact how teens perceive risk, which can make it less likely that they will seek help when needed. For families navigating the substance use of a loved one, learning the truth about addiction can help them approach these challenges with compassion, clarity, and understanding.

Below, we explore some of the myths about substance use to bring facts and guidance that can help patients, people considering seeking help, and their friends and loved ones understand more about the realities of substance use.

Myth versus truth: Substance use disorder is brain-based, not a willpower problem

One damaging myth about SUD is that it is a personal failing or sign of weakness. Research indicates that, over time, exposure to substances can lead to brain changes that may help explain why stopping can be so difficult. 

How prolonged substance use changes brain function

Over time, ongoing substance use can change how the brain works. Specifically, it can change the reward pathways in the brain, which can impact decision-making, emotional regulation, and impulse control. These changes can make it difficult for someone to quit using substances, even if they really want to.

Why the brain sends signals for cravings

The brain’s reward pathways are tied to human survival. When we do something beneficial, the brain releases dopamine, a feel-good chemical, to reinforce the behavior. While this reward system once encouraged ancient humans to seek food during times of scarcity, in modern times, it drives us toward non-survival benefits, such as alcohol, nicotine, and other substances. Our brains behave as if we need these substances to survive, sending strong signals when they are absent. These powerful and intense cravings can be extremely difficult to resist, and they can last well into recovery.

Myth versus truth: You do not need to hit rock bottom to get help

Some people might believe that they can’t get help until they hit rock bottom, but this can be a potentially harmful myth that can delay treatment and lead to further complications of substance use. 

Why earlier treatment can be better than waiting

Generally, the earlier one seeks treatment, the less damage substance use may have on their life. With ongoing substance use, there is a greater chance that SUD continues to cause damage to a person’s health and overall well-being. Getting support before hitting rock bottom may lead to better outcomes.

Tough love versus supportive boundaries

Tough love has long been believed to foster change, but recent research suggests that setting supportive boundaries can be more effective. In this study, researchers concluded that “concepts of ‘tough love’ are often used as a way to influence a loved one’s substance use by imposing severe withdrawal from the loved one,” whereas boundaries offer concerned friends and family members an opportunity “to meet the need to protect themselves and others while operating within their own limits and values.” Ultimately, setting boundaries can have a greater impact on a person’s willingness to seek help than a tough-love approach.

Myth versus truth: Addiction can involve prescription drugs and alcohol, not only illicit drugs

Another common misconception is that drug addiction involves primarily illegal substances. In reality, some of the most widely abused substances are legal and widely available, such as alcohol, tobacco products, and nicotine vaping products.

Prescription drugs and opioid painkillers

Prescription drugs, including opioid painkillers, can be highly addictive, even when they were initially taken as directed by a healthcare provider. Opioid painkillers in particular can carry a significant risk of dependence. Misuse of these medications by patients has contributed to a widespread public health concern across the country.

Why substance use can look like everyday life

For many patients, SUD may not look like what you might expect. Addiction can affect people in different ways. Some may appear to be successful and managing their lives effectively, which can make it harder to identify when they may be struggling. When someone is addicted to a substance, they may not fit a particular profile. Recognizing this can be an important step toward reducing stigma and encouraging earlier intervention.

Myth versus truth: Treatment is not one size fits all, and recovery is possible

Another harmful myth may be that standard treatment either works immediately or not at all, and that the same treatment approach works for everyone. In reality, effective recovery can look very different for everyone, and it may take some time to find an approach that works.

What a treatment program may include

An effective treatment program can incorporate a combination of approaches, including: 

• Medication
• Psychotherapy
• Peer support
• Other treatments

For example, some people may need medication-assisted treatment to safely withdraw from substances, while others may be able to find the support they need in individual therapy.

Voluntary entry, pressure, and the legal system

Everyone’s situation is different. Some people may enter treatment voluntarily; in other cases, they may be forced to get help, either by friends and loved ones or by the legal system. That said, some research shows that even when people enter treatment involuntarily, they can still achieve lasting recovery. 

Why some people respond to treatment quickly, and others need more time

Addiction is a complex disease, and everyone is different. Some people may respond to treatment quickly, while others may take more time. While people who do not recover quickly may feel hopeless, it can be helpful to remember that recovery can be gradual and success may be possible, no matter how long it takes.

Why people develop substance use disorders

Understanding that SUD can result from a combination of factors can help dismantle some of the most common and damaging myths about the condition. There is rarely a single cause, and the disease often stems from more than just a person’s choices.

Many contributing factors, not one cause

Some of the factors that can contribute to SUD may include: 

• Genetics
• Environmental stressors
• Societal pressures
• Personality traits
• Other mental health conditions, like anxiety or depression

How to support someone you care about without stigma

Supporting someone through SUD can feel overwhelming, particularly when myths about substance use shape how everyone understands the situation. The following are tips for supporting someone who is seeking help.

What to say and what not to say

The language used around substance use can significantly impact a loved one’s willingness to open up. Friends and family may find it helpful to use people-first language and express concern without judgment. For example, you might say: 

• I care about, and I’m worried about your substance use. 
• I know that stopping can be hard, and I’m here to help you. 
• I care about you, and I want you to get the help you need. 
• When you’re ready, I would be happy to help you find out about treatment options.

What you say can be as important as what you don’t say. It can also be important to avoid phrases that imply blame or weakness. For example, it might be best to avoid phrases like “You’re an addict,” “You chose this life,” or “You’ll never change.”

Encouraging care and reducing barriers to receiving treatment

Whether or not someone seeks treatment may be influenced by many factors, including fear, shame, or a lack of awareness about available options. Loved ones can help those with SUD get care by offering practical support, researching treatment and support resources together, and remaining the person that receiving treatment is a sign of strength, not admission of weakness. Helping reduce the stigma about substance use within your personal relationships can be a powerful way to help a loved one take the first step.

Online counseling for substance use  

Various studies have confirmed online therapy's effectiveness in treating those living with substance use disorders. In a literature review of 50 studies on telemedicine approaches, researchers found that most studies fully supported these interventions and that participants were enthusiastic supporters of the delivery method. 

Online therapists through platforms like BetterHelp offer up-to-date, evidence-based services to reach people with substance use disorders wherever they are, from the comfort of their homes. Because online therapy is discreet, it may be an option for those who don't want to seek treatment for substance use out of shame or fear of others knowing what they're going through. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

Many studies show that individual online counseling is an effective intervention for substance use disorders. Online therapists can offer a safe space for clients to tell their experiences. In addition, if you're uncomfortable speaking to a therapist over the phone or via video chat, you can choose to attend live chat messaging sessions each week.