Addiction myths that prevent effective responses

THERE are a number of myths about substance addiction which create a stigma that prevents not only those affected to seek help, but also the development of holistic and effective prevention and treatment protocols.

The most popular myth is that addiction is a choice.

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People believe substance use disorders can be overcome with willpower, when in actual fact it is a diagnose and treatable medical condition.

Addiction affects that part of the brain that controls logical thinking, which is why people with addictive disorders cannot logically make a choice not to use the substance again and again.

Addiction is treatable, but not curable.

The second myth people believe is that rehab can fix everything Addiction affects every person differently, which means that their recovery paths will be different as well.

Rehabilitation centres around the country are geared to assist people suffering from addictive disorders to take control of the addiction so that they can live normal lives.

To get out of an addictive environment completely requires a complete lifestyle change.

The support of medical and therapeutic professionals with the right knowledge, as well as family members, friends and even colleagues who are not afraid to have honest conversations, is invaluable. SANCA has decided to speed up the development of holistic and effective treatment protocols by hosting an Addiction Conference 2021 on 21-23 July.

This inaugural platform will bring together SUD treatment and other healthcare professionals to collaborate with providers, policy makers and regulators to create effective and long-lasting solutions to address the public health crisis of SUDs.

The third and final myth people believe is that only certain types of people have substance use disorders.

A common myth is that only poor or uneducated people are affected and that substance abuse is a class problem, not an individual problem.

Addiction and substance disorders is not dependent on race, gender, sexual orientation, culture, social status, financial status or education.

It also does not just inflict people who have character flaws or are weak willed.

The addictive gene is hereditary, but just because you have the addictive gene, does not mean you don’t have a fighting spirit.

Only once the conversation around substance use disorders shifts from stigma to solutions will more people be willing to seek treatment.

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