Misconceptions Persist When It Comes to Addiction

It’s National Recovery Month, a time to shine a light on the problem of addiction and celebrate the heroes who are winning their battle with substance abuse every day. Unfortunately, unlike cancer or heart disease, substance abuse must overcome a perception problem that has many viewing it as a character flaw rather than a disease. When it comes to addiction, there’s the erroneous thinking that the sufferer’s behavior alone is to blame, that addiction is a matter of choice. For those who heroically fight every day to stay sober, they know that couldn't be further from the truth.

It’s similar to the problem faced when AIDS first came to light. Many Americans felt detached from a disease that seemed highly concentrated in the gay community and even laid some blame on those who were sick. As time went on and AIDS’ reach was felt everywhere, support grew. Today, education campaigns have done their job and AIDS is battled aggressively and sufferers are treated compassionately. Those fighting the disease of addiction are simply hoping for that same kind of support and understanding.

Many entertainment programs and websites are only too happy to post unflattering mug shots or photos and speculate about a celebrity’s addiction issues. There is much less reporting about substance abuse success stories. Fortunately, National Recovery Month 2011 aims to change that. This year’s theme -- Prevention Works, Treatment Is Effective, People Recover -- takes a hopeful approach by showcasing all we have to celebrate.

At the top of that list is the reality that treatment has come a long way in recent years, with experts gaining a better understanding of how addiction works and the relationship between substance abuse and mental health issues. Studies estimate that more than half of all addicts also suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder like bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder. When treated together in a “dual diagnosis” model, treatment success rates increase greatly. We are also seeing the social stigma around addiction and mental health disorder decrease as education increases.         

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If you or someone you love is in need of drug treatment, alcohol treatment or other help, call La Paloma at the toll-free number on our homepage. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.