Fact or fiction? This is what addiction actually looks like...
If you grew up in the 90s, you’ll remember we used to wear the anti-drug ribbon pin in school to show our united stand against drug abuse. Well, it looked cool, but do we really understand what addiction is all about? What’s so scary about it? Addiction is a chronic brain condition characterised by prolonged and compulsive use of substances or behaviours despite negative consequences. Ever wonder why gamblers continue betting even though they make heavy losses? Or why smokers replenish their cigarette supply when they know the health consequences of smoking?
Whether it’s substances such as alcohol, drugs and nicotine, or behaviours like gambling, sex, and internet gaming, they all activate the brain’s reward systems, producing feelings of pleasure. It’s like that amazing feeling you experience when you eat your favourite food or have a great workout in the gym. Over time, as you continue to receive pleasure from substances or behaviours, habit patterns develop. Add in Covid-19’s stress and uncertainty, and it’s not difficult to understand why we’ve seen reports of increased substance misuse worldwide.
False information about addiction brings shame to the affected person and their family, which builds barriers around those wanting to seek help. Debunking the myths around addiction is crucial in creating a more supportive environment! Let’s set the record straight…
Fact vs fiction: Addiction myths busted
1. Addiction is a choice and it’s the person’s fault for making that choice: Fiction
It sounds oh so familiar, doesn’t it? We’ve often heard about this “choice”, that a person doesn’t deserve sympathy as no one forced them to take the first step. However, addiction is a complex condition. I used to have a client whose parents were both addicts, so he was exposed to drugs at a very young age.
As a teen, he had to plan when to take drugs so that his energy level was maintained throughout schooling hours and his cravings were kept at bay. Many factors increase your vulnerability to addiction, such as genetics, family upbringing, social environment, and life circumstances like trauma and stress. No one wakes up and decides to be an addict.
2. Strong willpower alone is sufficient to stop addiction: Fiction
Continued use of an addictive substance or behaviour changes the physical and chemical structures of the brain. Consider sleeping on a memory foam pillow. Over time, your pillow will adjust to suit your head shape and the way you lie.
The same goes for our brain when substances or behaviours are introduced. It learns about the new presence and will adjust itself to maintain your body’s natural equilibrium. These changes not only hijack your ability to make rational judgments and decisions but also affect the process of exercising self-control. Plus, the reward pathways, memory and learning components are affected by addiction. Put all these changes together, and they result in compulsive urges and impulsivity seen in addicts, who continue in their ways despite negative consequences in their lives.
Often, people turn to addictive substances and behaviour to cope with their emotions and stressors. However, without learning to equip yourself with adaptive coping mechanisms, addiction will ensue.
3. Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of your socioeconomic status or family background: Fact
Often, the image of an unkempt person living alone in a messy house, doing odd jobs for a living, pops up when you think about what an addict looks like. But this isn’t the real face of addiction. People with a comfortable lifestyle and stable employment face the same risks, too.
Know a friend who goes for drinks almost daily after work? Or a family member who spends most of their income in casinos yet continues to borrow from loved ones to gamble? Addiction doesn’t discriminate. I’ve worked with clients from all sorts of backgrounds. High functioning addicts may have the resources to conceal and manage their addiction, which poses a danger as their loved ones may not be able to intervene before it’s too late.
4. Addiction is solved once treatment is in place: Fiction
Treatment is the first step to healthy well-being. However, because addiction is a chronic condition and results in chemical and structural changes of the brain, staying addiction-free requires a lifelong personal commitment and effort to manage it. Unwavering support from your community is important in this recovery journey. Think about the success stories you’ve heard. They usually include multiple tries from the individuals and strong familial support.
5. People who relapse are a lost cause: Fiction
Given the chronic nature of addiction, relapse (recurrence of a past condition) may be part of the recovery process for some. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, 40% to 60% of people treated for substance use disorders relapsed within a year. Meanwhile, the relapse rate for people treated for hypertension and asthma is 50% to 70%.
That shows addiction is no different from chronic diseases. But relapse doesn’t signify failure. Instead, it indicates the need for change in either support or treatment. Do you give up exercising when you fail to keep to your yearly fitness resolution? Chances are, you don’t. You’d review your obstacles and motivation, and come up with a new plan. The same goes for addiction treatment when relapses happen.
At the end of the day, addiction affects many aspects of a person’s life. It often carries a stigma and brings shame to the person and their loved ones. But it’s important to remember that recovery may look different for everyone. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to addiction.