There are a number of things people believe in when it comes to opioid addiction. And not all of them true. So here’s a list of some of the things you should stop putting any credence in:
It’s a moral or mental weakness
It’s not, says WebMD. Instead, it’s a chronic medical condition. The addiction is usually the result of changes in the brain, mostly seen in susceptible people. Once the addiction takes hold, though, it can be difficult to escape. Recovery is usually a long and hard-won process.
You can stop it if you have enough willpower
That’s not the way it works. The drug trains your body to become dependent on it. When that happens, it’s no longer a case of strong or weak willpower at work. You’ll need medication and counselling to fully reverse the process, if not acquire the attitude and skills necessary to beat the addiction back.
You’ll get worse before you get better
Why wait until you or loved one gets worse? A person too far gone over the edge can suffer from severe effects from the long-term use of the drug. By then, help might be too late. So if you want to give yourself or your loved one the best chance at a successful rehabilitation and recovery, get help as soon as possible.
If you suffer a relapse, you’ll never recover
Relapses happen often. But so do successful recoveries. A relapse shouldn’t preclude you from striving for a drug-free life. With proper assistance, support and a positive attitude, recovery is possible, even after a relapse.
So if you or a loved one suffers from opioid addiction, know the signs. And seek out help as soon as you can. That’s going to make a massive difference in the length of your rehabilitation and pace of your recovery.
