15 Things People Don’t Know About Addiction

There are at least 15 things people don’t know about addiction. Unfortunately, we all need to know a little about this problem.

People are less involved when addicted

Many former addicts are far busier when they stop using. This is because they find other activities that do not feed into their addiction.

Many addicts believe that if they are not using drugs, they are not addicts

Unfortunately, addiction is an unhealthy habit that forms to fulfill a need. Addiction is related to more than drugs and alcohol, as people can be addicted to just about anything.

Addicts believe no one will like them if they’re not drunk or using

This can be an attempt to remain popular or interesting to one person or many who like the person when they’re not inhibited. The fact is though, addicts do have many ways to socialize.

An addict often believes they will be judged

There is a persecution complex that many addicts worry about. When talking about addiction, one has to remember that this issue can and usually does alter the way a person thinks.

It takes more than willpower to quit

Just saying no is a good start, but it’s not the only step that one needs to take. The thing about addiction is that it’s like getting caught in a net lined with hooks, one has to take several steps to get free.

Addicts feel they don’t fit in if they don’t drink/use

The need to fit in and be part of something else is strong in many people. But thankfully, there are many different ways to belong to a community.

Many addicts think life is too hard without their addiction

This is a very real fear for addicts. The thing about addiction is that it grabs hold and doesn’t let go. Many times it requires constant intervention to help those who are suffering.

Rehab is not a magical cure

A lot of people might think of just sending an addict to rehab to get them sorted out. This is a good step, but it’s not a cure-all for everything that ails a person.

Addicts think that no one will want to be around them

Be it a date or just a meeting, a lot of addicts feel that without their addiction they’re not as interesting. This is a myth, obviously, but it’s also a huge mental block to get past.

People are worried about failure

Taking the first steps toward getting better and ditching an addiction is tough. Many believe they’ll fail, which is why it’s important to help them as much as possible.

Getting sober doesn’t fix the problem

After suffering through an addiction, people need to remain vigilant. The ability to stay free of addiction is a day-by-day struggle for many people.

Addicts believe that they need to hit rock bottom before getting help

The idea that hitting rock bottom will create a rebound effect is ridiculous. Rock bottom is when you’ve gone so low that no one does want to help you. This is when only the most stubborn and benevolent will reach out their hand.

Some addictions are legal, so addicts think it’s not that bad

After all, drinking a beer isn’t like smoking crack, right? Wrong. Addictions are a negative thing more often than not, no matter what form they take.

Many addicts think that being functional means their addiction is not an issue

You might have worked with someone who comes to work hungover, drunk, or stoned, and thinks they can still function. It’s true, they can function in a basic sense. But it’s still not ‘okay’.

Some addicts think that avoiding their addiction means they’re okay

Some addicts manage to develop a cross-addiction, which is essentially replacing another addiction with the one they already had. This is a way for them to maintain their lifestyle rather than cope with the issue.