There are a number of areas of our world where various misconceptions have sprung up through the years, and sadly the realm of addiction recovery is a common example. There are many myths that pervade addiction recovery, and some of these can be particularly harmful when they surround the area of prescription drug abuse.
At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, we’re here to offer a comprehensive range of addiction treatment programs for patients around Boise, plus nearby states like Oregon and Washington, including prescription drug rehab and many other options. We’re familiar with all the myths out there surrounding prescription drug abuse in particular, and they really do fall all across the spectrum – here we’ll set them straight, including some that reveal very simple misconceptions about how prescription drugs compare to other drug types.
Myth #1: Prescription Drugs Are, By Nature, Safer Than Illegal Drugs
Likely because of the fact that they’re typically produced in professional, laboratory settings, many believe that prescription drugs are inherently safer than illegal street drugs. While it’s true that some medical professionals and pharmaceutical companies take steps to ensure safety, this doesn’t mean the drugs themselves can’t be dangerous or addictive – in fact, addiction to prescription medications is a serious issue affecting millions of people around the country.
This is because these drugs still contain powerful chemicals that can alter the brain and body in dangerous ways. Many prescription drugs have serious side effects, and there’s always a risk of becoming addicted to them. They should only be taken under the supervision of a trained medical professional – never by anyone else or without following the prescribed dosage.
Myth #2: Prescription Drug Abuse is Not as Serious as Other Forms of Addiction
Unfortunately, there’s a common belief that prescription drug abuse is not as serious or damaging as other forms of addiction, such as alcoholism or use of illegal drugs. This simply isn’t true – the consequences of prescription drug addiction can be just as severe and debilitating.
In addition to physical health issues, it can also cause numerous psychological and social problems. People who are addicted to prescription drugs may experience job loss, financial difficulties, strained relationships with loved ones, and a decrease in overall quality of life.
Myth #3: Prescription Drug Addiction Only Affects Certain Types of People
There’s a misconception that only certain types of people can become addicted to prescription drugs – typically those who are wealthy or have access to these types of drugs. In reality, anyone can become addicted to prescription medications – it doesn’t discriminate based on age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Prescription drug addiction can affect anyone who uses these drugs in an unhealthy and uncontrolled manner.
Myth #4: There’s No Need for Professional Help with Prescription Drug Addiction
Some individuals believe that prescription drug addiction isn’t as serious as addiction to other substances, and therefore doesn’t require professional treatment. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Addiction is a complex disease that requires specialized care and support in order for individuals to recover fully. Professional help provides patients with the tools and resources they need to overcome their addiction and build a strong foundation for long-term recovery.
Myth #5: Rehab Won’t Help With Prescription Drugs
On the flip side, some mistakenly believe that because of the settings in which they’re produced, prescription drugs won’t respond to traditional addiction treatment methods like therapy and support groups. Again, this isn’t true – these programs can be highly effective in helping individuals overcome their addiction to prescription medications, as well as addressing any underlying issues that may have contributed to their drug abuse.
This is because, despite being produced differently, prescription drugs still create the same types of chemical and emotional changes in the body that other addictive substances do. The root causes of addiction – such as trauma, mental health disorders, and environmental factors – can be addressed through therapy and other treatment modalities.
Myth #6: It Can’t Be Addictive if It Was Prescribed
Finally, there’s a common misconception that if a drug was prescribed by a doctor, it can’t be addictive. While the intention of prescribing medication is to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life, this doesn’t guarantee that the drug won’t have addictive properties. In fact, many prescription drugs carry warnings about the potential for addiction and should only be taken as directed.
As you can see, there are many myths surrounding prescription drug abuse and addiction. It’s important to educate ourselves and others about the reality of this issue in order to combat these harmful misconceptions. At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, we’re committed to providing evidence-based treatment for individuals struggling with addiction to prescription drugs, as well as other substances. Contact us today to learn more about our programs for patients around Boise, Washington and Oregon, and how we can help you or a loved one on the path to recovery.
