Alcohol Addiction - Facts & Myths

Sometimes myths float around for years havinghave choose that path above all else.
everyone convinced of their legitimacy, even thoughFact: There is some truth to the fact that addiction is
they are terribly wrong or inaccurate. Most nevera choice; however it involves the choices that were
even validate or question these theories which canmade in the beginning. Those times of all night
hinder their success greatly. Addiction is one of thedrunks, drinking every day and finding every social
hottest topics that have hundreds of myths. In orderoccasion possible to get looped were the choices.
to dispel some of the most popular myths this articleOnce addiction has taken over it is like any other
will focus on the real versus the untruths that wedisease, it is almost uncontrollable to the affected.
sometimes falsely believe! Read on for moreThe addiction as a disease grows and begins to
information on the top five myths and truths aboutaffect the entire life, body, behavior and chemical
alcohol addiction.makeup of the individual, therefore making it more
Myth: Addiction is only a bad habit and the addict canthan their choice.
quit if they muster the strength.Myth: The addict has to want help, or else treatment
Fact: Alcohol drinking may be a bad habit and thatwon't work.
habit may well lead to addiction, however if theFact: Most people that enter treatment do not do so
individual is addicted it is more than a bad habit. Whaton their own account. They are persuaded by family,
some people call a habit is something that people dofriends or community supports that have identified
when they are really not suppose too. A bad habit inaddiction. The addict's brain is fogged from the
the face of serious troubles such as addiction aredisease and they are oftentimes unable to control
behaviors like leaving the toilet seat up or forgettingthe urges or cravings. Recent research has actually
to put the toothpaste lid back on, but craving alcoholshown that the reason the person entered
is much more than a habit. Now as far as strength,treatment has little effect on the outcome of
addiction is tricky and because the hormones cantreatment.
change within the brain it is not only the "strength"Myth: People that become alcoholics have mental
that the addict must find. It takes a combination ofissues that lead them to addiction.
treatment, support and life changes to reverse the illsFact: This may be so in some cases, but a one size
of addiction.fits all statement simply cannot apply when speaking
Myth: Treatment is a joke, just look how manyof addiction. The prevalence of disorders such as
people relapse!depression and bi-polar disorder is high amongst
Fact: While it is true that relapse is high, it doesn'talcoholics, however which came first? Not everyone
mean that treatment is ineffective or not worthwhile.that is addicted to alcohol is suffering from mental
Treatment is not magic or a cure to all of society'sdisorders; this is a blanket statement and simply is
problems, however the goal is to help those sufferingnot true.
from addiction to learn better coping skills as well asThere are many myths out there about addiction and
reduce some of the health, financial and societalthe path that individuals take in their lives. These are
problems that their addiction causes. There are someonly a few of the most popular myths, but some
individuals addicted to alcohol that achieve abstinencethat are frequently quoted by good intention Joes.
with the help of community based groups, howeverThese people are only trying to help, but sometimes
the majority find help through outpatient basedadd to the problem by spreading information that is
treatment and many still have been able toincorrect. Before you take anything for face value,
overcome alcoholism with self help information too.research it and find out whether it is a myth or fact.
Myth: People that have become addicted to alcohol