When struggling with substance abuse in Park Slope, New York, you might find yourself feeling out of control and not knowing how to stop the cycle. It can also be difficult for those around you that want to help but don’t quite know-how. This can be more challenging when myths and misconceptions revolving around it. Here we will debunk some of them so that you make a good decision when choosing a specialist in substance abuse in Park Slope, NY.
Prescription Drugs Are Safer Than Illegal Drugs
No substance abuse is safe, legal, or illegal. For example, opioids are highly addictive and can cause physical dependence. They also carry the risk of overdose, which brings about 47 deaths daily in America. Prescription drugs like Oxycontin (oxycodone) are manufactured to be exceptionally addictive.
Drugs like cocaine may be illegal, but they usually come from plants such as the coca plant. These plants can be processed to make various drugs, all with different effects and names like crack cocaine and cocaine hydrochloride. These drugs are dangerous, but it’s important to remember that even legal substances like alcohol and cigarettes cause 88,000 and 480,000 deaths annually in America, respectively.
Letting Go of an Addiction is Easy
This isn’t always true. Some substances are very addictive, and recovery can be difficult. While it may not seem like a big deal to try something once, some substances carry the risk for dependence or addiction if abused frequently or in high doses. Once you become addicted to one substance, it’s also possible that you become addicted to other, similar substances. For example, marijuana is a commonly abused substance that can be physically addictive.
However, when someone quits using this drug, it’s also common for them to turn to another substance such as alcohol or opioids to meet their needs. These addictions may not seem related, but they’re very similar in how they affect the brain.
It Can’t Happen to Me
Substance abuse and addiction can happen to anyone, even if you don’t expect them to. While most think of street drugs when they think of addiction and substance abuse, legal substances like alcohol and prescription drugs also carry this risk.
Even caffeine is addicting in some cases. Substance abuse occurs when you’re engaging in risky behavior related to your substance use. At some point, you’ll reach a point where the risk isn’t worth it anymore, or it will become challenging to continue doing what you do.
Drug Rehabilitation is Expensive
While some programs are expensive, it doesn’t mean that the only rehab option is to go into debt. There are many options out there when you’re looking for a drug rehabilitation program. You may be required to pay upfront, but your health insurance may also cover at least part of the cost.
Another option is state-funded programs that consider your financial standing when deciding what fees they’re willing to cover. The goal of these rehabilitation programs is to provide the best help possible so that you can live a substance-free life.
Debunking common myths and misconceptions about substance abuse can be difficult, but it’s essential. When you’re struggling with addiction, it’s crucial to have accurate information so that you can make the best decision for your health. This is why understanding the common myths and misconceptions is significant.
