You have probably noticed that sometimes it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Take, for example, books, movies, or podcasts that are “based on a true story.” When you encounter that phrase, you are meant to understand that what you are about to read, watch, or listen to is partially—but not wholly—factual.
The trouble is it can be hard for the average person to know what is true and what is not in, say, a movie like Oppenheimer. Indeed, you can find any number of articles (like this one) online devoted to untangling truth from fiction when it comes to entertainment based to one degree or another on actual events.
It is, of course, important to be able to determine what is true and what is not in the media you consume. We would argue that it is even more important to be able to separate fact from fiction when it comes to information about substance use disorders and recovery. After all, bad information about drugs or alcohol can have devastating consequences for the person who is struggling with them—and for those who know and love them.
So we are going to devote this blog entry to making sure you have good information about these important subjects.
FICTION: You don’t need treatment unless you hit ‘rock bottom.’
The idea of “rock bottom” is one of the most dangerous fictions when it comes to thinking about substance use disorders. Far too many people think they can avoid getting treatment for a problem with drugs or alcohol until they hit rock bottom.
The problem is that “rock bottom” is hard to define. Or to put it another way, a person using drugs or alcohol can keep redefining rock bottom so that they can continue to put off getting the help they need. Maybe today, you think “rock bottom” means getting a DUI. Tomorrow, after you get a DUI, you might decide “rock bottom” means getting into a crash. Obviously, this is a terrible way to decide when to get help.
Instead, you should seek out treatment as soon as you suspect you have a problem. That can be hard to admit to yourself, but the sooner you get help, the sooner you stop the damage to your body, your mental health, your relationships, and more. The time to get the treatment you need is always right now.
FICTION: Alcohol is not nearly as problematic as other drugs.
Drinking is such a prevalent part of our culture that it can be easy to forget that alcohol is a drug—and a dangerous one. How dangerous? Well, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that alcohol is one of the leading preventable causes of death in the United States.
Given that reality, it is absolutely essential that you don’t convince yourself that your problematic drinking is no big deal. Alcohol is just like other drugs in that it can be easy to develop an issue and hard to deal with that issue on your own. Treatment is your best move.
FICTION: Treatment is a ‘one and done’ proposition
We truly wish this myth were true. Ideally, a person with a substance use disorder would get treatment and then never struggle with drugs or alcohol again.
Unfortunately, relapses are quite common. Responding to a relapse in the best way—by getting back into treatment—is important. A return to treatment lets you reclaim your sobriety and work toward lasting sobriety again. It may take a number of restarts, and that can certainly be frustrating. But your sobriety is worth it.
No Lie. We are Just Getting Warmed Up
It probably will not surprise you to learn that there are plenty more fictional ideas regarding substance use disorders and recovery that we need to replace with facts. We will share plenty of additional truths in a couple of upcoming entries. That, we promise, is the truth!
It’s a Fact: We Can Help You Reclaim Your Sobriety
If you are struggling with drugs or alcohol, it might feel as though you are trapped. The substances you are ingesting are taking a toll on your body and brain, but the withdrawal symptoms that attack when you try to quit can be all but impossible to withstand. It is a perfect example of being stuck between a rock and a hard place.
At Wooded Glen Recovery Center—located in Henryville, Indiana—we offer a way out of the trap. We provide medically supervised detoxification, a therapeutic rehabilitation program (during which we can also address co-occurring mental health disorders that may be tangled up with your substance use), and a continuum of care created specifically to provide ongoing support and resources as your recovery journey gets underway.
When you are ready to get sober—and to learn how to give yourself the opportunity to stay sober—the team at Wooded Glen Recovery Center is ready to help.