MYTH:
Addiction
is just a matter of bad character. (all addicts just lack a good moral upbringing)
FACT:
Addiction is an incurable, progressive and if left untreated, fatal illness that affects millions
of people. Addiction is like cancer or diabetes, it takes daily treatment, but the afflicted can lead a normal, happy and
productive life.
MYTH:
Addiction is just a matter of willpower or self control.
FACT:
Addiction is a chronic relapsing brain disease and requires treatment. Pretending it is just a matter of willpower
continues the destructive progression.
MYTH:
Addiction only afflicts people
from lower social or economic backgrounds. ("all addicts are street people")
FACT:
Anybody can be addicted, doctors, lawyers, judges, housewives, millionaires, White, Black, Hispanic, rich,
poor, and anything in-between. This disease does not discriminate, everyone on this planet can be afflicted with
the disease of addiction.
MYTH:
All addicts are criminals.
FACT:
Although the behavior associated with substance abuse can cause some addicts to commit crime, most addicts
are the people you would least expect. Your neighbor, your teacher, your son or daughter, your mom or dad, and their addiction
may take any form, from an eating disorder to a gambling problem.
MYTH:
All addicts are hopeless and
can't be helped.
FACT:
Although there is no cure for the disease of addiction, it can be treated and recovery is possible.
Millions of people that are afflicted with this disease live happy healthy and productive lives.
