3 Common Misconceptions About Alcohol Addiction
Misconceptions About Alcohol Addiction
There is a widespread belief that the use of alcohol is no big deal and that even excessive drinking is a matter of choice. Many people believe that those who drink to excess can stop whenever they wish, or occasional binge drinking is just a matter of blowing off steam. These are just some of the common misconceptions about alcohol addiction. It would be nice if those common misconceptions about alcohol addiction were true, but the reality is much different and much more challenging to deal with.
If you or someone you care about has been drinking more than they should, it is essential to educate yourself about how alcohol dependency forms, how alcohol impacts the body and the brain, and what you can do to get your loved one back on the path to sobriety.
Alcohol Addiction Only Affects the Person Who Is Addicted
Many people assume that alcohol addiction impacts only the individual suffering directly from the addiction, but every family member of alcoholics knows that this is simply not the case. This idea that the impacts of alcoholism are confined to the individual is one of the most harmful and common misconceptions about alcohol addiction. It is time that people learned the truth.
In reality, the impact of alcohol addiction goes far beyond the individual alcoholic, stretching out to encompass the individual’s family members, their circle of friends, their coworkers, and more. When you count the societal impacts of drunk driving crashes and lost productivity, it is clear that alcoholism has an outsized impact and that its effects go far beyond the problem drinker.
Alcohol Addiction Is Not as Bad as Drug Addiction
One of the most persistent misconceptions about alcohol addiction is that it is not as bad as being addicted to drugs. This may stem in part from the also common and mistaken notion that alcohol is not dangerous or at least not as dangerous as other types of drugs.
This thinking may be a common misconception about alcohol addiction, but it is not valid. Alcohol addiction can be just as dangerous and just as deadly, as any other type of addiction, with long-term impacts on the body, the brain, and the emotional well-being of the drinker.
If you or someone you care about has been drinking to excess, you should not simply assume it is no big deal; instead, you should talk to them about their detox and treatment options and encourage them to give the addiction counselors at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab a call.
Alcoholics Must Attend Alcoholics Anonymous
There is a common belief that recovering addicts must attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to keep their sobriety on track and that those who are unable or unwilling to participate in such discussions are doomed to failure. Fortunately for recovering alcoholics and their loved ones, this is also not the case.
While the support of peers and fellow alcoholics in recovery is undoubtedly important, everyone is free to find that support in their way. Some recovering alcoholics will find safety, comfort, and understanding at their place of worship, while others will be inspired by reading about the success stories of others. Some may even find help and guidance in the workplace, all without ever setting foot inside an AA meeting.
WhiteSands Alcohol Addiction Treatment
The harmful misconceptions about alcohol addiction are everywhere, and they are still widely believed. Even so, the fact that so many people believe in these myths does not make them accurate, and it is vital to learn the truth so you can help your friend, your loved one, or yourself recover and regain their lost sobriety.
Despite its legal status and widespread availability, alcohol remains one of the most dangerous drugs globally, responsible for tens of thousands of deaths through alcohol poisoning, drunk driving crashes, workplace accidents, and more. If someone in your life has been drinking to excess, it is essential to get them into treatment as quickly as possible, and the experts at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab are here to help.
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.