In junior high, Alexander would go to the park a couple of times a week and smoke weed with his friends. It started innocently—he just wanted to be a part of the group, but the habit escalated. Within a few years, Alexander was using marijuana on a regular basis… before a big test… after his girlfriend broke up with him… during his parent’s divorce. A decade later, Alexander uses weed every day even though he would be fired if his employer found out. Alexander knows he is putting his livelihood at risk, but he cannot stop. He has tried many times. He tells himself, next time, I’ll be stronger. Alexander is beginning to wonder if he may have an addiction, and he is thinking about reaching out for help and starting addiction therapy.
Can you relate to Alexander’s experiences? Maybe you are not struggling with marijuana, but maybe your addiction looks like abusing a different substance—alcohol, heroin, prescription drugs, food, or more. Maybe your addiction does not look like substance abuse, but it looks like a compulsive activity—Internet, gambling, sex, shopping, video games, pornography, or more. Addiction can manifest in many different ways, but in each case, below the surface, the same illness has taken root. Addiction changes people’s brains. It is a serious disease than can take people’s relationships, finances, health, and even life. It has treatments, and often, a mental health care professional can help people find the options and interventions that are right for them.
That is why Thriveworks New Orleans offers treatment for an addiction: we know that addiction is a severe disease, but we also know that healing is possible. Our counselors and therapists have helped many people find the healing, sobriety, and freedom they need and deserve.
Myths about Addiction
Each year, 21 million people in the United States are battling an addiction. It is a widespread but misunderstood disease. There are common myths and misunderstandings about what it is and how it functions. These myths may shame addicts and keep them from seeking the treatment they desperately need. As with many other diseases, early intervention is important and can set people up for a better recovery. It is, thus, important to name these myths and refute them with the reality about addiction. Here are three common myths about addiction:
1) Myth: People Choose to Be Addicted
“Addiction isn’t about substance—you aren’t addicted to the substance,
you are addicted to the alteration of mood that the substance brings.”
—Susan Cheever
People who are addicted often beat themselves up. They may tell themselves… if only I had just chosen differently. The truth is that addiction is no more a choice than cancer is. Further, many of the risk factors for addiction are out of people’s control—things like allergies, genetic history, and childhood trauma. People who have an addiction did not choose to have this disease, but they can choose to seek treatment for it. Treatment looks like working with a therapist to rewire the brain and finding a support network that will provide encouragement and accountability.
2) Myth: Addiction Is Rare
“No one is immune from addiction;
it afflicts people of all ages, races, classes, and professions.”
—Patrick Kennedy
The heart of this myth is that people who have an addiction are alone. The truth is that recovery groups and therapist’s offices are filled with other people who have an addiction too—people who understand and can offer support. Addiction grows in isolation, so the addiction does not want people to find community and empathy and kindness. Yet, community and empathy and kindness are waiting for anyone who is ready to begin recovery. Many people have found close friends during their healing journey.
3) Myth: Addicts Are Weak People
“A lot of people think that addiction is a choice. A lot of people think it’s a matter of will. That has not been my experience. I don’t find it to have anything to do with strength.” —Matthew Perry
This is an especially dangerous myth because it is a personal attack—it is not the idea that addiction brings brokenness. This myth says that addicts are broken. The opposite is true: people who have an addiction are often some of the strongest, most courageous people on earth. Addiction does not strike because people are weak or strong—it is an equal opportunity illness. It strikes men and women, rich and poor, young and old.
Addiction Treatments with Thriveworks New Orleans
What is happening in your life right now? Are you struggling with a compulsive behavior? Are you abusing a substance? If so, it may be time to reach out. You may have an addiction. Addiction is a serious, serious illness, but it has treatments. Often, the sooner treatment begins, the better. If you are ready to reach out, Thriveworks New Orleans is ready to meet with you. We have appointments available for addiction.
When you contact our office, know that a real person will answer your call and help you make an appointment. You will not reach a voicemail. New clients often have that first appointment the following day. We accept many forms of insurance, and we offer evening and weekend sessions. We know that fighting an addiction is hard. Scheduling therapy should be easy.
Everyone needs an ally. Call Thriveworks New Orleans today for addiction therapy.
