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Myths and
Facts about Addiction
and Treatment
The information below was provided by the
Connecticut Clearinghouse, a program of Wheeler Clinic, Inc. which
is funded by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Source:
The White Paper: Effectiveness of Substance Abuse Treatment, U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services, February 1995.
Myth: Addiction is a bad
habit, the result of moral weakness and over-indulgence.
Fact: Addiction is a chronic, life-threatening condition, like
hypertension, arteriosclerosis and adult diabetes.
Fact: Addiction has roots in genetic susceptibility, social
circumstance and personal behavior.
Fact: Certain drugs are highly addictive, rapidly causing biochemical
and structural changes in the brain. Others can be used for longer periods of
time before they begin to cause inescapable cravings and compulsive use.
Myth: If an addict has enough
willpower, he or she can stop abusing alcohol and using drugs.
Fact: Few people addicted to alcohol and illicit drugs can simply
stop using them, no matter how strong their inner resolve. Most need one or
more courses of structured substance abuse treatment to reduce or end their
dependence on alcohol and illicit drugs.
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