There are many myths associated with addiction, both to alcohol and drugs; there are also many facts. Believing that an individual has to hit bottom first or has to want to go to treatment, are two of the biggest myths. The sooner the addiction process can be stopped or intervened, the more the individual has to live for and can resume the qualities of life for themselves and their loved ones.

People who are forced or ordered into treatment by an employer, a companion or the criminal justice system do recover. An employer may recognize the addiction and instead of firing the individual, offers him treatment instead to keep his job; a spouse or companion may threaten to leave the relationship, unless the individual gets help; or, the courts may intervene on alcohol or drug related charges, and order a person to treatment rather than jail or prison.

An individual does not have hit bottom or want help, to be thankful to another source for getting them the help. In fact, research has shown that the outcome for those who are legally mandated to enter treatment, those that have gone through an intervention, or those offered treatment in lieu of negative consequences, are as good for those that entered voluntarily. Some just don't know how to ask and allow their behavior to continue, perhaps secretly hoping someone will intervene.

Other myths about addiction:

1. Addicts are bad, criminals, stupid, etc. In today society and addiction being at epidemic levels, the myth that addicts are bad, criminals or just stupid, is a misconception. These individuals generally do not start out this way. You know them to be good and honest individuals from before they became an addict. They did not chose to be this way. Our society today has more "functioning" addicts, then those living on the streets.
2. The have no will power - all they have to do is quit. Starting out experimenting with drugs is a voluntary decision. As time passes and an individual continues using, changes take place in the brain, as well as physically, that result in compulsive and even uncontrollable drug use. Unless an individual enters treatment and receives the medical care and attention to address these compulsions, change will not take place. Willpower comes when they have completed treatment and have learned how to use the tools to maintain their sobriety.
3. Treatment doesn't work. Studies show that treatment reduces use by 40 to 60 percent and can significantly decrease criminal activities, health related issues, and improves prospects for employment. Treatment does work. It may take an individual more than one attempt, but at some point, they achieve their breakthrough.
4. Addiction is just a sign of personal weakness. Drugs alter the brain and therefore affects an individuals behavior as well. Those affected do not become addicted to drugs because they want to - it is because the brain is tricking the body into believing they need the drugs in order to function properly. It is a chemistry in the brain, not a character. Addiction changes who the person really is, allowing them to do things they ordinarily would not do.
5. They can just go to AA or NA to quit. While these groups are extremely beneficial to recovering individuals, they are primarily designed for continued care and support after treatment. These groups are designed for "group" support and not the extensive individual therapy addressed in treatment.