We've all heard the degrading statements about individuals that struggle with substance abuse problems. "They chose to be an addict". "They chose to be homeless". "All addicts are criminals". While there are a few individual cases where this may be true, many addicts didn't choose to become addicted to drugs or alcohol. Addiction chose them. When you're an addict, there is extreme guilt for your condition because of the stigmas and stereotypes that surround addiction. Overcoming these myths and addiction stigmas is very important once an individual enters recovery from an addiction. It's important to move on from feelings of guilt and shame and to make every effort to make amends in recovery with those that we may have hurt.
A few of the most common myths about addiction include the ideas that all addicts are bad people, everyone relapses after leaving rehab, painkillers are safe to consume, addicts aren't able to hold jobs or take care of their families and that addiction is a choice. There is also a terrible stigma that 12 step meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are religious organizations. While these groups do ask that addicts admit that they're powerless over their addiction and to submit to a higher power, these meetings offer a proven model and record that will help keep people in recovery. Staying in recovery is all that should matter to an addict. There are other alternative meeting groups to AA and NA, including Smart Recovery and Celebrate Recovery.
I've always been surprised at the number of friends and family members that still don't fully understand addictions and the notion that they're often fueled by co-occurring disorders or mental illnesses like anxiety or depression. This lack of education about addiction often leads to friends and family members to act as enablers in an effort to help their loved one. As a result, the addict digs a hole even deeper with their substance abuse. Sometimes, it's important to practice tough love with an addict because it can encourage them to seek professional treatment. There isn't a person alive that hasn't had someone close to them battle substance abuse. It's very important to educate yourself about addiction and understand what you can do to help someone's situation, even if it means doing nothing.