view from the outside of a bar

Top 5 Misconceptions About Using Drugs and Alcohol

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view from the outside of a bar

There’s something about the essence of danger that is appealing to addicts. It could be the limitless possibilities or heightened adrenaline, but the lure of drugs and alcohol is powerful.

It’s also very misleading. Numerous misconceptions about drugs and alcohol can cause an individual to begin indulging and it often begins with “cons” masquerading as “pros.” These falsities are usually only realized after the individual is in too deep—and it’s time to debunk them one by one.

The allure of drugs and alcohol is strong, but addicts know all too well that what they found so enticing in the beginning is nothing more than a mirage.

1. Liquid Courage

For the shy and timid, alcohol initially offers a potion that can magically make you “the life of the party.” Many alcoholics find the greatest pull towards drugs as a way to be more social in group situations. Fear and self-consciousness quickly dissipates as alcohol begins to take effect. While this newfound, chemically-enhanced comfort is a relief, it can quickly become a crutch rather than just a supposed tool.

2. No Beer, No Fun

Alcohol advertisers are brilliant at branding their product so fun and alcohol become synonymous. Whether it’s watching a sporting event, celebrating an achievement or just casually relaxing, alcohol promises that fun is in store. Since the two are deemed to go together as chips and dip, the individual begins to believe that the only way to have a good time is to drink. This mental dependency quickly flourishes even though hangovers the next day are anything but fun.

3. Happiness in a Bottle

Though alcohol may be perceived as a form of positive escapism, the substance itself is ironically a depressant. The stereotypical character who drinks after a disappointing day or personal relationship cataclysm is actually making their misery worse. In the long run, it can actually lead to depression or more anxiety because of the lower serotonin levels in the brain. The only analogy worthy of description is drinking poison and expecting it to act as a cure. Ultimately, there are no 'happy' drunks.

4. “But It’s Legal”

The legality of alcohol falsely gives the user the sense that it is an acceptable form of substance abuse. The number one self-deceptive excuse is to say: “If it were so bad then why would they sell it?” The user may think it is fine to abuse alcohol, as long as they are not addicted to heroin or another substance that is outright illegal. This false sense of security lowers the individual’s fear regarding the severity of alcohol addiction.

5. Everybody’s Doing It

Although DUIs seem to be happening much too casually, it is an extremely dangerous notion to drink and drive. While numerous celebrities and everyday citizens have done it (and gotten punished for it), this widespread phenomenon should not be taken lightly due to its uprising frequency. The notion of lemmings throwing themselves off cliffs because “everyone else is doing it” doesn’t change the fact that they are falling to their deaths together. A DUI in many ways is a life raft to a potentially fatal situation.

Whatever is the initial pull of drugs and alcohol, the truth to remember is that things are not always as they seem. Alcohol and other party drugs may be correlated with smiles but the alternative and more realistic outlook is an illustration of a car crash. Although the thrill of living on the edge may be fun and seemingly harmless, the “after pictures” are always a far more revealing outlook than the “before” shots.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, search our directory of treatment centers or call us at 800-772-8219 to inquire about types of recovery options available.

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