There are numerous myths and stereotypical beliefs surrounding substance abuse, and these only contribute to greater misunderstanding, stereotypical taboo and prejudices as well as judgment towards those who suffer from the disease. Meanwhile, the realty is that addictions are one of the most difficult diseases to deal with and this is in part due to some of these mistaken beliefs. It is not a matter of weak character or simply something that will power, strength and determination can deal with. And interestingly, it takes more strength to admit our problem and to seek help and support for it than to deny, continue along until it becomes the irreversible chronic destructive disease that it ultimately will. Without treatment, addiction is one of those diseases that will just not go away on its own, always gets worse and can and will lead to death. This is just one of the important lessons you will learn at any one of the great drug rehab programs across the country.

In addition to the reality behind the disease and amount of damage it can cause one’s health, there are numerous other aspects of life that it can affect. In fact, chronic addiction will ultimately affect all areas of one’s life. This touches on one of the standard myths that addicts themselves believe and perpetuate. And that is the idea that addictions can be contained, managed and quartered. Many addicts will deny their problem as long as they can function in their jobs, meaning they arrive to work on time, usually, and can complete their tasks, and they will also try and hide it from family, friends, co-workers and anyone else in their life. They also believe that their use doesn’t affect anyone else, including their children, intimate partners and other family members.

While it is possible to hide your use from those around you, for a while, it is a tragic mistake to think and believe that your addiction won’t affect your loved ones and your relationship to them. Back to the idea of hiding the use for a while. It is possible to conceal your consumption, however, it will come out, eventually. And it will damage, destroy and otherwise negatively affect your relationships. These are the absolute outcomes, it is non negotiable and inevitable. Hiding your alcohol or drug use is only guaranteeing that the consequences will be that much greater down the road. You cannot hide it forever, anymore than you could hide any other progressive disease, and you’re only hurting yourself and others more to believe that you can. The same principle applies to your work and career. Before you or your loved one can effectively deal with their issue, solid information must be found, and myths dissolved before recovery can begin.