Substance use and addiction is something many people have been touched by, either personally or through someone they love. It’s also a topic surrounded by assumptions, and those assumptions shape how we see ourselves and others. Myths can add shame, keep people from reaching out, and even put safety at risk. Below, we look at four common beliefs about addiction, sort fact from myth, and explain what’s actually happening underneath. Understanding addiction more clearly is one of the first steps toward meeting it with compassion rather than judgment.
All addictions involve substance use
MYTH
When we think of addictions, we usually think of using substances in a manner that is out of control. But there are many types of addictions that are behavioural in nature. For example, video games, shopping, gambling, and the internet are all forms of behavioural addictions that do not involve substances. Behavioural addictions work in similar ways to substance related addictions, meaning that the reward pathways in the brain are activated, giving us that good feeling that encourages us to continue to do that thing over and over.
An individual’s tolerance can change over time
FACT
An individual’s tolerance to a particular substance can increase and decrease over time, depending on a number of factors. For example, if an individual has not used their substance of choice or tries a new substance, their tolerance will be lower. This decrease in tolerance is because the body has not adapted to the substance yet; the body likes to stay in a stable state and will naturally make adaptations depending on what is put in and taken out to remain stable. So, if the body has not been adapting to the substance, the substance will have a greater effect when it is re-introduced. This is also why overdose risk is higher after a period of abstinence.
Addicts can never change
MYTH
Although addiction is a disease that alters the chemistry of the brain, it is possible for individuals experiencing addiction to change. By addressing the changes that occur in the brain during addiction, an individual can begin to rewire their brain and change their dependency and behaviour. By this understanding, addiction is not a moral failure, but a physical and mental health issue that requires empathy and support.
Individuals with mental health concerns are more likely to experience addiction
FACT
Addiction and mental health are closely linked together with individuals experiencing mental health concerns being two times more likely to also experience a substance use related concern (CAMH, n.d.). As mentioned above, addiction triggers the reward pathway in the brain, offering the individual a moment of a good feeling. This is why substances and other addictive behaviours are often used as coping mechanisms in those with mental health concerns that negatively impact their ability to feel good.
As this discussion demonstrates, substance use and addiction are more complex than they often appear. They aren’t limited to substances, and they are closely connected with mental health. Most importantly, change is possible. Addiction is a health concern, not a moral failure, and it deserves the same care and support as any other. If you or someone close to you is struggling, you don’t have to work through it alone. Reaching out is a meaningful place to start.
Reference
https://www.camh.ca/en/driving-change/the-crisis-is-real/mental-health-statistics
