Busting Myths around Drug Addiction Treatment In Canada
Chances are you or someone you know have at least tried a drug once in their lifetime. People experiment with substances for a wide range of reasons, from curiosity, wanting to have a good time and peer pressure to improving physical performance or trying to cope with an underlying problem such as stress or depression.
When use becomes abuse however is when the situation becomes dangerous and life-threatening for the individual, their close ones and the wider society. According to the latest numbers available, about 2% of Canadians aged at least 15 years old have suffered harm following drug abuse and some 47,000 deaths in Canada are directly linked to substance misuse every year. As alarming as these numbers are, it’s even more distressing to learn that for the same period of time, over 4% of Canadians classify for substance use disorder, with only a fraction of them actually seeking appropriate treatment for their drug addiction.
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction has published the ‘Drug and Alcohol Treatment Guide’ in order help people who suffer from substance abuse and their loved ones learn more about what quality drug addiction treatment means and as well distinguish between facts and myths.
Everyone probably heard before that in order for the detox process and treatment to be successful, the user has to hit rock bottom. This couldn’t be more wrong and in reality, it’s quite the opposite. The earlier someone accesses treatment, the greater are the results and even the process can run smoother than it would for someone who has been abusing a drug for years and years.
Another popular myth dictates that there is only one type of drug addiction treatment that actually works. This is actually very far from reality and the reasons are obvious: everyone is unique and so are their needs and experiences. Drug addiction treatment should be customized, whether that means outpatient or inpatient services. The best course should be decided by a trained addiction expert who can accurately assess a person’s case and make the most appropriate recommendations.
It is also frequently believed that once someone has withdrawn from alcohol and other drugs, their treatment is complete. However, that is when the treatment process can actually begin. While there are various options for detox treatment, it cannot be stressed enough how important it is to understand that once an individual has quit a substance they have been addicted, particularly opioids or heroin, they lose their tolerance for it. Should they relapse and use the drug again in the same amount as before detox increases the risk of overdose which can have deadly consequences.
Dealing with addiction is never easy and recovering from drug abuse is more challenging than many could even imagine. The best thing to do if a loved one is going through something like this is to offer them unconditional support and understanding as hard as it is.
