Despite significant advances in acknowledging mental illness and the importance of mental health, numerous myths still persist. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (57.8 million in 2021). These myths perpetuate stigma and prevent some individuals from seeking the help they desperately need. In this blog post, we explore 10 common myths about addiction and mental health and provide the facts to debunk them.
Myth 1: Addiction is a Choice
Arguably, the most pervasive myth about addiction is that it is a conscious choice. Many people still believe that individuals with addiction problems simply lack willpower or moral character. However, addiction is not that simple. It’s a complex and chronic disease that affects the brain’s reward system. Addiction results from various biological and environmental factors, many of which are beyond the individual’s control. People struggling with addiction deserve compassion and understanding, not judgment. Telling someone suffering from addiction that it is their choice is not only inaccurate but also harmful.
Myth 2: The Likelihood of Suffering from Mental Health Issues is Slim
Contrary to popular belief, mental health issues are incredibly common. It’s estimated that more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults (57.8 million in 2021) are living with a mental illness. Mental health problems are non-discriminatory and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or background. There is a greater prevalence of mental health-related issues in lower socio-economic status areas due to a lack of access to adequate services. Unfortunately, treatment can be costly in many areas of the world, making mental health issues widespread.
Myth 3: Addiction and Mental Health Are Unrelated
Another common myth is that addiction and mental health issues are separate and unrelated conditions. In reality, there is a significant overlap between the two. Many people with addiction struggles also deal with co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, or bipolar disorder. This co-occurrence, known as dual diagnosis, complicates treatment and requires integrated care for effective recovery. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that more than half of individuals who experience a mental illness will also experience a substance use disorder and vice versa. Treating both conditions simultaneously offers the best chance for recovery, as addressing one issue without the other can lead to incomplete healing and potential relapse.
Myth 4: Addiction and Mental Health Issues Only Affect Weak People
Stigmatizing beliefs often lead people to think that those with addiction or mental health issues are weak or lacking in resilience, but this is far from the truth. Both addiction and mental health disorders are rooted in complex biological and environmental factors that are out of the person’s control. According to the American Psychological Association, resilience is not a trait that people either have or do not have. It involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned and developed. In fact, many individuals facing these challenges display incredible strength and resilience in their work towards recovery, often showing great perseverance and determination.
Myth 5: You Can Just “Snap Out of It”
The idea that someone can simply “snap out of” mental health issues if they try hard enough is a common yet toxic oversimplification. This disregards the severity of these conditions and the need for professional intervention. Mental health issues require treatment, therapy, medication, and support to manage effectively. Telling someone to “snap out of it” is damaging and dismissive, especially during a time when they need outside help the most. Recognizing the need for professional help and seeking it out is a crucial step toward recovery.
Myth 6: Addiction Is a Moral Failing
Similar to Myth 1, the belief that addiction is a moral failing is an outdated and harmful misconception. Addiction is a disease that affects the brain’s reward system, leading to compulsive drug or alcohol use that is not a conscious choice. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction is a chronic disease characterized by significant changes in brain function and behavior. Stereotyping addiction as a moral failing only perpetuates stigma and hinders efforts to provide adequate treatment and support for those in need. Particularly in religious contexts, this misconception can exacerbate a person’s mental health challenges by adding layers of guilt and shame.
Myth 7: Addiction Only Happens to “Bad” People
Some believe that addiction only affects those who are inherently “bad” or have troubled pasts. This myth overlooks the fact that addiction can impact anyone, regardless of their background or upbringing. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that addiction does not discriminate and can affect people from all walks of life, including highly successful and affluent individuals. Addiction is a medical condition influenced by various factors, including genetics, environment, and personal experiences. It is not a reflection of one’s character or morality.
Myth 8: You Can’t Recover from Addiction or Mental Health Issues
One of the most damaging myths is the belief that people with addiction or mental health issues cannot recover. The idea that they are permanently damaged or destined to struggle is harmful to both the person affected and their loved ones. Recovery is absolutely possible and achievable. Many people have successfully overcome addiction and managed their mental health conditions with the right support and treatment. Recovery may be challenging, but it is always possible with proper help and hard work.
Myth 9: Medication Is the Only Solution
While medication is a valuable part of treatment for some individuals with mental health issues, it is not the only solution. Treatment plans should be individualized and can include therapy, lifestyle changes, support from loved ones, and various coping strategies. Even severe mental illnesses can be treated with alternatives to medication if the situation calls for it. Medication is often used as a supplement to other forms of treatment, such as therapy.
Myth 10: Seeking Help Is a Sign of Weakness
The myth that seeking help for addiction or mental health issues is a sign of weakness discourages many from reaching out for support. In reality, seeking help is a sign of strength and self-awareness. Recognizing the need for help and taking steps to obtain it is an act of courage and an important part of the recovery process. It takes courage to acknowledge that you need assistance and to take proactive steps toward recovery. Embracing support from professionals, friends, and family is crucial in managing and overcoming these challenges.
Final Thoughts
Breaking down the myths surrounding addiction and mental health allows more people who need help to come forward. The fear of being judged or shamed for needing help is one of the biggest roadblocks to recovery. Especially because these myths are rooted in archaic thought processes, it is up to the younger generations to make conscious efforts to overthrow these ideas. Over time and with consistent effort, we can create change and eliminate these harmful myths once and for all.
We Can Help
The key to managing mental health and substance abuse issues is finding the right treatment center and support to help in your recovery journey.Â
MHThrive provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any mental health or substance abuse issues, New Dimensions can help. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you overcome these challenges and help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.
Online Treatment Programs provides Teletherapy Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs allowing participants to receive intensive therapy with our licensed therapists and psychiatrists without having to leave home.  If you or someone you know is struggling to overcome depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, panic attacks, PTSD, alcoholism, drug abuse, or other mental health or addiction issues, we can help.  To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our teletherapy programs, contact us at 1-800-685-9796.
References:
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Mental illness. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
Heyman, G. M. (2013). Addiction and choice: Theory and new data. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 4, 31. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00031
Moitra, M., Owens, S., Hailemariam, M., Wilson, K. S., Mensa-Kwao, A., Gonese, G., Kamamia, C. K., White, B., Young, D. M., & Collins, P. Y. (2023). Global mental health: Where we are and where we are going. Current Psychiatry Reports, 25(7), 301-311. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-023-01426-8
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021, April 13). Why is there comorbidity between substance use disorders and mental illnesses? Retrieved October 2, 2023, from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/why-there-comorbidity-between-substance-use-disorders-mental-illnesses
National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Mental illness. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Why is there comorbidity between substance use disorders and mental illnesses?. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/why-there-comorbidity-between-substance-use-disorders-mental-illnesses
American Psychological Association. (2020). Building your resilience. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2020). Mental health by the numbers. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/mhstats
American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2019). Definition of addiction. Retrieved from https://www.asam.org/quality-care/definition-of-addiction
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2019-nsduh-annual-national-report