THE MYTH (Part one of three)
People have some odd notions about drugs, drug use,and what can be done about the problem. I'm going to be brutally straight forward in discussing the myth, the reality, and the fix. No statistics, no fancy theories, just some thoughts, observations, and feelings from 20 years of experience.
MYTH: When people think of drugs, they usually are referring to cocaine (crack), methamphetamine (meth), and/or cannabis (pot, grass, weed marijuana). The fact of the matter is, alcohol, nicotine, and prescription drugs are the most used and abused in America. The primary reason for this is that they are legal, making them more widely available. Often, prescription drugs are sold on the street, having been acquired in a legal manner with a doctors prescription. Combined, the these three cause enormous problems for our society. A good argument against legalizing drugs.
MYTH: "Cannabis is a 'gateway drug'." This is something of a half-truth. If you're looking for the major "gateway drugs," look no further than cigarettes and alcohol. People usually start their drug careers using one or both. The research is split concerning cannabis being a "gateway" to more potent drugs. It would appear to be about a 50/50 argument, with half the studies saying, maybe cannabis users will move on to other drugs, and half stating, no, cannabis users are content to stay with cannabis.
MYTH: "I can use just a little bit of a drug, to help get over the rough times." It in all likelihood won't happen that way. If you are using a drug in a habitual manner, whatever drug, you will most likely not be able to control it. It will eventually control you. It generally speaking always happens that way.
MYTH: "Anyone who is dependent on a drug should be written off as a no good druggie who will never get over it." I heard that line during my entire career, sometimes from people you would think should know better. People can get over abusive and dependent use. I've seen many smokers, drinks, and drug users quit. BUT IT'S NOT EASY. The best combination, and most successful one, is treatment and a support group. No magic, no frills, and a success rate, for long-term abstinence, of probably around 25%. Any program that claims otherwise is not using long-term abstinence as their criteria for success. That's how hard it is. One has to realize that quitting is not an event, it is a process. A person may need 2 or 5 or 10 treatment episodes before it sticks. Relapses are always a possibility.The object is not to beat yourself up, or the addict, if they relapse, but to help them get back to abstinence as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, today, money rules. Treatment can be costly, and nobody wants to pay, particularly for repeat treatment events. Today's political and economic climate dictates that it is easier to put a person in jail or prison than it is to help them get over their addiction. This has been one of the greatest failures of our society and health-care system.
MYTH: "Forcing people into treatment is wrong." Forcing people into treatment is hard on the person, the family, and the counselor, but due to the nature of addiction, it is a necessary evil. Very few people voluntarily enter drug treatment. We're too proud, too sure we can beat it on our own. We don't like to look at our weaknesses, and on top of that, the drugs screw up our thinking. The first treatment episode can be thought of as an introduction to living a drug free life. Little headway may be made, but the point is, it's a start. Without this start, there will likely be one of three outcomes: insanity, prison, and/or death. Remember, recovery is a lifetime process, requiring lifestyle changes and ongoing support. Entering it with anything less of a commitment will almost always guarantee failure.
MYTH: "All counselors and programs are the same." This is obviously not true. Like doctors or lawyers or carpenters, some are better than others. The level of competence one rises to depends mainly on the initiative of the counselor. Experience is the best teacher, but young counselors have to start somewhere. The key is to have a good supervisory system in place, utilizing your most experienced counselors as teachers, and mentors. Unfortunately, today, in many programs, that key element is missing. The focus has turning to how may people you can see in an eight hour period, not how good of a job you may be doing, or what you can teach the younger, less experienced counselors. No one wants to pay for those things. Like recovery, building a competent and caring staff requires nurturing, commitment, and guidance. So when looking around for a program, look for continuity, dedication, and today's new ingredient, a fair price.
That's some of the myths I have heard along the way. There are many others. Not everyone will agree with how I've answered some of them. That's fine. The point is not so much to agree with what it is I've said as it is to think about it. Exposing the myths will prepare us to better deal with The Reality.
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