Addiction Myths Busted: Supporting Loved Ones Through Addiction

“Why can’t I stop?” 

“Why can’t they stop?” 

“Isn’t addiction just a choice?” 

Many people believe that addiction is a choice. In fact, it’s not that simple. Whether you struggle with addiction or care about someone who does, it can be hard to understand the brain chemistry around this disease. It can be even more confusing and painful for families and loved ones who are trying to grasp the uncontrollable “ups and downs” of the addiction and recovery journey. Those closest to the person suffering from addiction will sometimes feel the same pain, powerlessness, and frustration.  

How it starts 

Addiction is a chronic disease involving the brain and many other aspects of one’s life. People living with a substance use disorder will often say, “I never woke up and thought to myself, ‘I want this substance to control my life’.”  Instead, the person with an addiction has a physical or emotional need that the substance fulfills at least for a period of time. After repeated substance use, the benefit fades, and the individual needs more of the substance to feel normal.  

Getting Help 

Recognizing and accepting that one has a substance use disorder can take years and comes with many difficult emotions including shame, guilt, and hopelessness. Deciding to face these emotions and change behaviors is a lifelong journey. As with any journey, there are steep climbs and hard falls, moments of victory, and periods of defeat. The definition of success changes as time passes and one’s vision becomes clearer. Sadly, this journey often begins alone, but with time, as the individual allows, others join in and provide the crucial support that is needed for the long haul.  

Staying Sober 

There is no quick fix for addiction. There is no pill or guarantee that someone’s sobriety will last. The recovery process is always changing. Recovery can be beautiful, inspiring, and empowering. It can also be dark, heartbreaking, and confusing. 

So, when will the change happen? When will the journey become one of happiness and hope, instead of sadness and despair? No one, not even the individual with the addiction or substance use disorder, knows the answers to these questions. What we do know is that there are people and places that truly understand this chronic disease and dedicate their lives to supporting individuals when they are ready. At The Center for Recovery Management, we witness remarkable resiliency, transformations, and achievements every day. We know with absolute certainty that everyone can live a meaningful life filled with hope, gratitude, joy, and optimism.  

Be the light 

As recovery professionals, we hold a light in the darkness for those who have not yet found their way. We meet people where they are in their journey because we know that there is hope for every individual who suffers from this disease. We know that every single person deserves another chance, and that sometimes, one more chance is all that it takes to change a life forever.  

Some of the most beautiful journeys of recovery started with the smallest glimmer of hope in a time of darkness. We hope that you too will light the way for someone you love who chooses to believe in themselves again.  

Jill MacGregor, APRN, is a board-certified nurse practitioner at Center for Recovery Management at Nashua.  








 

 Kathleen Visalli, RN practices at Center for Recovery Management at Nashua.