Drug Use

With so many myths surrounding drug use and abuse, it can be hard to discern fact from fiction.  But debunking the myths is the first step in understanding how dangerous, insidious and widespread the problems of drug use and abuse can be.

Common Drug Use and Abuse Myths

1. Education can prevent addiction
   While a good drug education program can certainly deter some people from trying drugs, education cannot completely prevent drug use and it certainly cannot prevent addiction. Once continued drug use takes place, a chemical addiction follows. This addiction is rooted in the brain and cannot be prevented by education.
2. Marijuana is not addictive
   This is a very popular myth, and it is completely unfounded. Marijuana is addictive both physically and psychologically. Marijuana affects the nervous system and creates a calm, relaxed state of mind that the drug's users hope to achieve time and time again.
3. When smoked, heroin drug use is not addictive
   If you have ever heard this myth, please don't believe it. Any form of heroin is addictive. The addictive properties of this drug have absolutely nothing to do with what form it is used in.
4. Drug use does not affect work habits
   This is definitely a drug use myth. The fact is The Department of Labor reports that drug use costs companies an average of $75 to $100 billion annually. Moreover, as much as sixty-five percent of on the job accidents are directly related to alcohol and drug use. Drug use is one of the biggest contributors to absenteeism, tardiness and decreased productivity in the workplace. 
5. Drug use does not have a direct effect on society
   Drug use costs society billions of dollars each year and is directly related to the expenses surrounding drug-related incarcerations, health care benefits, drug-related crime, loss of productivity and premature deaths.
6. All drugs are equally addictive
   Drug use does not affect everyone in the same way, and all drugs are not equally addicting. The addiction potential of any drug is related to the ability of the drug to affect the brain's pleasure center and the susceptibility of the individual. Drug use will not affect a teen in the same manner it will a grown man. Although many of the symptoms will be the same, the severity and dependence factor will certainly vary.
7. Drug use always leads to dependence
   Drug use commonly leads to dependence and addiction, but there are exceptions to every rule. There are a minority of people who abuse drugs (an at-will decision) for many years and never become chemically drug dependent.

If you or someone you love has a problem with drug use and abuse, Lakeview Health Systems can help. We are a full service alcohol and drug rehab center located in Jacksonville, Florida. Our licensed, accredited and nationally recognized facility has helped thousands of people from throughout the United States overcome their substance abuse and addiction problems. Let us help you too. Call our 24/7 toll-free helpline today at 1-800-708-4156 or complete the "Get Help Now" contact form for confidential help. Caring counselors are waiting to assist you and guide you on the path to long-term recovery.