8 Common Myths and Misconceptions about Teen Heroin Rehab

It’s ironic that myths regarding drugs, particularly heroin, are still widespread in the Information Age. Some of these misconceptions are often touted as facts, which is concerning, to say the least. We have the technology to instantly receive and share information, and it is everyone’s responsibility to do so mindfully. We should collectively aim to stop misinformation, especially when it comes to things that might affect our lives significantly. In this article, we will bust the myths that are perpetuated about heroin nowadays.

Insufficient or misleading information might lead us to form our own facts. Some people are susceptible to believing others without verifying their statements for themselves. This becomes particularly alarming when this information is related to illicit drugs. For example, someone might stumble onto a website that says marijuana is not addictive and does not affect the human brain, yea…right…Make sure to tell this to all the teen marijuana treatment programs out there. They might believe it and suffer health consequences afterwards. We believe that a society that cares for each other is composed of people who value the integrity of the information they give and receive.

Myth 1: Once You Get Addicted to Heroin, There is No Hope for You

This assumption is baseless and it degrades the confidence of many drug addicts. Experts have proved that substance addiction is a disease that can be treated. Brain damage and other consequences can be mended with the help of medication, therapy, and other healthy activities.

Drugs might be made of several substances and induce different types of sensations, but they all affect the brain in a similar way. Some of these effects are changes in memory, mood, behavior, and basic motor skills such as speaking and walking.

The problem accentuates when teens are not aware of the significant consequences on their health, family, relationships, and education. With proper knowledge, they can be treated and guided towards better life decisions.

Myth 2: You Cannot Get Help for Teen Heroin Addiction

Teen drug abusers who do not know that there are institutions that offer medical and emotional support to addicts are not able to get help. They might also be afraid of being misunderstood and misdiagnosed. The good news is that several rehabilitation facilities out there can help those who are struggling with drug addiction, including heroin dependence.

Scientists and doctors have long endeavoured to develop teen drug treatment methods and medicines to deal with heroin addiction. For years, they have researched new technologies to boost the chances of a patient’s recovery. Getting into rehab, especially in Los Angeles, California, is now quick and easy, since these institutions have optimized their teenage patient admission processes.

Myth 3: You Have to Like the Treatment Process for it to be Effective

This is a misconception that even highly educated people still believe in. Truth is, almost every patient who undergoes treatment does not actually want medication in the first place. They are most likely ordered by the court to do so or urged by their family to seek help. They rarely enter rehab facilities on their own. Many of them are physically forced to do so in order to provide them with proper treatment.

What makes a patient get into rehab is high social pressure or the prospect of a penalty. Regardless of their feelings about the treatment, it will be as effective as it should. What the addict likes or dislikes during the treatment will not have a significant impact. However, emotional support will be needed so that the patient does not relapse.

Myth 4: Heroin Treatment Is a One Chance Opportunity

Many believe that the outcome of the patient’s first treatment is the definitive one. It is not true that drug addicted people can no longer be sober, or that brain damage cannot be reversed, if the initial treatment proved unsuccessful. Like any other illness, heroin addiction is a chronic disease, which will more likely last for more than a year.

There is always hope for any patient who was unable to recover on their first try. Treating heroin addiction will require ongoing medication and constant support from experts and family alike. This does not mean that once the patient finishes a recovery program, success or failure is set in stone. The patient may seek further help from other doctors and institutions if more treatment would improve their condition. Many patients battle with their addiction problems for years. Supporting them in their struggle, and letting them know that you always have their back, should be your aim.

Myth 5: The Heroin Era is Over

People oftentimes correlate the widespread use of drugs to an era. For example, drugs became a trend in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000. Heroin use became so popular during those decades that people think that it was a passing phenomenon. Unfortunately, heroin is still prevalent nowadays. Its production and trafficking have never stopped since then. In fact, it is getting worse now that the traffickers are finding better ways to transfer drugs to different states.

According to The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, they tallied that 948,000 Americans were actively using heroin in 2016. We are still seeing high numbers of teens who get addicted to heroin due to prescription opioid abuse. If you know an adolescent that needs teen opioid abuse treatment please get them help. Drug users now have better drug equipment that lets them take illicit substances more efficiently. The heroin era is far from over.

Myth 6: Teens Do Not Need Specialized Treatment; Any Rehab Will Do

Drug addiction problems can be symbolized by a padlock that requires a specific key to open it. A generalized treatment program for drug addict patients will be less effective since it is not tailored specifically for them. There are several treatment options available for your teen, and you must be resourceful and figure out which is the best one for your child.

Behavioural treatments, such as one-on-one counselling, is a common therapy procedure to negate the effects of drugs on your teen’s emotions. The aim is to induce better communication between the family members, solve problems, and clarify concerns. These counselling procedures can also be done in group, depending on the needs of the family and the patient.

Another important factor is proper medication, such as regular medicine for the patient. Some activities might require physical exercise, which could be individual or with a group. These are just some examples, and you should know that a combination of these procedures would be more effective than focusing on a single one.

Myth 7: You Can Use Heroin Occasionally; Drug Addiction is a Choice

Trying drugs for the first time might be a choice for some, but drug addiction is a disease. People often interchange the terms addiction and use, but they are two different things. Most people who initially try drugs have a choice on whether to use them or not. However, once they get used to them, they become highly addicted and their brains are damaged. That is when drug use is now an involuntary action. You cannot simply take drugs occasionally and think that it will not affect your brain. It will gradually take over you until you get addicted to it.

Myth 8: Heroin is Only Addictive if Injected

A highly addicted person usually mixes heroin with water and injects it with a needle or syringe. The fact is, no matter how heroin is used — smoked, snorted, injected — it is always highly addictive. As long as the drug makes its way into someone’s system, the effects will be the same, although the speed at which said effect is felt might vary. Some users also combine heroin with other toxic substances such as alcohol, which commonly leads to overdose and, in the worst scenario, death.

Proper knowledge will undoubtedly save lives in Los Angeles, California. It might deter someone who just learned about the effects and consequences of trying heroin. Heroin addiction is just another hurdle to overcome, and when medical experts and family join forces, a patient can hope to recover. If your child is having issues with drug addiction, please look into the different adolescent opiate addiction treatment program to get them the help they need.