Todays Myths and Truths About Addition Within the
Today’s Myths and Truths About Addition
Within the last decade there have been advances in the application of neuroscience to addiction treatment as well as rapid expansion of addiction treatment centers and an increased focus on Evidence Based Treatment and Medication Assisted Treatment. In this climate of research and expansion, new myths, misunderstandings and marketing efforts need to be explored and addressed. This session will open conversation and look at some of the logical fallacies still influencing our beliefs and policies about the etiology, prevention and treatment of addiction.
The Disease Model Myth: Addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disease. Truth: “The disease model of addiction is not so much a myth as a political stretching of the disease concept beyond all recognition. ”
Medication Assisted Treatment Myth: If you use MATs, you’re not really in recovery Truth: There are many definitions and realities of people in recovery.
Trauma Informed Care Myth: Addicts all have had a lifetime of trauma and need trauma-informed care Truth: There are many paths into a person’s struggle with addiction.
More Myths and Truths § “Relapse is Part of Recovery” § You have to hit “Rock Bottom” before you are “Ready” § The War on Drugs is an effective deterrent to drug use § Drugs are inherently addiction – “One hit and you’re hooked”
References • Hammersley, R. , & Reid, M. (2002). Why the Pervasive Addiction Myth Is Still Believed. Addiction Research & Theory, 10(1), 7– 30. https: //doi-org. proxy 1. ncu. edu/10. 1080/16066350290001687 Hellman, M. , & Room, R. (2015). What’s the story on addiction? Popular myths in the USA and Finland. Critical Public Health, 25(5), 582– 598. https: //doi-org. proxy 1. ncu. edu/10. 1080/09581596. 2014. 926308 Fraser, S. (2015). A Thousand Contradictory Ways: Addiction, Neuroscience, and Expert Autobiography. Contemporary Drug Problems, 42(1), 38– 59. https: //doi-org. proxy 1. ncu. edu/10. 1177/0091450915570308 JUDGE MORRIS B. HOFFMAN , Second Judicial District (Denver), State of Colorado (April, 2017). EDITOR'S OBSERVATIONS: Drug Courts and the Myth of the Addict's Diseased Brain. Federal Sentencing Reporter, 29, 207. Retrieved from https: //advance-lexiscom. proxy 1. ncu. edu/api/document? collection=analytical-materials&id=urn: content. Item: 5 NG 6 -95 R 0 -003 R-00 MG-0000000&context=1516831. COOPER, A. (2017). HOOKED: Maia Szalavitz Debunks Myths About Addiction. Sun (Chapel Hill NC), (498), 6. Retrieved from https: //search-ebscohost-com. proxy 1. ncu. edu/login. aspx? direct=true&db=edb&AN=123382936&site=eds-live Maté, G. V. (2018). In the realm of hungry ghosts close encounters with addiction. Retrieved from https: //search-ebscohostcom. proxy 1. ncu. edu/login. aspx? direct=true&db=edsbvb&AN=edsbvb. BV 045207039&site=eds-live
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