By Barbara Pierce
Almost everything we think we know about addiction is wrong.
Whether it’s addiction to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, porn, most of us don’t really understand the nature of addiction.
As these common myths hurt families and make it harder for people to get well, we asked Colleen Callaghan-Kirkland, program administrator at the Center for Family Life and Recovery, Utica, the truth about them.
Myth: Addicts just don’t have enough willpower. If they were really motivated, they’d stop.
Reality: “Addiction isn’t a failure of willpower — it’s a chronic brain disease,” said Callaghan-Kirkland. “Drugs change the brain’s chemistry and function, particularly in areas responsible for decision-making, impulse control and motivation.”
Alcohol and other drugs can lead to profound changes in the brain.
“Over time, substances such as alcohol, opioids and stimulants rewire the brain, making it extremely difficult to quit. This is why treatment, support systems and medical interventions are often necessary for recovery,” she continued.
“Using substances floods the brain’s reward system with dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reinforcement,” she added.
Repeated substance use reduces the brain’s ability to produce dopamine naturally. This leads to compulsive substance use, not because a person wants to, but because their brain craves it.
Addiction changes the brain so that the person doesn’t have the ability to make good decisions, while sending powerful urges to take the drug or drink.
That’s why people keep using even when terrible things happen.
“The brain’s stress system becomes hyperactive, causing withdrawal symptoms and distress when not using,” Callaghan-Kirkland said. “The brain associates substance use with relief and reward, reinforcing the behavior even when it leads to negative consequences.”
Myth: Addicted people have to hit rock bottom before they can recover.
Reality: “This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions about addiction,” she added. “This suggests that someone struggling with substance use must lose everything — relationships, jobs, health — before they’re ready to seek help. In reality, waiting for rock bottom can be not only harmful but also deadly.
“Change can happen at any stage. Recovery doesn’t require complete devastation. People seek help for many reasons.”
“Instead of waiting for someone to hit their lowest point, we should focus on providing compassionate support, early intervention and accessible treatment options,” she added. “Recovery is possible at any stage and every step toward change matters.”
Myth: Going into rehab will fix the problem.
Reality: “Quitting is difficult,” stressed Callaghan-Kirkland. “Because addiction alters the function of the brain, simply deciding to stop is often not enough. People struggling with addiction may genuinely want to quit but find themselves trapped in a cycle of cravings, withdrawal and relapse. This is why professional treatment, peer support and medical interventions are necessary for successful recovery.”
“Treatment can be the first step toward wellness, but it’s often just the beginning,” she emphasized. “Many people need more than one treatment visit to get on a stable path to wellness. Staying well requires a long-term commitment to new coping skills and seeking the necessary support.
“Recovery is a lifelong process. Addiction is a chronic condition, not an acute illness. Addiction is not like an infection that can be cured with a single course of treatment. It is a chronic brain disease, similar to diabetes or hypertension, meaning it requires ongoing management. Completing a rehab program is just the beginning — long-term success often depends on aftercare, continued therapy, peer support and lifestyle changes.”
“Rehab provides a structured, controlled environment. Returning to everyday life means facing stress, triggers and old habits. Without ongoing support, relapse is more likely,” Callaghan-Kirkland explained. “Many people require multiple rehabs stays, therapy sessions or support groups to find what works best for them. Each attempt at recovery builds new coping skills and resilience.”
Getting well involves changing deeply embedded behaviors. This takes time and effort and sometimes results in setbacks or relapses.
“Try not to be too discouraged by a relapse, which is a recurrence of symptoms,” she said. Addiction is a chronic illness that takes lifelong management.”
Myth: Cold turkey withdrawal never killed anybody.
Reality: This is not a good idea, said Callaghan-Kirkland.
“For most people, this is not only extremely difficult but can be dangerous, because substances like alcohol, opioids and benzodiazepines cause physical dependence. Suddenly stopping can lead to withdrawal symptoms ranging from nausea and insomnia to seizures and life-threatening complications,” she said.
Also, addiction is not just physical; it has deep emotional and psychological components, she added. Quitting without support often leaves people without the tools to manage triggers, stress and underlying issues that contribute to substance use. Using the guidance and support of professionals leads to a safer, longer lasting recovery.
Myth: Prescriptions from a doctor are safe.
Reality: As you probably know, many substance abuse addictions begin with prescriptions for painkillers, many of which can be highly addictive. Even if are prescribed by your physician, these drugs pose a risk.
“CFLR offers family support to help loved ones of those struggling with addiction,” Callaghan-Kirkland said. “If you’re impacted by someone’s addiction, we’ll help you.”