District Administration, Peren
PSYCHOLOGICAL MYTHS | |
Myths | Facts |
Drugs increase creativity and makes the user more imaginative | Drugs change the user’s perception of surroundings and alters the integration of sensory stimuli. They also decrease the ability of the user to appreciate cause and effect, and to organize, categorize and differentiate the constituents of the conscious experience |
Drugs increase creativity and make the user more imaginative Drugs sharpen one’s thinking and lead to greater concentration. | Drugs induce dullness and adversely affect normal functioning of the body and mind.
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Once you’re addicted, there is no hope for you | With the help of treatment and medication, one can distance himself/herself from substances |
Marijuana isn’t addictive | Around 1 in 11 people who use marijuana can become addicted. |
Nothing happens if you take drugs in small quantities | The truth is that different drugs do different things. They all affect the brain—that’s why drugs make you feel high, low, speeded up, slowed down, or hallucinate. |
SOCIAL MYTHS | |
People who use drugs can’t change. More thananything else, drug addiction is a character flaw. | Change is always possible with the right treatment and continued support, provided the person is willing to seek help. |
Drug addiction can’t be cured. | Addiction to any substance is a chronic brain disease that can be managed with counseling and medication, but relapse is always possible. Caring, competent clinicians and loved ones can help maintain long-term sobriety. |
Most of the addicts get their first drug from a peddler or a pusher. Substance users do not receive sufficient punishment. | Most of the addicts get their drug from friends or even at home. People with substance dependence are among the most marginalized in societies and are in need of treatment and care. |
Drinking isn’t all that Dangerous | Among college students, alcohol contributes to deaths, unintentional injuries, assaults, sexual assaults or date rapes, and poor academic performance |
ECONOMIC MYTHS | |
Substance abuse is a problem only in the lower-income or socioeconomic layers of society. | Substance abuse and addiction are societal issues. From urban centers to the suburbs to rural areas, no one is exempt from the impact of substance abuse. |
Drug addicts are homeless, unemployed, or basically losers. | Anyone can get addicted to drugs, including doctors, lawyers, and teachers. |
It's not worthwhile to invest in the treatment of individuals who have drug dependence. | Investing in evidence-based treatment for substance dependence decreases negative health consequences and social effects. Treatment has proven to be cost-effective in both developed and developing countries. |
Drug and alcohol related problems only affect individuals in developed countries. | There is strong evidence showing an increase in drug-related problems in developing countries with a significant impact on mortality, disease and injury. |
Rehabilitation doesn’t work for everyone. It is a waste of time and money. | It is true that it takes time to recover from addiction, especially for someone who has been abusing substances for a long time. It takes time for the brain to re-adjust and make lifestyle changes to avoid drugs. But eventually, the perseverance pays off and the treatment helps people in quitting drugs — it might take several rounds of treatment, but things improve for the better. |
There is already enough research for policymaking on drug and alcohol-related problems, there is no need for more. | More research is necessary to develop new treatments and preventive strategies, support services and to understand the associations between substance dependence and other risky behaviors. |
Social Media Campaign on Drug Abuse under the initiative of District Level Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan Committee, Peren.
