Biggest Myths About Living Without Drugs

Addiction is a chronic disease that rewires the brain to prioritize substance use above all else. Despite the harmful consequences, addiction makes it difficult for those who are struggling to take the first step toward treatment. Many people with untreated addiction are unhappy with their substance use. They have progressed to the point where they are simply “maintaining” their daily routine of using drugs without the so-called benefits it may have once provided. Although they may inevitably face physical, mental, and financial problems due to their addiction, the idea of life without drugs can feel like a frightening and unfathomable alternative.

Many misconceptions about living without drugs perpetuate the substance misuse cycle, and these common myths keep people imprisoned by their addiction. While it’s natural to fear change, dispelling these mistruths can help individuals make the life-changing decision to enter substance use disorder treatment with high hopes for a better future.

Nothing will be fun again.

Drugs hijack the brain’s serotonin and dopamine levels, making the user dependent on substances to feel joy and eventually just to feel “normal.” Many fear that life without drugs will take the fun out of everything because they are used to being under the influence to function. Thankfully, neuroplasticity works both ways, and although drugs have rewired the brain to depend on substances, it can also rewire itself again—with time—to function without them.

No more social life.

Many people who are wrapped up in their substance misuse feel that their fellow drug-using friends are their only means of socializing—no one else really “gets” them. While under the influence, this may feel true, but once clarity prevails, it becomes evident that—in many cases—the only thing some friendships had in common was addiction. However, many relationships have survived addiction when both people have worked to recover together. Some friendships or romantic relationships become stronger than ever through the process. Everyone’s experience will be unique and dependent on their hard work and dedication to rebuilding their lives.

Personality will turn boring.

When drugs are central to a person’s daily life, they begin to feel their addiction defines them due to addiction’s all-consuming nature. People deeply entrenched in substance misuse often have a skewed perception of themselves, with drugs making them feel like they’re the life of the party, charming, comedic, enchanting, and so on. In reality, most people in recovery begin to realize their addiction-fueled personality was not the best version of themselves, and they are grateful to be working toward learning more about their true selves without the influence of mind-altering substances and the toxic social environment that revolves around drugs.

Never feeling relaxed again.

Current times can feel daunting with the constant barrage of alarming news cycles and challenging economic times. More and more people depend on casual substance misuse with alcohol or “recreational drugs” to help cope with these stressors and “let loose.” Despite society’s normalization of these activities for the average person, people with substance use disorders are often ill-equipped to deal with life’s difficulties without the help of their drug of choice. Thankfully, one of the pillars of addiction recovery is the development of healthy coping mechanisms that will make life easier to bear without the destruction and devastation of dangerous substances.

BAART treatment centers offer comprehensive outpatient programs that help those with substance use disorder get their lives back on track with the help of evidence-based methods and FDA-approved medications. Specialized medical providers, nursing staff, and substance use counselors work together to ensure each BAART patient has the best chance at success in addiction recovery. To learn more about the programs available, call or message your local BAART treatment center today.