Frequently Asked Questions
Common Misconceptions About Addiction:
Do addicts have a good time? Aren’t they just stupid or lazy? Isn’t their basic problem a lack of willpower? Are 12-Step programs an easy con or a cult? If someone can quit drinking or using drugs intermittently, isn’t that proof they’re not addicted? Don’t addicts have to want help? Isn’t punishment the best way to force them to quit?
What About Personal Responsibility?
Listening to countless speakers at AA meetings made me question my assumption that drug addicts — starting with me — were only getting what we deserved. No one held a gun to our heads and made us take drugs. We did them voluntarily, enthusiastically. Didn’t we bear the blame for our descent into dereliction? I felt that I did, that I caused my metamorphosis into an incorrigible drunk. But it’s not that simple. Some people are genetically pre-disposed to addiction.
Did you come up with the misconception questions ? try researching more info with addictions, heroin after one use can cause withdrawals and leave u with a strong want too use again but at this point its just a want, 3 weeks of use want turns into “need”. cocain even if user has signs of addiction, with cocain it takes 5-8 years before brain transfers it from want to need or for fun or to feel normal.
Thanks for your comment (and sorry for the delay in responding). Yes, I came up with the misconception questions. I’m interested in what you say, can you refer me to any studies that discuss how long it takes from using drugs for fun to using them addictively?