Drug Use | Myths

There are many myths associated with drug use and abuse. Debunking these drug use myths is the first step in understanding how drug use affects society and how we can tackle the problems associated with it head-on. Below are just a few of the drug use myths that need to be understood.

Common Drug Use Myths

1. Education can prevent addiction

   While a good drug education program can certainly deter some people from trying drugs, education cannot completely prevent drug use and it certainly cannot prevent addiction. Once continued drug use takes place, a chemical addiction follows. This addiction is rooted in the brain and cannot be prevented by education.

2. Marijuana is not addictive

   This is a very popular drug use myth, and it is completely unfounded. Marijuana is addictive both physically and psychologically. Marijuana affects the nervous system and creates a calm, relaxed state of mind that the drug’s users hope to achieve time and time again.

3. When smoked, heroin drug use is not addictive

   If you have ever heard this drug use myth, please don’t believe it. Any form of heroin is addictive. The addictive properties of this drug have absolutely nothing to do with what form it is used in.

4. Drug use does not affect work habits

   This is definitely a drug use myth. The fact is The Department of Labor reports that drug use costs companies an average of $75 to $100 billion annually. Moreover, as much as sixty-five percent of on the job accidents are directly related to alcohol and drug use. Drug use is one of the biggest contributors to absenteeism, tardiness and decreased productivity in the workplace. 

5. Drug use does not have a direct affect on society

   Drug use costs society billions each year and is directly related to the expenses surrounding drug-related incarcerations, health care benefits, drug-related crime, loss of productivity and premature deaths.

6. All drugs are equally addictive

   Drug use does not affect everyone in the same way, and all drugs are not equally addicting. The addiction potential of any drug is related to the ability of the drug to affect the brain’s pleasure center and the susceptibility of the individual. Drug use will not affect a teen in the same manner it will a grown man. Although many of the symptoms will be the same, the severity and dependence factor will certainly vary.

7. Drug use always leads to dependence

   Drug use commonly leads to dependence, but there are exceptions to every rule. Drug use can lead to drug abuse and/or drug dependence, which are two different conditions. There are many drug users that abuse drugs (an at-will decision) for many years and never become chemically drug dependent.

If you have questions about drug use, abuse or dependence; or if you are looking for a support group or treatment program in your area, contact our toll-free confidential Helpline at1-800-943-0566. Our supportive staff is here to help you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Drug use and abuse affects people of all ages, genders and cultures. Unfortunately, each year drug abusers get younger and younger, and will continue to do so unless proper drug prevention programs are successfully implemented. In order to launch successful programs, it is necessary to identify the risk factors associated with drug use and abuse so that all of the issues can be addressed.

Drug Use Risk Factors

There are many known risk factors associated with drug use and abuse. They are divided into four categories: community, family, school and individual/peer.

Community Risks for Drug Use