Drug and alcohol myths, debunked

Fact: Alcohol and substance use is problematic when it affects a person’s relational, occupational or mental functioning. People with a substance use disorder usually experience daily cravings. While some who have severe substance use disorders demonstrate overt behaviors, such as drinking or using substances daily and struggling with financial or legal problems, many fly under the radar.

Some people may hide their use out of shame or a desire to continue to use without scrutiny. Others may not have experienced difficulties at work but may be neglecting important activities to continue using. It’s important to look for any changes in a person’s behavior and identify whether they're due to alcohol or substance use.

Fact: Just because a doctor prescribes medication doesn't mean it's harmless. The reality is that prescription drugs, such as opiates and benzodiazepines, are highly addictive and can cause bigger problems than what they were initially prescribed to treat.

It's important to use these medications with caution, ask if there are any alternatives to taking them, and use them only as prescribed. People taking these medications should also pay attention to whether they are developing a tolerance or having an increased desire for a higher dosage than what's prescribed and talk with their doctor about a safe titration plan to help them slowly and safely adjust the dose over a period of time. And while we’re on the subject of tolerance and withdrawal, it’s vital to consult with a medical professional when deciding to stop alcohol use in order to mitigate life-threatening withdrawal effects.

Fact: While there are prescription fentanyl patches meant to be absorbed through the skin, accidentally coming into contact with fentanyl powder residue through a door handle or other surface is not known to be necessarily toxic. Overdose or fatality through this route of contact is highly improbable. Also, situations involving large amounts of fentanyl being put into the air, such as through terrorist attacks or law enforcement raids, are very rare occurrences.

However, it is important to not touch the eyes, mouth or nose after touching any surface possibly contaminated with fentanyl. Additionally, immediately wash hands and other affected skin with soap and water after a potential exposure.

Fact: In recovery programs, we address a phenomenon known as “cross-addiction,” which speaks to how easy it is to switch from one addictive behavior to another. People early in sobriety can find that while they are “dry” from their substance of choice, they are demonstrating an increase in other impulsive behaviors, such as spending money, eating or gambling.

Regardless of whether total abstinence is the goal, it’s important to have awareness about why we are continuously stuck in the cycle of engaging in maladaptive coping behaviors. Ask yourself or your loved one, “What are these behaviors covering up, and what separate consequences are they causing? Does it keep me in the mindset I was in when I was using?”

Fact: Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, is a mind-altering substance and creates changes in the brain with ongoing use. Habitual cannabis use can change the way your body adapts to sleep, experiences stress and tolerates pain.

While you can’t overdose on marijuana, the body certainly can build up a tolerance to it and react when you stop using it. Common withdrawal symptoms are increased irritability, anxiety, sleeplessness, restlessness and headaches. Depending on the severity and duration of the person’s use, these withdrawal symptoms typically subside, but it is recommended that you refer to a psychiatrist for direction and support.

Fact: While it certainly takes a lot of willpower to quit alcohol and substance use, it takes more than determination to maintain sobriety. Successful sobriety comes from intensive treatment, a network of sober support persons, regular recovery meeting attendance, and ongoing self-work. It can also require the use of special medications to keep someone from relapsing.

Addiction often takes some time to develop. So, it's important to understand that stability within recovery can take time and ongoing maintenance.