One of the biggest obstacles when it comes to addiction recovery, according to Solutions Recovery Inc., a leading addiction treatment center in Las Vegas is the negative stigma that surrounds it.
That’s why Solutions Recovery Inc. hosts an ongoing education Lunch and Learn educational awareness event at its Wellness Campus.
Holly Davis, clinical professional counselor-intern for Solutions Recovery, uses these Lunch and Learns to discuss some of these myths and why they hinder the recovery process.
“It’s about combatting the stigma,” said Davis. “We’re seeing very few people suffering from symptoms of addiction seeking treatment. We need to teach these individuals how to advocate for themselves.”
There are many organizations that that aim to educate people about addiction and recovery Detox to Rehab has an expansive directory on substance abuse.
According to its website it goal is to “be the only place you need to go to find out everything you need to know regarding addiction and recovery. We’re not only here to be your encyclopedia, we can also help you to find the perfect place for you or your loved one to get clean and sober.”
Substance abuse is a growing problem, according to the CDC Heroin deaths are up 289 percent since 2002.
In many cases addiction is not limited to one substance in a study done by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), people who are alcoholics or addicted to alcohol are “18 times more likely to use other drugs like prescription drugs.”
However, many people still see addiction as a choice not a disease.
“Unfortunately, many individuals seeking addiction rehabilitation are hindered by the stigmas set aside by society,” said David Marlon, president of Solutions Recovery. “It’s imperative that we dissolve the predetermined misconceptions behind addiction and open the lines of communication to provide those seeking recovery access to the best help possible.”
This is why places like Solutions Recovery Inc. and Detox to Rehab have been putting in so much effort to curb the negative stigmas that surround addiction.
Detox to Rehab has multiple video series such as True Stories of Addiction and Phycology of Addiction that explain what recovery really is and how it effects the addicted persons brain.
“Addiction doesn’t discriminate between one individual over another,” said Marlon. “Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain and it does not differentiate between a person’s sex, culture, ethnicity or class.”