Nobody Ever Really Knows The Whole Story

Substance abusers are put under a big umbrella of misconceptions. These common misconceptions and stereotypes given to substance abusers are often times not true. It is important to remember that anyone can be subject to substance abuse and even rehab. Substance abusers aren’t always the party kids from Laguna Beach. Sometimes they can be the average family man who is going through a hard time.  

No Ambition 

One of the most common stereotypes given to substance abusers is that they have absolutely no ambition. Drug abusers are commonly described as “always high” or having “no life.” 

The truth is, most of the time when an individual is struggling with substance abuse before or during rehab, they want to be more than who they are... more than the lost partying kid from Laguna Beach that so many people cast them as. In most instances, these individuals want to be back to their old selves, or even an improved version of themselves. 

Adolescents

A common misconception people have about drug or alcohol abusers is that they are always teenagers or young adults. Many teens and young adults are at high risk for being exposed to drug use and drinking all over the world, from Laguna Beach to Europe. However, regardless of exposure, there are plenty of individuals in their 40s and 50s or even parents that are substance abusers. 

Criminal 

Being stereotyped as a criminal is something many substance abusers are used to by the time they are in rehab. Many people group poor decisions together when it comes to knowing of a dangerous or risky decision someone has made. They will assume that substance abusers steal from their family, or that their addiction has led to crime in order for them to get their fix. This is actually rarely the case.  

Most people struggling with addiction have no criminal record and have just hit a low point and feel dependent on a particular substance. Sometimes the only illegal act they are committing is abusing the drug, but oftentimes they are not simultaneously out robbing banks or committing murder. 

It is so important, especially in today’s day and age, that we do not stereotype people based on the few facts we know. Chances are, the substance abuser you are gossiping about is a lot more like you than you think. 

Jordan Lee  is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, a Content Marketing Agency. Information provided by Miramar Recovery Center.

*Image Credits: Wikimedia, Flickr.