Every young adult has heard a rumor at some point in time. Rumors get spread from person to person, and they may or may not be true. Sometimes rumors are complete misconceptions about something. Those misconceptions often get twisted and become even more false over time. There is no doubt that such myths exist about young adult drug abuse.
These myths may be so engrained in young adult society that they stop these individuals from seeking much needed addiction treatment. That’s why it’s important to address these young adult drug abuse myths and set the record straight, which we’ll do below:
Myth #1: You can’t become addicted to marijuana.
Many young adults are under the impression that marijuana is not addictive. However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (part of the National Institutes of Health) tells us that around 1 in 11 people who use marijuana become addicted to it. So while marijuana may not always lead to addiction, it is possible.
Myth #2: If I only smoke cigarettes once in awhile, I won’t become addicted.
Research shows that the majority of young adults who start smoking in their teenage years will become regular smokers (addicted) before they reach age 18. Smoking when you’re young can and often does lead to long-term addiction.
Myth #3: Smokeless tobacco doesn’t cause cancer.
Not true. Smokeless tobacco, such as chewing tobacco, can still cause oral cancers and increase risk of other types of cancer, too. It may not affect the lungs as much as smoking does, but it can still harm the body.
Myth #4: Even though I drink alcohol, my odds of becoming an alcoholic are low.
Actually, 4 in 10 people who start drinking before age 15 end up becoming alcoholics. That’s almost half of all young adults who drink before age 15. Alcoholism is an incredibly common addiction that affects thousands of people across the country, and the odds of it happening to young adults are higher than many people think.
Myth #5: Heroin and cocaine cause more overdose deaths than prescription drugs.
When used outside of a prescription, medications like Vicodin and OxyContin can be extremely dangerous. Since 2003, these two medications have caused more overdose deaths than heroin and cocaine combined.
Myth #6: Prescription drugs can’t be bad because they’re prescribed by doctors.
When used as directed and only by those for whom they are prescribed, prescription drugs do a lot of good. They can help ease symptoms of certain health conditions that make life challenging or painful. However, when someone else uses the prescription drug – and worse yet, they abuse it by taking more than directed – it can be bad. Getting high from prescription drugs is not the proper use and can therefore be harmful to the body.
Myth #7: “Bath salts” are only dangerous if snorted or injected.
Not true. No matter how bath salts are abused, they can put users at risk for overdose. These drugs can cause intense cravings similar to what methamphetamine users may experience, and they usually contain some type of stimulant drug along with other unknown ingredients. Bath salts are dangerous in every form – they send hundreds of people to the emergency room on a regular basis.
When it comes to drug abuse, don’t believe everything you hear. Check with substance abuse treatment professionals who know the signs of young adult drug abuse. Know the facts before making a decision about your need for young adult drug abuse treatment today.
