Myths vs. evidence

Evidence: People change at many points. Earlier help usually means less harm, and waiting for a "bottom" can be dangerous — especially with opioids.

Evidence: Choice plays a role, but addiction involves lasting changes in brain systems for motivation and self-control.¹ Most people benefit from support.

Evidence: Medications for opioid use disorder reduce illicit use and overdose risk,² and FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder are not addictive.³

Evidence: Return of symptoms after treatment is comparable to other chronic illnesses and means care should be adjusted.⁴

Evidence: Motivation often grows during treatment. People who enter treatment under pressure can do as well as those who enter on their own.

Evidence: Twelve-step programs are well supported for alcohol use disorder,⁵ and other approaches — medication, therapy, other mutual-help groups — also work. Many people combine them.

Evidence: Behavioral treatments, especially contingency management, are effective, even though no medication is yet approved.⁶