Addiction is a topic that few people, outside of those who are living with it, really understand. There are a lot of misconceptions at every stage of the process, from struggling with addiction to entering recovery.
Visit any rehab clinic specialising in alcohol or drug help, and it will likely be different in many ways from what your perceptions are, from the treatment people receive to the complexities of a person’s condition.
When it comes to recovery, it isn’t, like many people think, just stopping a substance or behaviour. There’s far more to it than that, and many people in recovery wish that others had a clearer, more compassionate understanding of what it entails.
Here are five things people in recovery wish others would understand about addiction…
Addiction Is Not a Choice or Moral Failing
One of the most harmful misconceptions about addiction is the belief that it reflects weak character or poor self-control. People in recovery often emphasise that addiction is not something they chose lightly, nor is it a moral failing. It is a complex condition influenced by genetics, mental health, trauma and environment. While initial substance use may involve choice, addiction fundamentally alters brain chemistry, making stopping far more difficult than outsiders realise. Recovery requires immense courage, not shame.
Recovery Is Ongoing, Not a One-Time Event
Many assume that once someone completes treatment or stops using substances, they are “cured”. In reality, recovery is a lifelong process that requires continuous effort, self-awareness and support. Triggers, stress and unexpected life events can resurface old urges even after years of sobriety. People in recovery often wish others understood that staying well requires ongoing commitment, not perfection. Relapse, when it occurs, is not failure but a signal that additional support or adjustments are needed.
Addiction Affects the Whole Person, Not Just Behaviour
Addiction does not exist in isolation from emotional, psychological and social factors. People in recovery frequently wish others would recognise that substance use was often a coping mechanism rather than the root problem. Underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, grief or trauma often drive addictive behaviour. Recovery therefore, involves deep emotional work, rebuilding self-esteem and learning healthier ways to manage life’s challenges. Simply removing the substance does not address the full picture.
Shame and Stigma Make Recovery Harder
Judgement, labels and assumptions can significantly hinder recovery. People in recovery often carry deep shame about their past, reinforced by societal stigma and misunderstanding. Comments such as “Why can’t you just stop?” or “You seem fine now” can minimise the complexity of their experience. Compassion, patience and respectful language make a profound difference. Feeling accepted and understood reduces isolation and encourages honesty, which is essential for sustained recovery.
Support Means Listening, Not Fixing
Well-intentioned friends and family often want to offer solutions, advice or ultimatums. However, many people in recovery wish others understood that genuine support often means listening without judgment rather than trying to fix the problem. Recovery is deeply personal, and what works for one person may not work for another. Being present, respecting boundaries and acknowledging effort can be far more helpful than unsolicited advice or pressure.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
