Identify some common misconceptions about addiction and discuss…

meymeyb Identify some common misconceptions about addiction and discuss…Identify some common misconceptions about addiction and discuss how awareness of these may affect your psychiatric nursing practice.Kunst, (2020) established that addiction is misconceived as completely curable and that addicts can quit whenever they want. This notion is untrue and harmful and can stop addicts from getting the desired support they need. To be able to help an addict, you must understand addiction.Addiction is a choice. Addicts cannot simply quit when they want to even if they tried hard enough. APA, (2023) stated that “addiction is a complex mental disease that changes the brain wiring and causes individual to make irrational decisions”. Addiction has the tendency of causing an individual unable to control their actions and behaviors as a result of chemical imbalances in the brain (APA, 2023).Addicts are always homeless and Poor: people always have the mindset that addicts are homeless and poor but that’s not always the case (Kunst, 2020). Some addicts have homes. Your neighbor or friend may be a drug addict. Many people may not reach out to their family and friends due to the shame and stigmatization associated with addiction (Kunst, 2020). The rich may be struggling with addiction more than the poor because they have the resources to get them at any time.Addicts are mostly men: There is no discrimination against addicts. It could be a man or a woman. Men and women are affected by drugs and alcohol in different ways (Kunst, 2020).Addicts are all criminals: there is a significant factor associated with drugs/alcohol and crimes but not all addicts are criminals (Kunst, 2020). Many addicts are professionals, meaning they can keep a job and complete their tasks properly (Kunst, 2020). Addicts could be a teacher, accountants, lawyers, and even health care professionals like nurses and doctors. A study has revealed that those who work in a very stressful profession may abuse alcohol and drugs more than other professionals (Kunst, 2020). These set of people are afraid to seek help because of the negative stigma that could impact their profession and personal lives (Kunst, 2020).Caregiver of an addict can be addictedI don’t need help because I haven’t had any problemDrug addiction awareness means telling people, and encouraging them to open up, and seek help. Addiction is a disease and can affect anyone from anywhere. As a psychiatric nurse, I would encourage anyone struggling with addiction to be comfortable seeking help. The first step in choosing to live better is by opening up.ScienceHealth ScienceNursing