False “Facts” You’ve Heard About Rehab
With addiction becoming more common, especially with today’s opioid epidemic plaguing the Nation, more and more people are talking about substance abuse rehabilitation. There are many facts out there about treatment centers, some true, and some false. These false “facts” being talked about can be detrimental, especially to someone who needs substance abuse treatment. If they hear one or more of these myths, they may become wary of receive treatment, every day they do not get the help they need, is another day they may do something they cannot fix, or even overdose. It is important for those seeking recovery, and even their friends and families to know the truth about treatment and just how much it will improve the addict’s life. Here are some of the common false statements made about recovery treatment centers.
1. Rehab doesn’t work:
While drug addiction is a lifelong struggle, there are many people who leave rehab and lead long, healthy, and sober lives. An important thing to note is that not all treatment centers are the same. It is important to find one that is right for the addict. To make sure that they treat the patient in a personal manner, allowing them to be a part of their own recovery. Treatment centers that offer programs including; inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare typically see the best results with their patients. Any recovery center claiming 100% success, should cause suspicion. Treatment centers that specialize in dual-diagnosis and focus on treating the whole person and not just the addiction often have less cases of relapse. Going to rehab allows the patient the chance to withdraw safely from their substance, learn about their addiction and how to remain sober, receive treatment for mental health and their substance abuse, and learn tools that will help them live full and sober lives. Most people who try to quit their substance cold turkey or become sober on their own face dire consequences and often relapse.
2. Rehab is for celebrities:
We have all heard the stories about celebrities who have fallen victim to substances and gone off to expensive and elaborate recovery centers, but there are millions of ordinary every-day people who also need and use recovery treatment centers. While addiction treatment can seem expensive, using insurance, payment plans, and even scholarships can help pay for the treatment you need. Just because you are not famous does not mean your life isn’t worth saving. Most treatment centers can help you find ways of getting you the help you need.
3. Rehab means quitting cold-turkey:
Obviously the goal of recovery treatment is to stop abusing the substance and to remain sober. For many addicts, especially those addicted to alcohol and opiates, withdrawal is the worst part of being addicted and they often continue using simply to not feel these effects. However, in good treatment centers there are medically supervised detoxes. This helps ensure the safety of the patient and helps make them feel more comfortable throughout. There are certain medications that can be administered by medical staff to help recover from the addiction. Quitting cold-turkey on your own is dangerous.
4. All rehabs are the same:
There are many different forms of treatment methods. Any treatment center can use one or multiple. Some treatment centers offer different types of therapy, different residential treatments, and even new forms of therapy. There are also different locations of treatment centers, there are some in the mountains, on beaches, near home or far away. It is important to find the right treatment center for you. Some people find that by leaving their home state they have a better chance at recovery, while others want to be close to families. It is important to find a center that individualizes treatment so that you get exactly what you need.
5. You don’t need rehab you can do it on your own:
The first thing about this is the dangers of detoxing by yourself. There can be severe side effects during withdrawal that need to be monitored during this time. Many people who try to detox on their own just end up using again because they do not like the withdrawal symptoms, this can also lead to an overdose if they use the same amount of their substance as before as their bodies tolerance has dropped. Having a medically supervised detox ensures that you will make it through safely and feeling more comfortable than if doing it by yourself. Another important thing is that treatment is not simply being drug free but in fact you learn about your addiction, the reason behind it, and the tools to remain sober throughout treatment and thereafter. You receive expert treatment and advice as well as support that is vital to remain sober. If you feel like you or a loved one needs treatment for addiction it is important to have all the right facts about treatment centers. Do not believe or tell these myths to someone who is in need of treatment. It is important to talk to treatment centers to find out how they work and if they are a right fit for the patient.
