Most people realize that rehab is a process that helps someone overcome addiction, but they know very little about what takes place in the facilities. Their knowledge about rehab is often based on what they saw in a movie. This lack of knowledge has helped create a significant number of misunderstood facts about drug rehab and caused some addicts to avoid getting the treatment they desperately need. Some of these misconceptions are surprising, given that there is an abundance of information that debunks all of them.
The Truth About Drug Rehab
In today’s drug-oriented world, it’s important for everyone to know the truth about drug rehab. In fact, more than 23 million people are living with substance use disorders, yet only about 10 percent of them receive proper treatment.
The prevalence of substance abuse and addiction in our country stresses the urgency of getting these individuals into a treatment program. With that in mind, the best way to make a difference is to clear up some of the misconceptions about rehab.
17 Misunderstood Facts About Drug Rehab
These misunderstood facts include:
- Rehab is only for rich and famous people.
While there are some luxury rehabs available, there are also many affordable treatment programs that offer financial arrangements.
- Only hardcore drug addicts need rehab.
Rehabs are designed to treat addictions that range from mild to severe. A person does not have to hit rock bottom or be addicted to heroin or meth before they need rehab.
- Rehab is for mentally ill addicts.
Most addictions are accompanied by a co-occurring disorder such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and others. These conditions must be addressed before the person can maintain sobriety.
- Rehab is boring.
Rehab programs today incorporate a variety of activities, classes, workshops, music and art therapy, and much more into the daily routine. The goal is to help a person avoid boredom and this, in turn, keeps their mind off drugs or alcohol.
- Religion is forced on you in rehab.
While many rehabs are based on a religious agenda, this is not the case in all of them. A person can choose secular programs that focus on a belief in a higher power that does not stipulate a specific deity.
- There is no privacy in rehab.
Depending on their financial situation or the insurance involved, a person can choose a rehab that offers private rooms.
- Rehab forces you to go “cold-turkey.”
Some rehabs offer medically assisted detox that helps a person manage the withdrawal symptoms with less intensity. Of course, there will be no access to the drug that was involved in the addiction, and this could be considered going “cold turkey.” The important thing is that the entire detox process is monitored by medical personnel.
- Rehab is for weak people.
Quite the contrary. It takes a great deal of strength and courage to admit that you need help for an addiction. It also takes strength to remain in the program for the duration.
- Rehab doesn’t work.
A Google search will show millions of testimonials from people who have been through rehab and are now living drug-free or alcohol-free lives.
- Being in rehab is like being in jail.
Although most rehabs have strict rules about patients coming and going as they please, it’s certainly not like being in jail. The goal of rehab is to provide a safe environment that promotes sobriety.
- Detox is enough.
Recovery from addiction is done in phases. Detox is only the first phase; it is not a cure for addiction. After detox, a rehabilitation program is needed to help a person learn coping skills that will prevent relapse. Once rehab is complete, the individual should seek continued support and guidance through an aftercare program.
- Rehabs get you hooked on other drugs.
Each rehab program is different in their methods of treatment. You can choose a drug-free treatment approach.
- I’ll get fired if I go to rehab.
A company can’t fire a person for being in treatment or substance use disorder. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals who work in government jobs or in private companies with 15 or more employees. If an employer gets federal funding, the Rehabilitation Act offers the same protection as the ADA. You can go to rehab and still keep your job.
- I don’t need rehab.
The only people who don’t need rehab are those who don’t abuse addictive substances. If you’ve ever tried to quit and failed, you know something didn’t work. That’s because you only addressed the physical part of the addiction. To find lasting recovery, you’ll need professional treatment that addresses the emotional, mental, and spiritual factors that are part of the reason for the drug use.
- Relapse means rehab failed.
Relapse does not indicate a failure on anyone’s part. In most cases, the person needs to spend a little more time in rehab, or make some changes in their environment that are presenting triggers.
- All rehabs are the same.
There are hundreds of addiction treatment programs that offer a variety of methodologies and amenities. Treatment providers understand that each addict is a unique individual who needs a personalized approach to treatment.
- Rehabs only want your money.
A rehabilitation center needs money to operate. They want to provide the best environment, treatment, nutrition, and education possible for their patients.
- samhsa.gov – Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
- medlineplus.gov – Rehabilitation
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