Many people have preconceived ideas about what inpatient drug or alcohol treatment facilities are like. However, their ideas are often based on myths and misconceptions. It is essential to understand the truth about these facilities to alleviate any fears that may stop someone from getting the help they need.
Dispelling Myths
Let’s take a look at some of the most common myths and misconceptions about substance abuse inpatient facilities and dispel these mistruths.
1. You have to hit rock bottom before you can go to rehab.
Whatever you think rock bottom means, it can always change. It’s possible to think you are at rock bottom, only to find out that with continued substance abuse you sink even further down. You don’t have to wait until you are homeless, deep in debt, disowned by your family, or overdosed to seek help. The sooner a person begins treatment, the easier it will be to make progress in recovery.
2. You have to stop cold turkey.
Naturally, the reason you go to a treatment center is to stop abusing drugs or alcohol. However, you are not made to quit cold turkey. Physicians that specialize in addiction medicine, along with other trained professionals, use a variety of medications and techniques to make the process of withdrawal and early recovery as easy and safe as possible.
3. I’ll lose my job if I go to treatment.
If you are struggling with substance addiction, chances are your boss knows something is wrong. Both performance and productivity are negatively affected by alcohol and drug use. If it continues, you may lose your job.
Today’s employers know that although they can’t allow alcohol or drug abuse, it usually makes good economic sense to hold a job for an employee that is in treatment. Many people go into rehab as a condition for keeping their jobs. There are many employers that offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) for workers that are struggling with substance abuse.
4. You can’t force someone into treatment.
People often think that if a person does not voluntarily go into treatment it won’t be effective. The truth is, most people don’t want to go into treatment even when they know it is the best thing for them. There are many people that enter treatment after getting a lot of encouragement from family. It could be the result of an intervention from loved ones, legally mandated by court order, or from the threat of losing their job or family.
5. I can’t afford it.
Most treatment centers accept insurance. You can call and find out ahead of time how many days your insurance plan covers. If you do not have insurance, many recovery centers offer affordable cash payment plans. Some will also work with a sliding scale based on your income.
6. It will be weeks before I see my family.
Addiction is considered by many to be a family disease. It affects every family member and the entire family system. Statistics have shown that people with a substance use disorder have much more success at becoming sober and staying sober when their family members are involved in their treatment and recovery.
Today’s treatment centers, such as Canyon Vista Recovery Center in Mesa, Arizona, strongly encourage family members to take part in their family healing program. The goal of the program is to help family members understand addiction and the best way to support their loved one through the healing process. Family members are also provided with the resources they need to begin their personal journey of healing.
7. Once my treatment is completed, I will be cured.
Everyone wishes there was a “quick fix” that would permanently end drug or alcohol addiction. The truth is, there isn’t. Addiction to alcohol or drugs is a chronic disease. However, it can be managed with a lifelong commitment to recovery. The time spent in treatment provides the tools and a solid foundation for the process to begin.
8. All recovery centers are the same.
Some people believe that all inpatient treatment centers are virtually the same and use the same strategies and methods. The truth is, there are many different types of treatment practices and methods available. Each center has a different treatment philosophy. Because every program is unique, it is important that you find the one that works for you. Knowing what to look for is essential when choosing the best treatment center for you or a loved one.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, inpatient recovery centers have one of the lowest relapse rates and one of the highest success rates. Most of the people that take part in these programs say they feel they are better able to deal with the stressors of being sober than if they went through any other type of treatment. That is why it is important to put an end to the false beliefs that exist regarding residential recovery centers. Don’t let the myths and misconceptions of inpatient treatment facilities stop you from getting the help you need.
