Debunking the Latest Drug Addiction Treatment Myths That Exist Today

10% of American adults will have drug use disorder at some point in their lives. And sadly, 75% won’t seek treatment.

Addiction is tough and you shouldn’t have to go through recovery on your own. But there are so many myths about drug addiction treatment that it might put you off.

The good news is, most of these rumors are unfounded. Below are some common drug addiction treatment myths and the truth about them so you feel better about going to rehab.

You Need to Hit Rock Bottom Before Going

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about rehab. If you feel like you’re ready to seek treatment, then, by all means, you should do it! Many rehab centers offer detox treatment, so you can cleanse your body of substances in a safe fashion before starting actual treatment.

If you’re the loved one of someone who’s struggling, this means you don’t have to wait until they’re at their very worst to suggest rehab to them. If you’re already worried, it’s a good idea to voice your concerns, even if they’re at the beginning stages of addiction. Sometimes, it takes their loved one’s perspective to realize they’re going down a slippery slope, which can then motivate them to seek treatment early on.

You’ll Swap One Addiction Out for Another

It’s common for rehabilitation centers to use medication-assisted treatment, especially for some heavier addictions. For example, with opioid addictions, patients will be prescribed FDA-approved medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone.

You might have concerns that these medications are just another way for you to succumb to addiction. But these are non-addictive medications, which means you won’t become dependent on them. And what’s great is they’ll curb your cravings for substances, which can keep you from relapsing and overdosing.

Rehab centers will have qualified and experienced medical professionals on staff. They’ll monitor you for the entire duration of treatment and will only prescribe medications when necessary.

There’s Access to Illicit Drugs in Rehab

You’ve probably heard that you have just as much access to illicit drugs in rehab as you would outside, or maybe even more. Admittedly, this might be true, but only at a few more disreputable facilities.

If you do your research and find the best drug rehabilitation center around, you won’t have to worry about this happening. They’ll have stringent policies and checks to ensure their environment is safe for recovery.

Rehabs Have a One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Addiction is a complicated matter; often, it involves past traumas that even the person isn’t aware of. Not only is it a disease, but addiction is also a form of self-medication for many.

Rehabilitation professionals know this, which is why every facility will have its own approaches. Not only that, but they’ll also tailor their programs to each individual’s needs for the best possible outcome.

For example, in addition to individual therapy, there’s also group therapy. On top of that are choices for alternative/holistic therapies, such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness, art therapy, and more. Some even have nutrition classes so people can learn how to take good care of their bodies once they go back to the real world.

Relapse Means Rehab’s Failed

It’s not uncommon to see people fall back into drug and alcohol abuse after they’ve been through rehab. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the treatment’s failed.

We’re only human, which means we make mistakes. And recovery is a road we’re always walking on; rehab isn’t just some magical light switch that makes us stop using substances forever.

The reality is, the temptation will always be there, even years after you’ve gotten sober. What’s important is that you utilize what you’ve learned in treatment to overcome these hurdles. If you stumble along the way, it’s ok, so long as you recognize your mistakes, forgive yourself, and learn from them.

It can even be beneficial to go to rehab multiple times. Trying out different centers can help you find the program that’s right for you, which will help you stay away from substance abuse.

Also, it’s important to find the right after-rehab treatment as well. If you don’t have a proper support system once you get out, it’ll be easy to relapse, especially if you’re in an unhealthy and/or toxic environment.

Rehab Is Too Expensive for Most People

Some of you may conjure up images of lavish beachside rehab centers in Los Angeles where celebrities go. Naturally, these treatment centers will cost a fortune.

But not all rehab facilities are like this. There are more modest centers that are affordable, especially if you choose outpatient rather than inpatient treatment.

Also, there are some government subsidized programs, so you won’t have to shoulder the entire price of treatment alone. In addition, there are free 12-step support groups, which are beneficial after you get out of rehab.

Drug Addiction Treatment Is Beneficial

As you can see, there are many drug addiction treatment myths floating around. You don’t need to hit rock bottom to seek help, and you won’t be trading one addiction for another either.

Most importantly, rehab facilities aren’t out of financial reach for most people. There are lots of affordable centers and even subsidized and free programs you can take advantage of.

So if you or a loved one’s been struggling with addiction, we hope this article’s made you feel better about going to rehab. It’s time to take action and start the road to recovery.

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