Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, we are exposed to too many things, and addiction is one of them. It’s a disease and often needs medical intervention to cure addiction or substance abuse.
However, whether seeking help for the first time or already enrolled in rehab, people don’t have it easy when seeking medical help. Many social stigmas and the fear of judgment keep many people from seeking help.
But it’s perfectly normal to seek help if you are suffering from substance abuse and need help quitting. If some of the false information spread in society is stopping us from getting help, then we can help. This article breaks six myths about rehab, and you’ll be shocked to learn the truth behind them. Read on to know more.
Myth #1: Fear of Judgement
Stigma and fear have accumulated for decades over people seeking rehab to get over addiction. A major part of society has a perspective on addiction, seeing it as a normal failure.
But addiction isn’t a failure. It’s often stuck to people like a disease, who won’t get over it unless they seek help. People who suffer from substance abuse often feel that they are unworthy and undeserving of love. They also feel that if they attend rehab, their coworkers, family, and friends will forsake them.
Negative stigma circulating addiction treatment can cause more trouble for people who need help. In fact, a negative stigma around addiction treatment can cause deeper mental health problems for people who need help. But remember, stigmas are stigmas, and there’s no shame in asking for help when you know that you need it.
Myth #2. You must Hit Rock Bottom First
Rehab isn’t only for people who have hit rock bottom. People who are homeless, have gone bankrupt, are left alone, or are disowned by family tend to seek help from rehab. While it’s common for people in a severely difficult condition to seek rehab, there are other scenarios.
High-functioning, physically healthy, and sound people can also seek rehab if they are struggling with any type of addiction or substance abuse. In fact, many of them see tremendous improvement upon getting addiction treatment. Even if you haven’t hit rock bottom with addiction, you can still consider taking help from a rehab like Radix Recovery.
Myth #3: Rehab is Like Quitting Cold Turkey
No, rehab isn’t like quitting cold turkey. You don’t have to worry about withdrawal symptoms when getting help from a rehab. They have professional and trained nurses who understand the nature of different addictions. And they can help people find recovery in the most comfortable and efficient ways.
When someone is suffering from heavy drug abuse, they can prescribe drug detox to help recover with minimal side effects. Health professionals here often prescribe medications for withdrawal symptoms so that it doesn’t feel like quitting cold turkey.
Buprenorphine
This is a mild opioid with limited potential for abuse. It helps ease the withdrawal symptoms and pain related to opioid addiction.
Methadone
When dealing with heroin or more severe opioid addiction, Methadone also works as a good medical treatment for reducing withdrawal symptoms.
Naltrexone
Good for easing cravings and the effects of alcohol and opioids.
However, it’s best not to take any medication on your own and try to quit cold turkey. Rehabs with trained professionals to deal with these situations are always better for dealing with such health situations.
Myth #4: Rehab is Expensive
Yes, some drug addiction treatment centers are expensive. If you go to the inpatient centers, you’ll have to worry about whether you can afford it or not.
But the good news is – most rehabs aren’t too expensive. Several rehabs with options are available for people who need to gather money for payment.
Several insurance plans are there to cover most or the entire cost regarding addiction or substance abuse recovery. Also, some programs also offer flexible payment options and reduced payment models depending on financial needs.
In addition, numerous government plans and NGO programs help people by providing grants or financial aid. If you think you cannot afford treatment, it’s best to contact the treatment provider. They often introduce several payment options to people who need financial aid for recovery.
Myth #5: You’ll Lose Your Job
Here’s another common myth related to rehab: people often think that they have to lose their jobs if they seek medical help for addiction. The employer of any company has the authority to fire any employees in the United States. But it’s a misconception if you think that your employer will fire you if you must visit the rehab.
First, always remember that there are two different pieces of legislation to protect workers if they ever struggle with addiction and need help. The first one of those legislations is the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act). It was passed in 1993. It provides close to 12 weeks of unpaid and non-reimbursable leave. However, it only applies to qualified individuals who meet the criteria.
This also applies to people who need time off from work to help their loved ones get rid of addiction. ADA, or the Americans with Disabilities Act, passed in 1990, also protects individuals by stopping employers from taking part in discriminating behaviors. One of those behaviors also includes firing employees for attending rehab.
Myth #6: Rehab Is Like Jail
There’s another wrong information, and an unfortunate myth about rehab is that it treats you like you are in jail. It’s often visible in popular media and in movies. Rehabs aren’t solitary and frightening. There’s always a hint of prison associated with rehab. However, that’s far from the reality people see in rehab.
Don’t let the false depiction of rehab stop you from getting the much-needed treatment if you are suffering from substance abuse. For some people, they have to join rehab due to a court order. But most people join rehab because they want a better life.
Conclusion
It’s important to first get rid of the fear of judgment. But it’s easier said than done. If you want to recover from substance abuse, start by seeking help from people around you. Ask people who won’t judge you and help you cope.
You’ll find many support groups helping you cope with your situation and guide you on your road to recovery.