You may have legitimate reasons why you think that drug rehabilitation isn’t suitable for you. However, your understanding of drug and alcohol rehabilitation may be inaccurate, and may have given you a false impression of what rehab actually involves.
Ultimately, only you can decide whether to seek help, but if you’re deciding that rehab is not for you without all the facts, you could be shortchanging yourself and missing a critical opportunity to get help.
At The Hader Clinic, we work with clients who have a range of addictions and issues. We wanted to take the time to go through some of the myths around rehabilitation so that when you decide to attend rehab, you make this decision with the right information.
If you want to know more about our rehabilitation programs, get in touch with The Hader Clinic. Our staff have seen every type of addiction and are happy to answer any questions.
The myth: All addicts are treated the same in rehab
The reality: Rehab centres understand that each person and their addiction is unique. The staff at drug rehab centres are trained at handling all different types of drug addiction and understand that helping patients to get off different drugs requires specific attention and techniques.
For example, some patients may require significant efforts for detoxing and withdrawal management. Others may benefit from yoga therapy, art therapy, and other holistic activities.
When a person enters rehab, they are assessed on a case by case basis. The treatment for every person varies in its form, but at The Hader Clinic there is a focus on five key elements:
- Physical which includes an initial detox and then staying well as you go through recovery;
- Psychological which includes sessions with a psychologist and counsellors who are trained in drug addiction and recovery;
- Emotional to help clients deal with feelings in a new way without using;
- Social where clients learn how to have fun and interact with people outside of drug use and addiction; and
- Spiritual — which is not religious recovery (another common myth) but is about finding a better relationship with yourself and a connection to the world around you.
The reality is that rehab is about finding a new way to live without addiction and rebuilding your sense of self. Rehab is going to look different for every person, and we tailor your recovery around what will work for you, instead of trying to make clients fit a certain program.
The myth: It doesn’t work. I know someone who entered rehab and then relapsed after release
The reality: Rehab treatment is proven to be highly effective in treating alcohol and drug abuse. If someone you know entered rehab and relapsed it does not mean that you will go through the same thing. It is important to note that rehab is not a magic cure-all, and you are required to approach rehab with dedication and commitment.
- There are a range of types of rehab options available and if one form of rehab did not work, it is worth trying again and fixing what went wrong.
- People who have relapsed may benefit from time as an outpatient with daily check-ins and ongoing monitoring; or might be worth committing to a stay as a resident.
- After residential treatment there is aftercare and relapse prevention, as well as transitional housing which can benefit people as they move back into the 'real world'.
While there’s no guarantee that rehab will work for everyone, people who genuinely want to turn their lives around can and do benefit significantly from treatment.
The myth: I can’t afford it. Rehab centres are too expensive
The reality: Attending rehab for treatment is expensive, because you are accessing professional help and resources on a daily basis for months at a time. The real question about the cost of rehab is whether you can afford to go without treatment and allow your life, career and relationships to suffer.
- The value of attending rehab is what needs to be considered, not the cost — especially when the alternative to treatment is ongoing addiction and harm.
- When it comes to paying for treatment there are options and payment plans out there to suit different budgets.
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Learn more about the costs associated with drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
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The myth: I don’t need rehab. I can do it by myself!
The reality: While it’s possible for you to quit and recover from addiction on your own, it takes tremendous willpower. Relapse is incredibly common in people looking to get off drugs or alcohol.
And while you could go it alone — the question is, do you want to if you don't have to?
- Drug rehab facilities give a recovering addict the accountability, support and advice that they need to truly break free of addiction.
- When you are in therapy, you have access to experts and therapists that will provide you with sustainable coping methods for the long-term.
Recovering from addiction is really not something that should be taken on alone because of the massive mental pressure and potential for relapse. You will benefit from and need support and care from professionals and loved ones.
The myth: I don’t need rehab. I have this under control. It’s not like I’ve hit rock bottom
The reality: Why wait until rock bottom? You are reading about rehab right now, which means you are aware at least in some way, that you may need professional help to get past your drug or alcohol use.
While you might be holding down a job, and your family may still together — things can get worse, and they often do with addiction. It is far better to address addiction in the early stages before things get really bad.
The myth: Rehab will cure me forever
The reality: Most people live long and happy lives after attending rehab, but the fact is that there’s no guaranteed ‘cure’ for any addiction. As with anything that is emotionally and physically difficult, recovery is going to take commitment, support, and ongoing vigilance. You will need to learn new ways of coping with life, and dealing with triggers and cues to use drugs or alcohol.
- It’s recommended that recovering patients create a support network to hold themselves accountable.
- A key part of attending rehab is the development of a support network.
Even after time spent as a resident or outpatient, there are ongoing supports in place to help clients who feel an urge to use or relapse.
