Making the decision to seek professional help for a substance use disorder is difficult, especially when you don’t know what to expect. You may have seen television shows or movies that depict addiction treatment a certain way; you may have friends who have been to rehab, or you may have read a book or an article that describes the recovery process in detail. Believe it or not, putting too much faith in what you think you know might actually prevent you from seeking the help you need. We have compiled a list of 10 common addiction treatment myths coupled with the facts.
At Guardian Recovery we hope to answer common questions about addiction treatment so those who are considering recovery feel better-informed and confident in their decision to reach out for help. We encourage you to do some research before making any major decisions. Contact us at any point for more information on the addiction treatment process or to get started on the road to recovery.
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Myth #1: Addiction Treatment Doesn’t Work.
Fact: It Does Work.
Addiction treatment is about more than providing people with the tools they need to stay sober. When a person commits to treatment they are equipped with all of the life skills and healthy coping mechanisms necessary to succeed in all areas of their life. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states, “According to research that tracks individuals in treatment over extended periods, most people who get into and remain in treatment stop using drugs, decrease their criminal activity, and improve their occupational, social, and psychological functioning.” As is the case with all other areas of life, you will get out of treatment exactly what you put into it. If you receive intensive treatment and remain diligent about your aftercare program, there is a better chance you will maintain sobriety.
Myth #2: Addiction Treatment is Expensive.
Fact: Insurance Often Covers Treatment.
If you are currently insured through a major regional or national health insurance provider, there is a good chance some or all of your treatment will be covered, either partially or in full. At Guardian Recovery we work with regional health insurance providers in Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Florida and Colorado, as well as most major national providers. We offer free, no obligation insurance benefit check, which can easily be completed over the phone in a matter of minutes. In addition to insurance coverage options, we offer self-pay and private pay for those who are underinsured or entirely uninsured.
Myth #3: Addiction Treatment is Boring.
Fact: Addiction Treatment is a Pretty Good Time.
It’s true! Addiction treatment can be as fun as you make it. If you go in with a positive attitude you will undeniably experience a positive outcome. Many of our clients are surprised by how much fun they have in early recovery. They make new friends, participate in a range of fun sober activities and begin to remember what truly makes life worth living. Of course, committing to a program of recovery is a lot of hard work — but the work is rewarding because hard work pays off.
Myth #4: Addiction Treatment Lasts for 30 Days.
Fact: The Length of Treatment Depends on the Individual.
At Guardian Recovery we typically recommend a full continuum of addiction treatment, which looks like:
- Medically Detox
- Residential Inpatient Treatment
- Partial Hospitalization
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment
- Sober Living and Aftercare
Because addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all process, the length of your stay in each level of care is tailored to meet your personal needs. For example, one client might stay in detox for two full weeks as they undergo withdrawal, while another might be deemed physically stabilized within three days. One client might stay in residential rehab for 90 while working through a severe addictive disorder and an underlying mental illness, while another client stays for 30 days before transitioning to IOP. Your treatment team helps determine which length of stay will most benefit you.
Myth #5: Addiction Treatment Programs Are Religious.
Fact: Addiction Recovery Has Spiritual Components.
There is a major distinction between religion and spirituality. Spirituality is an individual practice, and it focuses more on holistic health and developing a sense of inner peace and purpose. Religion, on the other hand, concerns a pre-existing set of organized and stringent beliefs. Why is spirituality important to recovery? Most people who have struggled with addiction have broken spirits — they come to treatment as hollow shells of their former selves. Rebuilding the spirit helps clients stay sober and rediscover the joys of day-to-day living.
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Myth #6: Addiction Treatment is for Weak People.
Fact: Facing Your Addiction Takes Unbelievable Strength.
Asking for help isn’t easy. Facing your addiction means humbling yourself and admitting to yourself and to others that you can’t do it on your own. Some people might equate asking for help with weakness, when in reality, reaching out is one of the most courageous things a person can do. When it comes to addiction it is nearly impossible to thoroughly heal without the help and guidance of experienced professionals. Taking the initiative to better yourself — no matter what it takes — is extremely admirable.
Myth #7: I’ll Lose My Job if I Attend Addiction Treatment.
Fact: There Are Laws in Place to Prevent Job Loss.
Many people fail to seek treatment simply because they are concerned about potentially losing their careers or facing scrutiny from their superiors or co-workers. There are laws in place to protect your job while you seek addiction treatment, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This specific law protects employees who are seeking treatment for addiction, seeing as substance abuse disorders are considered serious health conditions. If you would like to learn more about the process of using FMLA leave for addiction treatment, contact us today.
Myth #8: Addiction Treatment is for Severe Addictions.
Fact: Addiction Treatment Benefits Anyone with a Substance Use Problem.
Say there is a person who just experienced the loss of a loved one. Rather than allow themselves time to grieve and seek support, they turned to alcohol as a way to cope. They drank every evening for two months before recognizing their alcohol use had become a problem. Someone in this situation would not be required to attend inpatient rehab for three months; they might benefit just as much from a three month stay in outpatient treatment. A person who has been struggling with a life-threatening heroin addiction for years, however, might benefit more from a more intensive treatment program. No matter where you are on the spectrum, addiction treatment can benefit you immensely while preventing things from getting worse. Addiction is a chronic and progressive condition, meaning symptoms become more severe the longer they are left untreated.
Myth #9: Everyone Will Judge Me if I Go to Rehab.
Fact: Anonymity is Part of Recovery.
At Guardian Recovery we prioritize confidentiality and we are Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant, meaning we never share personal information. Your experience with addiction recovery is as public or private as you want it to be. If you feel comfortable talking to your friends and family members about your experiences, you are more than welcome to do so. If you want your recovery to stay private no one needs to know. It is all in your hands.
Myth #10: If You Go to Rehab You Won’t Relapse.
Fact: If You Stick to Your Aftercare Plan, Your Risk of Relapse is Reduced Significantly.
Receiving treatment facilitates the healing process and equips you with the tools you need to maintain sobriety. However, it is up to you to stay the course once treatment concludes. Before you leave treatment you will be given a detailed and personalized aftercare plan, which might include any combination of the following:
- A continuation of individual, group and/or family therapy.
- Regular attendance and participation in a recovery program (like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous).
- Continued psychiatric care (for those with dual diagnosis disorders).
- Regular participation in a holistic practice of your choosing, like mindfulness meditation or yoga therapy.
- Continued self-care by way of daily exercise, adequate nutrition and getting enough sleep on a nightly basis.
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When choosing a drug and alcohol addiction treatment program, look for a treatment center that takes all of the steps necessary to ensure each and every client is receiving the most individualized and effective care available. At Guardian Recovery we offer a full continuum of clinical care developed by a licensed, compassionate and highly experienced team of substance use and mental health professionals. If you or someone you love is in need of professional treatment but is unsure of what steps to take initially, we are available to help. The moment you reach out you will be put in touch with one of our experienced Treatment Advisors who will be ready to walk you through our simple admissions process, provide a free, no obligation insurance benefit check and answer any questions you might have about the early recovery process. All you or your loved one has to do is make initial contact and we will take care of the rest.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
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