LifeStyle

5 Myths About Going to Rehab for Alcohol Addiction

5 Myths About Going to Rehab for Alcohol Addiction

There is a great deal of stigma surrounding addiction, making seeking help for recovery from addiction even more difficult. The stigma around addiction is harmful because it results in people consuming addictive substances in secret and feeling obliged to keep hiding their problems from others. Additionally, addiction rehab is often misjudged as being a reclusive, invasive environment.  

The stigma gives rise to myths that can discourage people from seeking help for addiction. According to a survey conducted in 2018 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an estimated 21.2 million people needed addiction treatment, and only a meagre 3.7 million received help.

The statistics show the extent of damage that stigmas and myths do to restrict people from seeking help to return to normal life.

Here we are to bust the top 5 myths concerning seeking treatment for alcohol addiction from rehabilitation centres.

Myth 1: I will lose my job

The first myth that is probably the most discouraging when seeking addiction help is that the person will lose their job.

However, in the USA, those seeking treatment for alcohol addiction are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, the UK is still looking for a way to create a safe law for those seeking help for a dependence tp substances or behaviours.

Having an addiction may cause disruptions in your professional abilities, skipping regular doses may make you irritable and these can all lead to termination of your contract. Taking time off for healing will improve all these issues, as well as your relationship with your employer. All the more reason to go to rehab? The benefits of recovery outweigh the risks!

Myth 2: Relapse equals failure

There are times when you can relapse. Treatment for drug addiction doesn’t “cure” you. It isn’t a magic potion that will separate your addiction from you. Addiction is a chronic condition. There might be other interventions needed that help you fully recover, such as mental health help, if your drug addiction is related to an earlier trauma in life for example.

Furthermore, the lack of supportive relationships in your life might also be a cause of relapse. In this case, it is vital to understand that relapse does not mean you cannot or should not return to treatment a second, third, fourth, or even fifth time!

Myth 3: I will get addicted to the medications

One widespread myth is that rehabilitation and treatment through substitute medications only replace one addiction for another.

Medications are a part of the treatment that helps you adjust your brain’s tuning that has been set to produce less dopamine in the absence of drugs. Since addiction is related to the brain, medications are necessary for treatment.

However, help from a professional means you will receive only the amount you need to help remove the effects of the substance you have been dependent on. This, in no way, relates to the term ‘addiction.’

Myth 4: I need rehab only if I hit rock-bottom

Let’s look at some statistics: In the USA, in 2018, an estimated 21.2 million people needed addiction treatment, out of which only a meagre 3.7 million received help. These 21.2 million people do not only include those who have hit rock bottom. It also consists of those addicted to drugs. Perhaps in secret, but who are too ashamed to seek help due to the stigma.

If you are looking for alcohol addiction treatment options, you can find multiple online by both service providers and independent resources. Regardless of the author, however, they will all agree on one thing – the sooner you notice a problem and enter treatment, the easier the healing process will be.

Myth 5: Rehab is costly

A myth that has burst not too long ago is that rehab is costly. While addiction treatment was quite expensive in the earlier times, there are many options available now that are budget-friendly.

There are subsidised government programmes and options that allow adjustment according to your needs and affordability. One needs to do thorough research to get the best option out of the many available now. Costs vary depending on many elements, and private health insurers have started adding clauses in their policies partially or completely covering cover rehab.

Summary

There may be a great deal of stigma surrounding drug addiction treatment; however, the only way to tackle the problem is to burst the myths that have surfaced because of it. To openly talk about dependence and treatment.

1. If you perform competently on the job and have not relapsed, you will get understanding. In the US, the law protects you.

2. Relapse is just another hurdle, not the end.

3. Medications are part of the treatment through which a professional helps you wean off so that you are less likely to relapse.

4. Rehab is not a “last resort” and should be encouraged.

5. With the plethora of treatment options available, rehab does not only have expensive options.

Lastly, if you or a friend or colleague is suffering from addiction, going to rehab is not something to be ashamed of. The myths concerning rehab have done much damage to society, not to perpetuate.

About the author

Steven Ly

Steven Ly is the Startup Program and Events Manager at TheNextHint Inc. She recruits rockstar startups for all TC events including Disrupt, meetups, Sessions, and more both domestically and internationally. Previously, she helped produce Dreamforce with Salesforce and Next '17 with Google. Prior to that, she was on the advertising teams at both Facebook and AdRoll, helping support advertisers in North America and helped grow those brands globally. Outside of work, Priya enjoys Flywheel, tacos, the 49ers, and adventuring around the globe.

Add Comment

Click here to post a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *