Addiction Rehab Myths
Addiction levels are rising at a rapid rate across the UK at present, from Leeds to London, Bournemouth to Bradford, we’re seeing spikes in the number of people abusing the likes of alcohol, cocaine and opiods.
Many experts are calling it a crisis, while we’re seeing more people seeking help and checking in to a private alcohol rehab centre for treatment. However, others aren’t quite ready to take that step, often put off by the myths that surround rehab.
Even in 2023 there’s still this stigma around rehab, as if it’s only for certain people. But that’s simply not true. So, while the country lies in addiction crisis, here are four myths that need debunking in order for more people to reach out and get the help they need…
Rehab is just for severe addiction
Firstly, there is this preconception that rehab is only for people that really get “off their heads” on drugs, or spend their days from 9am until 9pm at night drinking. This simply isn’t true. Addiction takes all forms, and all forms need treating in order to improve a person’s life.
Rehabs address all manner of people with addictions, from those who feel they are only just starting to develop a problem, to those who are functioning users at a weekend but feel their relationship is unhealthy.
Just because a person doesn’t pass out on the street drunk, doesn’t mean they don’t need rehabilitation treatment.
It costs an unaffordable amount of money
One of the big put offs people have with rehab is the amount of money it costs, or they think it costs. While some treatment centres aren’t cheap, there are affordable options for people, as well as things like payment plans that can be set up and grants that can be applied for.
There’s help out there for people to ensure they get the treatment they need, while rehab can also be gotten on the NHS if the addiction is so severe.
Of course, it is an investment, but if you were to total the amount that someone would spend on alcohol or drugs for the rest of their life compared to how much would be spent on rehab and getting clean, then it’s a no brainer.
You’re locked in a room to go cold turkey
Often people are reluctant to enter rehab as they view it as almost some form of prison. It’s absolutely not, and today there are plenty of home comforts and tons going on within them. It’s not a case of being made to sweat it out and you’re sent on your way, there’s all manner of therapy options, from family therapy to equine therapy, art therapy and music therapy. Everything is tailored to a patient’s needs.
The food is healthy, and you’re given a full structure that will not only get you through rehab, but is designed to be followed in recovery too, giving patience the best chance to stay sober when they reenter the real world.
If you get through rehab, you’re cured!
Finally, there’s also a preconception that if you leave rehab having done your full programme, you’re cured. That’s by no means the case, and people are never cured from addiction.
Someone will always be an alcoholic, for example, but they manage that more effectively in sobriety. That’s why you need structure and planning for the rest of your life to stay on track and limit the chances of relapse.
Do that, and a successful recovery phase of addiction can last forever.
Rehab isn’t as scary as the myths make out. It can be a truly life changing experience for the better, and if you’re struggling, it can be just a phone call away too.