Addiction Recovery

Rehab Myths: What Are the 7 Most Common Drug Rehabilitation Myths?

Rehab myths are damaging. They can stop a person from getting the help they need. Our blog examines 7 of the biggest rehab myths.

Rehab Myths: Do You Know the Truth About Drug Rehab & Addiction?

Table of Contents

Written by

Brian MooreBrian Moore

Content Writer

Reviewed by

Jeremy ArztJeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

November 1, 2023

The Edge Treatment Center

What comes to mind when you hear about drug rehab?

For many people, the concept of drug rehabilitation carries a stigma and is associated with negative stereotypes. However, this perception is often based on myths and misconceptions rather than facts.

In this article, we aim to debunk some of the most common rehab myths and provide you with accurate information about drug rehabilitation.

Drug Abuse by the Numbers:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 105,000 overdose deaths from drugs took place in the United States in the year concluding October 2021.

Rehab Myths: 7 Huge Myths About Drug Addiction and Rehabilitation Dispelled

Following the factual information regarding addictive behavior, here are several of the most common misconceptions concerning drug addiction and rehabilitation:

Rehab Myths: Drug Abusers Must Reach Rock Bottom Before Seeking Treatment.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, the folks in worse conditions are most likely to receive care. Homeless, bankrupt, and abandoned by the community, who have sunk so low that rehabilitation is their only alternative. Although numerous individuals have backslid and are admitted to rehabilitation, even long-time abusers have experienced considerable success in therapy.

Users do not need to wait until they've lost everything to start moving in the right direction. Many individuals do not receive therapy simply because they are embarrassed. People might respond if you demonstrate that you are not criticizing them and urge them to seek treatment before they lose their physical and psychological health.

Rehab Myths: Drug Users Should Quit Cold Turkey.

Deciding to detox on your own can result in potentially dangerous side effects. Drug rehabilitation professionals and caregivers are equipped to assist you in conquering your addictive behavior as conveniently and effectively as possible. Monitored drug detoxification may help individuals transition themselves off narcotics with minimum detrimental consequences in instances of severe addiction.

In addition, prescription medications similar to these are frequently used to alleviate withdrawal effects:

Methadone

The outcomes are comparable to buprenorphine, but it is prescribed for more severe narcotic and morphine addiction issues.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine, with low addictive qualities, alleviates the withdrawal effects of opioid dependence.

Fluoxetine

For detox-related anxiety, antidepressants such as fluoxetine are frequently recommended.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone decreases the negative consequences of both liquor and narcotics by reducing desires.

Irrespective of how the purification process will work at a particular rehabilitation center, it is generally preferable to undergo it with the assistance of a qualified practitioner rather than attempting to withdraw by yourself.

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Rehab Myths: Recovery Treatment Is for Famous People.

Predicated on what you have observed on television, you could perhaps believe that drug treatment is only for celebrities. Films like 28 Days depict a portrayal of recovery, whereas celebrity news programs exploit rehabilitation as the catchphrase to gags regarding celebrities' suffering disorders. That would be enough unwanted publicity to leave anyone uncomfortable.

Fortunately, treatment is readily available to everyone, despite the media criticism that the rich and famous enjoy.

Rehab Myths: Relapse Indicates that Treatment Was Ineffective.

Relapse is part of the process.

Like other chronic health conditions, it is usual for individuals to require additional sessions of rehabilitation services. Addiction is a medical condition equivalent to physiological diseases such as diabetes or heart conditions. According to research, the complication rates for substance abuse are remarkably similar to the relapse rates for prevalent physical ailments such as high blood pressure and joint problems.

While addiction, like many serious diseases, cannot be healed, it can be effectively controlled and managed with continued care from therapists and medical professionals. For example, an individual who has diabetes, like an individual with addictive behavior, will be required to attend medical visits regularly. Breakdown in substance abuse and many other common chronic diseases is a natural part of healing and effectively managing medical conditions.

Rehab Myths: The Same Therapies Apply to All Substance Abuse Treatment Methods.

Speak with an experienced addiction specialist for assistance in selecting an appropriate rehabilitation center. There are numerous choices available, including ambulatory, intensive care, and long-term and short-term residential care.

According to research, persons with serious addiction issues require lengthier sessions in treatment to enhance their prospects of long-term recovery. The healthcare practitioners will collaborate with individuals to create an individualized care plan.

Most people who are drug dependent require pharmaceutical assistance throughout the cleansing stage of their rehabilitation, while others may require additional psychoanalysis and assistance with survival skills.

Furthermore, if you believe that no one cares about you, you may learn how to communicate this in recovery.

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Rehab Myths: Treatment Under Medical Supervision Substitutes One Addiction with Another.

Prescription medicines such as buprenorphine and suboxone may be used in clinically managed treatment methods and approaches. These components help to combat opioid dependence and reduce desires throughout withdrawal. Many people think that undergoing drug cleansing should not require medicines, but that is not the case. The physical health of some patients demands prescription medicines to cope with the pain and other underlying diseases.

Rehab Myths: The Expense of Treatment Is Too High.

Specific treatment programs, mainly residential facilities, can indeed be costly. On the other hand, individuals who need assistance financing therapy have various possibilities. For example, several insurance providers reimburse a portion of the entire healthcare expenses, and perhaps some programs offer financing options or discounted rates depending on economic necessity. However, don't let funding be the sole impediment to your success.

Many drug rehabs provide a variety of cost-effective solutions and financial arrangements. Additionally, various insurance policies support both residential and outpatient treatments.

Addiction is a medical condition that is equally grave and complex. To combat addiction, you must first grasp everything you're up against and seek suitable treatment. While overcoming dependency could become difficult, it is entirely doable and will be well worth your time.

In addition, people who are battling with addictive behavior must know that they are not alone. Numerous individuals are concerned for them and can assist them along the path, from family and acquaintances to members of service organizations.

Rehab Myths: How Do Misconceptions About Addiction, Rehab, and Recovery Start?

For generations, people have had misapprehensions regarding addictive behaviors. The clinical and scientific institutions have only lately become mindful of how the central nervous system influences conduct, thoughts, and dependency. It is a recent discovery that complicated neurological and biochemical mechanisms cause addiction.

As a result, there are numerous typical myths around rehab and misconceptions about substance abuse, and all these theories have kept individuals from receiving the guidance they require. Misunderstandings also have made it more challenging for households to seek help. Myths related to drugs or prescription medications and how they impact folks can also increase the likelihood of someone trying the drug.

Drug treatment myths and false tales start with ignoring the addictive behavior of a person who might be suffering from inherent mental health conditions. As we have gathered, substance abuse and psychological health are interrelated. A person begins abusing substances because of peer pressure, societal pressure, genetic factors, or underlying mental health illnesses.

When we ignore a sickness or a condition, we disregard its roots from where the main problem started. Eventually, we pave the way for more complications and negative repercussions. Therefore, educating adolescents and young individuals on using drugs and other substances has become necessary.

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What Is Drug Addiction?

Substance abuse problem, often known as drug addiction, is a condition that alters a user's cognitive function and behavior, causing them to be unable to manage the intake of an illicit or legal medicine or substance. Liquor, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, prescription painkillers, and street drugs could all lead to addiction.

Although not every individual who utilizes such intoxicants becomes dependent on drugs, even casual use might rapidly become addiction or misuse. Whenever anyone abuses a medication, it indicates that they consume more than necessary or utilize a drug in an unsafe manner. The only method for distinguishing frequent recreational drug use from misuse is to ascertain the extent to which the substance threatens someone.

If anyone starts to notice adverse implications from the use of drugs or consuming alcohol, such as psychological or physical comorbidities and problems in their professional life or community interactions, they most probably have a problem with substance abuse or dependency. Addiction may affect everyone and disrupt every aspect of a human's life.

Thus, it is critical to understand the facts concerning drug addiction problems before leaping to conclusions regarding myths about rehab programs.

How Do You Fight Against Rehab Myths?

Drug dependency is not a personality fault or a sign of desperation, and overcoming the condition requires something beyond courage. Misusing illicit or prescribed medication can cause brain alterations, resulting in overwhelming impulses and a temptation to use, making abstinence appear to be an unachievable objective.

However, regardless of how dire your problem arises or the number of instances you've attempted and failed previously, healing is always within grasp. Transformation is always achievable with the correct assistance and treatment.

The most challenging move towards rehabilitation is the initial one admitting you have a condition and choosing to improve. It's natural to be unsure whether you're prepared to start rehabilitation or possess what it needs to stop. If you're dependent on a pharmaceutical drug, you might well be anxious about how you'll manage a clinical issue in the future. It's normal to be conflicted.

Having committed to recovery entails several changes, including:

  • Your approach toward stress

  • Your routine consumption of pharmaceutical drugs

  • Things you like to do in your free time

  • Who you let into your life

  • What you believe concerning yourself

It is pretty natural to feel uncomfortable over quitting your favorite medication, even though you realize it generates difficulties in your existence.

However, healing takes a while, commitment, and encouragement to conquer your habit and reclaim ownership of your life if you desire to transform. After you have dedicated yourself to rehabilitation, it is time to research your therapy possibilities.

What Is a Rehab Plan Like?

While addiction therapy varies depending on the drug, a sensible plan frequently involves the following components:

Drug Detoxification

Drug detox, the first stage of drug rehab, helps cleanse your system of narcotics and control physical symptoms.

Therapy

Personal, community, and family counseling can assist individuals in identifying the underlying causes of substance usage, repairing connections, and learning better management mechanisms.

Medications

Medicines can alleviate co-occurring psychological health conditions such as anxiety or frustration, as well as control side effects and prevent complications.

Aftercare

Aftercare can aid in the prevention of breakdown and the maintenance of recovery. In addition, visiting frequent in-person support networks or virtual meetings will assist you in keeping up with your rehabilitation.

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Would you like more information about rehab myths and why they're wrong? Reach out today.

The Edge Treatment Center Effectively Treats Drug & Alcohol Addiction

Rehab myths deny people the care they really need. Addiction is treatable. When it isn’t, the results can be deadly.

At The Edge Treatment Center, we understand that seeking treatment for addiction can be intimidating and overwhelming. That's why our team of experts strives to provide a safe and supportive environment for our clients to heal and recover. We believe in treating addiction as a disease, and our evidence-based approach has helped countless individuals overcome their substance abuse and live fulfilling lives in recovery.

Guided by a trauma-informed philosophy, The Edge helps people move past addiction and build happy, healthy new lives for themselves. Reach out to The Edge Treatment Center today to learn more.

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