Many people struggling with addiction are worried by the thought of seeking treatment. That’s because they have heard many things about rehabilitation. Some people have heard that treatment doesn’t work. Others think it’s unaffordable.
Essentially, treatment for alcoholism or drug addiction is surrounded by many myths. These can limit the willingness of an individual to seek assistance. Unfortunately, addiction escalates for some people when they don’t seek assistance. That’s because addiction is a complex illness of the brain that is characterized by the compulsive use of an addictive substance despite its harmful consequences.
When a person has an addiction, they focus on getting and using the substance. Thus, the addictive substance takes over control of their life. Eventually, they may end up overdosing and prompting their loved ones to call a reliable drug addiction helpline seeking emergency assistance.
As of 2015, about 21.7 million people aged 12 years and above were using substances in the U.S. However, only 2.3 million of these received treatment at an alcohol and drug treatment center. This 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that very few people seek treatment when they need it.
A major reason why many people are not seeking help yet they need it is the myths that cloud their judgment of their needs and health. Many people can benefit from addiction treatment in profound ways.
Therefore, if you’re battling alcoholism or drug addiction, overcome the myths that surround treatment and seek help. If you live in New York, contact this interventions Long Island. Here are the most common myths about addiction treatment.
Rehab is for the Rich People Only
Some people wait until their loved ones have to call drug information hotlines to get emergency help for them because they assume that only rich people go to rehabilitation centers for drugs and in patient alcohol treatment. This is a myth because everybody can be affected by addictive substances to a level where they need professional assistance.
The majority of individuals that are getting professional care today are working adults, parents, professionals, and people that recognize the importance of immediate assistance. Residential treatment enables individuals to move away from work, school, and family for a while to seek care. Individuals that do this reap the benefits of professional care later in life.
And people that have health insurance stand a better chance of getting financial help with drug addiction. Nevertheless, there are low-cost and free treatment programs for individuals without insurance in most cities.
A Person Can Quit at Any Time
Just like other chronic illnesses, dealing with an addiction to drugs or alcohol requires treatment. Continued use of an addictive substance alters the brain’s chemical makeup. The body and brain develop a dependency on the addictive substance. That’s why a person experiences intense cravings when they try to quit.
Drug withdrawal syndromes are a common problem that people experience as their bodies respond to the discontinuation of alcohol or drug use. For instance, when a person drinks alcohol in large quantities for 7 to 10 days, they can experience a withdrawal response within 6 to 24 hours of quitting.
Essentially, alcohol and drug detox is mostly required to alleviate withdrawal syndromes that are characterized by intense cravings. But, using this as an excuse for continued substance use and addiction is unrealistic.
Although recognizing that a person needs help may not be easy, it might be a life-changing experience. It can be an opportunity to receive the care required to reclaim the life of an addict. Treatment and detox provide a way to regain control over the life and health of an addict.
Addiction Treatment Does Not Work
Some people do not call rehab just because they think treatment doesn’t work. That’s because they don’t understand what addiction treatment and therapy are, as well as how they work. Treatment for alcoholism and drug addiction exposes an individual to different experiences. These are designed to assist in the improvement of the quality of their life.
For instance, treatment can help the body of an addict recover from pain, nutritional deficiency, and dependency. It can include different evidence-based approaches whose goal is to teach a person drug-free ways to deal with negative thought patterns. It can also include holistic approaches like meditation, massage, acupuncture, and bodywork, whose goal is to enhance healing at all levels.
You Must Overdose First
A person doesn’t have to wait until they have hit rock bottom or overdosed to call an addiction help hotline. Anybody that is drinking alcohol or using drugs every day and can’t control their habit should seek assistance.
That’s because it means alcohol or drugs have already taken control of their life. High-functioning alcoholics and drug addicts aren’t uncommon. If you’re using alcohol and drugs uncontrollably, it means you might be one of them, and you need help.
Quitting is Impossible
Many people with drug addicts and alcoholics are frightened by the idea of going cold turkey. Some individuals think they can quit anytime they desire. However, others recognize what happens physically and mentally whenever they try.
When undergoing treatment for addiction, a person doesn’t face an intense outcome. Instead, they receive treatment options designed to make their detox easier. For instance, they can use medications that reduce pain, ease cravings, and help them go through withdrawal.
Going cold turkey has a secondary aspect that entails dealing with the things covered by alcohol or drugs. These can include chronic stress, underlying PTSD, depression, or other mental health disorders. A person can be scared by the prospects of buffer removal. However, the medications used at a rehab center can help.
Medications can also be used to treat underlying mental health issues. Therapy can also help a person work through the emotional and mental difficulties that may have led them to substance use and subsequent addiction.
The Bottom Line
Myths that surround addiction treatment are some of the reasons why some individuals wait until they hit rock bottom to call rehab numbers seeking emergency help. However, this should not be the case.
Calling a reputable rehabilitation center can provide accurate information that a person needs to make an informed decision when it comes to seeking assistance. Thus, a single call can save a life that can easily be ruined by alcoholism or drug addiction if no action is taken.
