Addressing Common Myths About Addiction Treatment
The field of addiction and rehabilitation is awash in out-of-date and demonstrably erroneous material. As a result, there may be a lot of shame and humiliation associated with addiction, making recovery even more difficult. It's critical to discuss freely and honestly about addiction so that not only individuals who need treatment may receive it, but also others who are close to them can learn how to be a helpful support system. The following will address some common myths about addiction treatment and recovery.
Myth 1: I'm too old to go to rehab
More than half (55.8%) of patients admitted to addiction treatment programs were between the ages of 31 and 50, according to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Individuals between the ages of 51 and 66 made up 13.6 percent of program admissions, with pre-teens, teenagers, and young adults between the ages of 12 and 30 accounting for 43.5 percent. Treatment is provided to people of various ages, walks of life, and socioeconomic situations. There are several age-specific rehab situations available to the general public if age is a consideration in attending therapy.
Myth 2: If I go to treatment, everyone will find out
The idea that everyone around them would suddenly know about their addiction is frightening for individuals seeking treatment. However, it is only a dread, not a reality. What an addict shares about their illness (and to whom) is totally up to them. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which is enforced by the US Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights, protects the privacy of health information. It mandates that health care providers, including treatment facilities, safeguard patients' health information in whatever format. Information regarding the individual's condition will be available only to them and their health care professionals.
Myth 3: My job will fire me if I go to rehab
Similarly to the preceding myth, there is no evidence that going to treatment, whether inpatient or outpatient, would result in you losing your job. Discrimination and job loss are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), respectively. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employers from firing employees for seeking treatment for addiction; the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) permits qualifying employees to take up to 12 weeks of medical leave for a variety of reasons, including drug misuse problems. Although the leave is usually unpaid, individuals can apply for disability payments until their treatment is completed. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are available at many firms to help employees with a variety of issues, including addiction treatment.
Myth 4: Treatment is unneccesary, you only need detox
Detox is a medical procedure that aids in the removal of addictive chemicals from a person's body. However, it does not address the mental and emotional parts of addiction, such as physical cravings, triggers, character flaws, and prior traumas that lead to substance abuse and addiction, or the withdrawal symptoms. Treatment teaches individuals new methods to cope with their feelings as well as techniques for replacing addicted behavior with healthier hobbies and goals. Those remaining issues may be managed and a new way of life can be established when detox is paired with a treatment program that includes residential therapy and aftercare.
Myth 5: Nobody in treatment will understand what I'm going through
Addiction is linked to feelings of alienation, low self-esteem, and loneliness. People who feel like they don't belong anywhere may turn to addictive medications to relieve their sorrow. It can also persuade those seeking therapy that their issues are completely unique, and that no one in rehab, even fellow patients and health care specialists, would truly get their emotions. However, if a person is prepared to risk feeling vulnerable and open up to others about their difficulties, they may discover that many other individuals in treatment have taken a route that is quite similar to theirs, leading them to seek help.
To learn more about addiction treatment, check out a drug and alcohol rehab like All In Solutions. You can read one of their 5 star reviews below.
Tammy W on All In Solutions Counseling Center Cherry Hill, "All In Solutions has saved my life. The family oriented approach and atmosphere they have made me feel welcome from day one. All the staff is loving and compassionate. I know when I leave here, I will have a family forever. The client coordinator Shannon has so much patience and helped all of my needs and the Program Director Michael really knows how to keep everything running smoothly and efficient. My peers and I always feel safe and loved and for that I am forever grateful. If you want to change your life, come to All In Solutions."