There are a number of myths about rehab that likely stop people from seeking help for themselves or for a loved one. These untruths must be cleared up so people can have a better understanding of how much they can benefit from a focused rehab program.
Myth #1
“Every rehab is identical.” Unfortunately, a lot of people believe that if they made one attempt to go to rehab and it didn’t work, then they should not go to a different one. This is not the case at all. The addict’s mindset at the time and the quality of the rehab program all play a part in long-term success. The rehab program should be client-centered. It is fine to shop around for a quality rehab; after all, your health and your future are at stake. So, the next time someone tells you that all rehabs are the same, tell them that you know differently.
Myth #2
“Rehab did not work because I relapsed.” Rehab does not offer a guaranteed cure. What rehab offers are the right tools to succeed. An addict will have to focus on making good choices in their life. They will battle triggers and cravings forever, but it is how they deal with those cravings and triggers that matters. This is why a solid recovery plan is so important.
Myth #3
“Detox offers the same benefits that rehab does.” This is simply not true. Comparing detox to rehab is like comparing apples and oranges. While they are both in the same family they serve two distinct purposes. Detox helps you safely come off the drug and rehab works with you to teach you how to remain clean and sober by giving you the tools and resources to do so.
Myth #4
“I can’t afford rehab because it is too expensive.” This is again untrue. Many medical insurance policies cover substance abuse treatment and they also cover mental health issues. Consider this: the cost of treatment is often less than what the addict is spending on staying high.
Myth #5
“I don’t need rehab; I can do this on my own.” This is actually in some cases true! However, it is very rare and the real issue is, how’s that going for you? Willpower alone barely ever works. The reasons for this are complex but it all has to do with the chemicals in the brain but there are several battles to fight to attain a long-term sobriety. Rehab offers an initial detox to get rid of the chemicals in your body. Without detox, you would have to face withdrawal alone. Doing this is usually unsuccessful and dangerous. Then, you need the right tools. You need to know how to avoid triggers and whom to lean on for support. It is a complete lifestyle change and one that rarely works if you tackle it alone.
Myth #6
“The addict in my life refuses to go to rehab and I can’t make him.” While it is true that you cannot force someone into treatment, that is actually not the real issue! Addiction is miserable. The reason people are defensive is because they simply do not believe that they are able to be helped. The staff at the St. Gregory Recovery Center is able to walk you through the process of helping someone confront their addictions and seek help.
Myth #7
“Relapse means failure.” Relapse does not mean failure in any sense of the word. It means that you get back up, dust off and try again. Relapse is part of reality and while it is unfortunate, it is not the end of your recovery.
St. Gregory’s offers a residential program that includes neurotransmitter therapy. The St. Gregory’s program has achieved a very high rate of success and uses the rationale that teaching people how to make good life choices is the way to sobriety.