There is still a stigma around getting professional help for addiction. People are often shamed and looked down upon when they seek professional help. Supposedly, seeking this type of help makes people appear weak.
This stigma might have resulted from age-old practices in wards where psychiatric patients were not treated humanely. People were often dismissed as crazy. This should not be the case in modern times.
Nowadays, progressive schools of thought and even the medical industry have accepted addiction of any kind to be a psychiatric problem that could be addressed through therapy.
There are myths about rehabilitation centers that should be debunked to avoid the worsening of stigma around recovery.
Common Myths Around Rehabilitation Centers
There are common myths about rehabilitation centers that prevent people from considering this healing process.
Going to rehab is not just for high-status celebrities. It may be what is often portrayed in the media. Contrary to popular belief, going to rehabilitation centers is not limited to the popular. Even “ordinary” people succumb to different types of addiction, and even these people need help.
Another myth is that you have to be at your worst stage when you go to rehab. No, you don’t have to be at your worst stage to even consider rehab. Even if you are a “high-functioning” addict, you can still seek help from professionals to improve your quality of life and improve your overall wellness.
Lastly, a common myth is that going to rehab is unnecessary because recovery can easily be done alone. Although you will have to be completely dedicated to recovery for treatment to work efficiently, you will still need professional help. Medical detox will provide you with structure and a support system that will always be there whenever you encounter roadblocks.
Should You Consider Rehab?
You already admit to having an addiction problem, and that’s great. So should you consider rehab immediately? If you notice these signs in yourself, you may have to consider going to rehab as soon as possible.
You have become completely dependent on your addiction that it has become your main priority. Have you lost interest in your hobbies and even spending time with friends and family? It could be a sign that you have succumbed to the black hole of addiction. It is time to admit that you need help and seek professional counseling.
In the case of drug use, you may have grown tolerant of your chosen drug. You may need more doses to get that desired high because your body has already adapted and adjusted to the usual amounts of drugs you use. This means that you are putting your body in more danger. If you have noticed this habit in yourself, seek help immediately.
Another sign that you should consider rehab is if you have tried to quit your addiction on your own but to no avail. This could mean that what your recovery needs is structure, a good support system, and stability in terms of therapy.
These signs do not mean that you have become a nuisance to society despite what people may say otherwise. Noticing these signs only means that you need to seek immediate professional help for a psychiatric condition that you can no longer manage.
Effects of Rehab
Going to rehab could change your life forever. Contrary to popular belief, it could open up new possibilities and opportunities for growth. You are provided time to get to know yourself and the addiction that was.
In recovery, you get to break the addictive cycle in a safe and structured environment, far from unnecessary stimuli. You only need to focus on yourself and your recovery.
Here, you also learn about the nature of addiction. This way, you can avoid or even detect future relapses so that you can learn how to stabilize yourself. You would also know when you start to get worse again and seek help once more.
You can also establish boundaries and healthy habits during recovery. With your history of addiction, you may have fallen into unhealthy habits that you need to change. In recovery, you can start establishing goals and accomplishing them as you are on your way to healing.
Recovery should not be seen as torture or a shameful experience. In fact, it should be a pleasant one, where you can get to know yourself better. This is where you can address personal issues that may have led you to your addiction. Without judgment, your support system in recovery will help and guide you throughout your healing process.
Don’t be afraid of seeking professional help. Your life is worth saving. Make sure you make the most of it.
