Making the decision to get clean and sober and enter into rehab is not easy, even though some people might feel like it’s the obvious choice. What people may not realize is that addiction is a chronic disease that changes the way the brain functions. You’re no longer in control – this is not about willpower or being stronger than the addiction. It’s about knowing that you need help and accepting it.
It’s common to have fears about outpatient rehab, so don’t push away these feelings. Talk them over with your loved ones so that you can address them and feel more prepared for the journey ahead. Below are the most common fears that people have about drug rehab and ways to overcome them.
Detox and Withdrawal
The first step in the recovery process is detox. You can’t work on your recovery until you are sober and able to think rationally. You may feel scared about detoxing if you’ve been through it before or have experienced withdrawal symptoms. It’s also normal to feel this way from the stories you’ve heard from others.
The withdrawal process isn’t fun, but there are ways to make it more tolerable and comfortable. To ensure a safe, successful detox, it’s best to choose a medically supervised detox facility. You will have around-the-clock support and access to medications and holistic therapies to keep you pain-free.
Awakenings Treatment Center is opening a brand new detox program in September 2020. With this program, you will be able to complete detox in a private, comfortable home located in Old Agoura Hills, CA. We will be offering 24-hour support by licensed medical professionals, as well as prescription medications to relieve withdrawal symptoms. We are licensed by the Department of Health Care Services and ASAM certified.
Leaving Behind Your Life While in Rehab
Another common fear about going to drug rehab in Agoura Hills is having to leave behind your life – your job, your family, your home, your friends, etc. This is very personal based on your age and the life you have built, but it’s a rational concern. After all, it’s difficult to pause your life and expect it not to change while you are gone.
In reality, being in treatment is far less invasive than continuing with your addiction. If your boss, coworkers, friends, and family care about you, they will be happy you’ve chosen to receive help. Prepare in advance so that you can focus on your recovery. Set up bills on autopay, arrange child care, ask someone to watch your pets, and so on. Hopefully, you have friends and family who are willing to help.
As for your job, know that you do have protections. FMLA leave may be taken to receive addiction treatment in Agoura. Also, you may not be discriminated against because of your addiction. Talk to your HR rep about your options or learn about your rights here.
Many people find that an outpatient treatment facility is best for their needs. It’s less intimidating, more affordable, and allows time for work, school, and family. But, you must be able to work your program and maintain your responsibilities to benefit from this program. If your addiction is severe, or if you lack a strong support network at home, you may want to choose an inpatient program.
No Longer Able to Have Fun
People often associate drugs and alcohol with having fun. They use them at parties, nightclubs, raves and other social settings to let loose and be more friendly. This is all an illusion, however, as drugs and alcohol can lead to addiction, financial problems, legal troubles, broken relationships, and more. But, if you’re addicted, you probably won’t see things this way.
Right now, you might be feeling torn between accepting help and continuing to lead your same life. How are you supposed to have fun on the weekends? What will you do to unwind after work? What happens when your friends are celebrating and you can’t attend?
To overcome this fear, you have to look at what drugs and alcohol have done to your life. There was a time when you probably used them for fun, but now they’re in control. Unless you want to be a slave to your addiction, you have to break free. The only way to do this is by getting help, making new friends, and discovering new ways to have fun.
You probably won’t know what’s fun for you anymore until you are clean and trying out new hobbies and activities. Eventually, you’ll have a more healthy perspective on what having fun means, as well as a variety of ways to seek joy and excitement. You might find that you love to read, cook, work with animals and so on. And as you try new things, you’ll meet others who share the same interests.
No Way to Handle Stress
Stress is one of the main motivations for drinking or using drugs, even for those who use these substances casually. Finding new ways to deal with stress can be scary, especially when you’ve depended on drugs and alcohol for so long.
Fortunately, you’re not completely on your own when it comes to managing stress. During outpatient drug rehab in Agoura, you will learn how to recognize and respond to stress. For example, Awakenings Treatment Center offers a variety of stress-reducing techniques like acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and neurofeedback. We encourage our clients to experiment with each one to see what works best for them.
As you transition into your everyday life, you will be able to use some of these strategies to manage stress. Plus, you will be in counseling and participating in 12-step groups that will help you build a strong support system. Bottom line: You WILL have ways to combat stress.
Dealing with the Past During Rehab
There are a number of factors that lead to someone having an addiction. This is why two people can experiment with drugs and alcohol and only one gets addicted. One risk factor for addiction is childhood trauma. Many people who struggle with substance abuse have a history of trauma, abuse or neglect. Because they carry this pain around with them, they turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate.
If you had a difficult past, you will have to face it as part of the healing process. Otherwise, it will linger in the body. However, processing traumatic events can make entering rehab scary, as you know that your painful memories will surface. And, you won’t have drugs and alcohol to numb your response.
The good news is that you don’t have to do this alone. With the help of your treatment facility and support groups, you will learn to process the emotions, thoughts, and beliefs associated with past trauma. Eventually, they will no longer haunt you, and this will make it easier to stop abusing drugs. This is where true healing begins.
Failure and Relapse after Rehab
The fear of failure keeps many people from moving on with their lives. But this doesn’t have to be the case for you. By admitting you have a problem and accepting help, you are already taking the steps to be successful.
Unfortunately, relapse is a part of the recovery process for many. Estimates show that 40% to 60% of people relapse after rehab treatment, and while this is a large percentage, it also means that not everyone relapses. There are plenty of people who are able to move forward in their journey without this setback. So while relapse is common, it doesn’t have to be part of your story.
That said, if you do relapse, please know that this is not a failure. You’ll have to respond right away by re-entering treatment, but you can choose a more flexible and affordable outpatient program this time around. What you learn in treatment is never erased. Instead, you continue building on your skills.
Starting a New Life
And finally, some people have concerns about the change that comes with recovery post-rehab. You are probably already aware that in order to stay sober, you’ll have to make many changes in your life. You can’t go to treatment, return home, and pick up where you left off. You’ll need to make new friends, find new ways to have fun, and have alternative forms of stress relief.
During addiction treatment, you will also have time to learn about yourself. We find that some people are scared to do this, as they don’t know who they are anymore. But remember, recovery is a work in progress. You’ll be working your program every day and learning new things in the process. And you’ll have supportive people and helpful tools to help you make the transition.
Don’t ever think that you don’t deserve to be sober and happy. Addiction is a powerful, destructive disease that ruins lives. If you’ve done and said things you didn’t mean, you will have the opportunity to make amends through the 12 steps. You deserve to be happy, so don’t ever let negative self-talk tell you otherwise.
Begin Your Recovery Today
Awakenings Treatment Center offers intensive outpatient rehab for intensive healing, as well as a brand new detox facility coming in September 2020. We can also assist with supportive living if you feel your home environment is not conducive to sobriety. We give our clients all the tools they need to start their recoveries and succeed. Let us help you overcome the fears and obstacles to getting better – it all starts with a phone call!
