man in drug rehab

5 Myths about Drug Rehab: Separating Fact from Fiction

When it comes to a drug rehab (whether here in Agoura Hills, California, or beyond), people are often skeptical of what a treatment center can do for them, especially if they’ve tried to quit on their own or heard mixed opinions from others who have been to rehab. It’s easy to have misconceptions about the things you haven’t experienced yet.

While attending a rehab program is certainly not all fun and games, it’s usually not as bad as people think. The key is to choose a drug rehab that fits your schedule, meets your needs, and engages you in your recovery. 

Below are five myths about rehab and why they’re not true. 

1. I have to hit rock bottom to be eligible for treatment. 

When people think of rehab, they usually think it’s reserved for the worst addictions. While there are certainly addicts who have to hit rock bottom before they’ll agree to get help, this is not a prerequisite for treatment. Even those who are high-functioning can seek rehab and get their lives back on track before things get worse. 

If you know you have a problem, but it hasn’t taken over your life yet, consider outpatient drug rehab. These programs are far more flexible than inpatient programs and allow you to maintain much of your normal schedule. This way, you can get the support you need to stop the cycle of abuse, work through underlying issues, and prevent a serious, debilitating addiction. 

2. Seeking drug rehab means quitting cold turkey. 

The first step in recovery is detox, which is the process of removing drugs, alcohol, and toxins from the body. Treatment centers follow a strict protocol for this process to ensure clients detox safely and comfortably. Rather than expecting people to quit cold turkey, they help them wean off drugs with minimal side effects. 

Additionally, a medically supervised detox program has access to a wide range of medications and therapeutic treatments, such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and antidepressants. These medications improve symptoms of withdrawal and make the detox process more tolerable. 

3. I can’t afford drug rehab in Agoura Hills. 

There’s no question that medical care is expensive, but you wouldn’t deny yourself antibiotics for an infection or surgery for a broken bone, would you? Addiction is a progressive disease that requires treatment. Fortunately, there are ways to make it more affordable. 

First, you’ll need to find a treatment center that accepts your insurance. Awakenings Treatment Center accepts most forms of major health insurance that will cover a lot of your treatment costs. You may have to pay something out of pocket, but you can work with your treatment center to pay down these costs. 

4. With enough willpower, I can quit on my own. 

This myth can actually be harmful, because it can cause some people to quit cold turkey on their own. Unfortunately, some drugs have serious or fatal side effects, such as delirium tremors or respiratory distress. This is why it’s not recommended to detox on your own. 

Although the desire to quit will be helpful during treatment, it’s not enough to fight this progressive brain disease. To be successful, you need a treatment team with the right therapies and medications, a sober living environment, and a peer network. Even if you’re able to detox on your own, you’re likely to relapse if you don’t have the right support network. 

5. If I go to drug rehab, I’ll lose my job. 

If you seek treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction, your job is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, it’s only protected if you seek treatment, not if you show up to work under the influence. 

You should also ask your company if they have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). These programs have a wide range of services to support their employees, including help for those with substance use disorders. You may also have the option of taking unpaid leave through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). 

Start Your Recovery Today at Awakenings Treatment Center 

We hope this information has helped clear misconceptions about drug rehab. If you have more questions, contact Awakenings Treatment Center. Our intensive outpatient treatment center not only provides substance abuse treatment but also trauma therapy and detox services. We are here to help you!