Debunking Common Myths About Rehab and Treatment Programs

By Your Health Magazine

Your Health Magazine

. http://yourhealthmagazine.net

More Addiction Articles

Debunking Common Myths About Rehab and Treatment Programs

Do you think you know all there is to know about treatment?

You’ve probably heard some wild stories about what happens at a rehab program.

Some folks believe recovery is impossible. Others believe treatment only works for “some people” but not for “regular folks” like you.

The issue with these myths is that they

prevent people from seeking help. And when millions of Americans are suffering from substance use disorder, we can’t let ignorance get in the way of recovery.

The good news is, most of these rumors are entirely false. Facts about addiction treatment and recovery just might convince you or your loved one to walk through those doors.

Let’s take a look at…

What this article covers:

• Biggest Myths About Recovery Treatment
• What does The Actual Data Say?
• Do People Really Just “Relapse”?
• How To Find The Right Program For You

The Biggest Myths About Addiction Treatment and Recovery

Let’s debunk these myths once and for all.

For decades these myths have gone unchallenged. They’ve spread stigma. They’ve caused fear. And they’ve prevented people from seeking help at an addiction treatment center when they needed it most.

Programs like Rolling Hills Recovery Center exist because recovery works. Evidence-based care is what helps people recover from addiction. But these myths just won’t die.

Let’s break some of them…

Myth #1: Treatment and Recovery Doesn’t Work

If you believe any of the other myths on this list, you’ll probably think this one is 100% true.

It’s the belief that no matter what you do, addiction recovery won’t stick. People make excuses like “everyone I know who went to rehab just ended up using again…”

That’s nonsense. Because here’s the real data on recovery:

People recover from addiction every day.

Did you know 29.3 million Americans have recovered from a serious substance use issue? According to the Recovery Research Institute there are millions of living, breathing proof that recovery works.

You don’t have to believe us. The statistics prove that treatment doesn’t fail most people who seek care.

Myth #2: You Have To Be Completely Destroyed Before You Go To Rehab

You’ll hear this one all the time.

Don’t wait until you hit “rock bottom” to seek addiction treatment.

Rock bottom looks different for everyone. But for most people, rock bottom is buried six feet under. By the time you lose everything you’re supposed to recover?

Here’s the truth.

Treatment is most effective when you get it early. Why wait and lose everything until it’s too late? Don’t wait until you lose your family. Get help now.

Myth #3: Relapsing Means Recovery Failed

Here’s a fun fact most people don’t know about addiction treatment…

Relapse rates for substance abuse are between 40-60%. When you first hear that number you might think “that’s too high!”

But then something amazing happens. You learn that hypertension and asthma have similar relapse rates.

If someone has asthma and their breathing issues spike up, we don’t say “well asthma recovery failed you.”

Addiction is treatable and it can be managed like any other chronic disease. Relapse during treatment doesn’t mean everything you worked for was pointless.

Don’t believe us?

Lets’ dive into what the numbers actually show.

Understanding Addiction Recovery Statistics

What do statistics have to say about addiction treatment?

According to SAMHSA’s 2024 report, 80% of Americans who need substance use disorder treatment don’t receive any care at all.

That’s not because addiction recovery doesn’t work…

It’s because society has allowed stupid myths and misinformation to perpetuate. Not everyone who needs or wants treatment will get it. And that’s a problem.

Consider this…

When those who need treatment actually receive it, their chances of recovery skyrocket. Research shows that recovery programs that last 90 days or more have the highest success rates.

The longer a person sticks with it at a treatment facility, the more their chances of sustained recovery increase.

Mental health matters too.

Did you know over 50% of people with substance use disorder have a co-occurring mental health condition?

Depression, anxiety, trauma, etc. occur more frequently in those with substance use disorder. Mental health and addiction often go hand in hand.

Programs that take care of the whole person see much higher success rates.

Addressing mental health concerns alongside addiction issues at a treatment center is crucial.

Myth #4: Addiction Treatment Is “One Size Fits All”

If you believed myth #1, you might think this one is true too.

While not everyone who enters a treatment program will become Alex from “Good Hangs Gone By”, treatment looks a lot different than what people think.

Some common forms of treatment at a recovery center today include:

• Inpatient Residential Treatment
• Outpatient & Intensive Outpatient Programs
• Medication Assisted Treatment
• Therapy: Individual & Group
• Family Counseling

See? There’s a lot more to it than just “group therapy.”

Everyone is different. That’s why quality treatment programs take the time to customize your treatment plan.

Your treatment plan should be unique to you.

Myth #5: Weak People Go To Rehab

Here’s the biggest loser myth of them all.

If you have a substance use disorder, you’re probably very strong. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, football players… addiction does not discriminate.

We’ve seen countless people walk through our doors that are some of the strongest people we’ve ever met.

Going to rehab takes strength. Asking for help is hard. Deciding to do something about your addiction?

That takes some serious guts.

Too many people let pride and stigma prevent them from seeking the help they deserve at an addiction treatment center.

How Do I Know I Need Treatment?

Alright, so how do you separate fact from fiction?

Look for evidence-based treatment programs. Science based, proven methods of recovery. Don’t fall for recovery centers that claim they have a “magic cure.”

There is no “cure” for addiction. But there are ways to learn how to manage it and live a healthy life recovering from it.

Things to look for in a treatment program include:

• Professional & Licensed Staff
• Customized Treatment Plans
• Aftercare and Support
• Treatment for Dual Diagnosis

Quality programs meet you where you’re at mentally and emotionally. They don’t judge you for your addiction. They help you build a foundation for lifelong recovery.

Bringing it all together

Myths about recovery treatment have caused unnecessary doubt for far too long.

They made us believe recovery wasn’t possible when millions of people have already proven it is. Waiting for rock bottom only causes more damage. You don’t have to hit rock bottom to recover from addiction.

Relapse is not a sign of treatment failure. It’s a disease just like any other. Learn how to manage it properly with the right treatment program.

Addiction treatment can work for you too.

Don’t believe us? That’s fine. Believe the millions of others who came before you that have walked through those treatment center doors and came out successful on the other side.

You aren’t defined by your addiction.

You are a mother, father, sibling, friend, student. Recovery works and millions of people just like you are living, breathing proof.