Myths about Rehab

There are many misconceptions and myths surrounding rehab. Some of the most common ones are that there is only one right way to treat addicts, drug rehab doesn’t work, involuntary rehab is a waste of time and that if you have been to one rehab, you have been to them all. While some of these myths may hold a grain of truth, they are largely false. We will discuss each one in more depth below.

1. There is only one right way to treat addicts: This is patently untrue. Because people are different and the situations that have contributed to their drug or alcohol abuse is likely different, the help they require to get off drugs will likely be different for each person. A program that may be very effective in treating 30% of addicts, may fail miserably treating the other 70%. This is one reason why it takes individuals several attempts at rehab before they find one that works. Because ultimately, to free themselves from the addiction, they will need to find a program that speaks to them and helps uncover why they started taking drugs and continue to do so.

2. Drug rehab doesn’t work: People become addicted to drugs for both psychological and physical reasons. Because drug use affects the brain, it becomes very difficult to stop without help. Sometimes this even requires medical intervention. Because there are also psychological and social factors that contribute to why a person takes drugs, it may take the more than one try before they figure everything out and they are able to break the ties that keep them using.

3. You have to be desperate in order for rehab to be effective: While this is true in some cases, it’s not true in all of them. Some people recognize early on that if they continue their behavior they will end up having long-term problems with drugs. Therefore, they check themselves into rehab so that they can do the work necessary to stop taking drugs. This can be very effective and people can successfully turn their lives around. A person doesn’t have to hit rock bottom, although it is necessary for some people, before they finally get the help that they need and respond to rehab.

4. Involuntary rehab is a waste of time: This is also another myth. Some people are forced into rehab by family and friends and others by the courts. If they find a good program and if somewhere deep inside they’re ready to stop drugs and then they can do so. It doesn’t necessarily have to be their idea to enroll into rehab program. But if they have the opportunity to and they respond, then they can get off drugs.

5. If you have been to one rehab then you have been to them all: This is another huge myth. There are different types of rehab with a variety of philosophies. It is very important that when a person is looking into rehab for themselves or a family member that they really take the time and see what’s out there. It is best to find a program that will best fit themselves or their loved one’s personality and temperament.