While over twenty-one million Americans suffer from substance addiction, only 11% will ever receive the proper treatment. This unfortunate statistic is partially due to a lack of personal support systems and false impressions and information regarding drug rehab.
There are many effective drug treatment options out there.
If you or a loved one suffers from substance abuse, it’s essential to understand the truth regarding drug addiction treatment. Please keep reading for five common myths regarding substance abuse treatment so that you can make an informed decision about what your next step should be.
1. You Have To Want Treatment for It to Work
It’s extremely rare for someone to want treatment. On most occasions, people seek treatment in a drug rehab facility because the court ordered them to or because loved ones have urged them to get help.
Several scientific studies have shown that most addicts enter treatment programs because they received extreme pressure to do so. Fortunately, this pressure influences the person to do better in treatment, regardless of whether they wanted the help or not.
2. Rehab Cures Addiction
Even if you go to the best drug rehabilitation center, it will not necessarily cure your addiction.
Addiction is a chronic and relapsing condition with several influencing factors. These factors include:
- Genetics
- A lack of supportive relationships
- History of trauma
- Mental illness
- Growing up surrounded by substance abuse
- Effects on your brain due to drug use
Because addiction is affected by many outside forces, rehab alone can’t solve the condition. It needs to be managed every single day for people to stay sober.
While it isn’t the magic cure, rehab does provide you with the knowledge and skills to proactively deal with drug addiction and helps to set the foundation for a lifetime of sobriety.
3. There’s No Point in Seeking Treatment Again
Many believe that there’s no point in going again if you’ve been to a treatment facility before.
In reality, seeking treatment a second, third, or fourth time gives you a head start on your recovery. You’ll be familiar with how the system works and already have the tools to help aid in the healing process.
It’s often helpful to weigh your different treatment options. For example, if an in-patient facility wasn’t beneficial, many have found success with at-home treatment plans like on this site.
4. Rehab Isn’t Covered By Insurance
The cost of rehab is often the deciding factor for people to deny themselves treatment. Many believe that substance abuse treatment isn’t covered by insurance when, in fact, many providers cover it.
Through the Affordable Care Act, substance abuse treatment is considered an “essential health benefit.” As a result, you can’t be denied coverage for treating a pre-existing addiction disorder, and plans aren’t allowed to impose yearly coverage limits.
Contact your insurance provider for details on what your plan covers and the costs you would be responsible for.
5. Drug Addiction Treatment Doesn’t Work
Just because many people relapse after receiving treatment doesn’t mean that rehab doesn’t work. Addiction is a chronic disease in need of constant attention and treatment. The more support and treatment you receive, the more likely you are to achieve lasting sobriety.
Take Back Your Life
Now that you’re aware of the myths and truths about drug addiction treatment, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on the next best step for you or your loved one.
Recovery is never easy, but it is possible. No matter your situation, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
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