Myths About Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

Making the decision to go to drug and/or alcohol rehab can be indefinitely life-changing. Although, what are some of the rumors and/or myths traveling around, about rehabilitation centers? The general public has an overall belief of what rehabilitation for drugs and alcohol entails. This is mainly due to gossip literature highlighting the experiences of celebrity rehab goers. But what truly are the myths of drug and alcohol rehabilitation? Myth #1 - Drug and/or Alcohol Rehabilitation Is 'One Size Fits All': Although a rehabilitation program may have a set of standardized rules and regulations, as well as a treatment outline for progress, each rehab center is unique. Also, once your counselors, medical assistants, doctors and other professionals meet you, they will then begin to tailor a program within their standard program, that will fit you. All individuals are motivated differently, and handle situations and learning in a different manner. Individuals also have different experiences with drugs and alcohol that triggered ongoing use due to their own issues, past experiences and present experiences. For this reason, each one person cannot be treated the same with respects to rehab from drugs and alcohol. Myth #2 - All Individuals Have The Capability To Quit An Addiction Without Help: An addiction is an illness, that is run by a portion of the brain referred to as the mesolimbic dopamine system. This system within the brain is not operated by the conscious portion of the brain. With this, it is quite difficult for an addict to connect logic of unhealthy and negative behavior to their addiction. For this reason, the assistance of God, a completely different environment, professional skill work, etc. can all contribute to treating an individual's addiction. An addiction is not just continued because of lack of willpower. There are several other factors within the brain and body that contribute to ongoing drug and/or alcohol abuse. Myth #3 - An Addict Will Not Enter Into Rehab Until They Have Hit 'Rock Bottom': It is true that a vast majority of individuals will hit 'rock bottom', and then enter into a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Although there is also a large group of individuals that don't need to go that far before seeking help. All individuals are motivated differently, and for that reason, some individuals may be motivated to stop their addiction earlier than others. Motivators may include but are not limited to family needs, illness or finances. Others may choose to wait until there isn't any other option, but this group does not include ALL rehab goers. If you, or someone you love is suffering from a harmful addiction to drugs and/or alcohol, it is best to seek help as soon as possible. In contacting a rehab center, you can get immediate answers to any questions you may have. It is never a poor decision to research your options.