The idea of having to hit rock bottom before successfully navigating addiction treatment is a myth. Yet, it’s still an incredibly challenging process to develop the self-awareness and courage to ask for help.
This belief isn’t the only pervasive myth around addiction treatment. There’s a lot of stigma about rehab, perpetuated by Hollywood and celebrity gossip magazines. Unfortunately, this narrative creates a barrier for many who would benefit from inpatient treatment.
Here are six benefits of going to rehab for addictions and getting the help you deserve.
Creates Separation and Focus
Inpatient treatment removes the convenience around seeking substances to fulfill cravings. People who go to rehab are safe in a drug and alcohol-free environment to focus on achieving and maintaining sobriety. Addiction is a cycle rooted in habit psychology. Inpatient treatment creates a structured, intentional disruption to that cycle to help the patient minimize and overcome cravings.
Women, in particular, benefit from inpatient treatment. As women tend to be caregivers and handle more day-to-day responsibilities than their male counterparts, finding time and space to focus on oneself can be challenging. Finding the right rehab facility can make a significant difference in the success of substance use disorder treatment.
Offers Psychological Support
Addiction rarely happens in a silo; it’s often linked to underlying trauma. Sometimes that trauma is readily apparent, and other times it’s hidden deep in the subconscious. Other mental health issues like chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia can also contribute to the development of substance dependencies.
During rehab, patients work with psychologists, psychiatrists, and other knowledgeable support professionals to dive into the roots of their disorder. These sessions help identify core issues and develop healthy coping strategies. Therapeutic interventions can also help patients process traumatic events and learn to let them go.
There are still pervasive stigmas surrounding substance misuse and mental health treatment in society. Rehab provides a safe, closed environment to dive into these issues, learn about addiction, and focus on healing.
Provides Safety for Detoxing
Detox comes in many forms. For some people, it’s about overcoming cravings and reducing the urge to use. For others, substance cessation leads to severe physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms that could cause serious harm. People with long-term addictions are at serious risk when quitting cold turkey, and shouldn’t attempt to do so without advice and supervision from a knowledgeable medical professional.
Rehabilitation centers have experienced medical staff on call to oversee detox and manage withdrawal symptoms. They can use medical interventions and a structured program to help the individual quit safely.
Teaches Valuable Life Skills
Many people with substance use disorders struggle with self-care. Whether they come from a traumatic, financially insecure background or use substances as a coping mechanism for stress, a lack of self-care routines is a common thread.
Patients learn valuable life skills about routine and habit-building during rehab. In some centers, patients may also learn different forms of physical exercise, how to find a job, and how to navigate interpersonal relationships.
Learning to process emotions, self-regulate, and set boundaries are skills that everyone could benefit from. They’re also necessary for protecting one’s sobriety after inpatient treatment is complete.
Provides Validation and Peer Support
Going through treatment and recovery can feel isolating. People in recovery experience a paradox, in which the only people who truly understand what they’re going through are the friends they must distance themselves from.
Rehab provides a safe, substance-free place for people going through similar experiences to connect and share. While group therapy and sharing with strangers can be initially off-putting, there’s value in finding validation and peer support from others in the same spot.
This experience also provides practice for developing the interpersonal and emotional processing skills the patient will use outside of rehab. As communication, honesty, and boundaries are essential for ongoing success after treatment, having a safe space to practice is priceless.
Often Covered by Insurance
Rehab and addiction treatment can be cost-prohibitive— a cruel irony as many people facing addiction experience financial insecurity as a result. Fortunately, rehab is often covered by health insurance. There are also government-funded programs to explore for those without health insurance.
The idea of going to rehab may seem intimidating, but it’s often worth it. Rehab provides a safe, structured environment to get healthy while teaching skills to help you maintain your sobriety. If you’re struggling with substance misuse, reach out to a professional for guidance and explore rehab options near you.
