Many people try to quit using drugs or alcohol on their own, without the professional help rehab provides. However, it is extremely difficult to break free from addiction without help. In some cases, someone quitting drugs or alcohol alone can be dangerous, as the strong tendency to relapse can lead to overdose.
Fortunately, rehab provides the structure, accountability, peer support, and medical supervision one needs to successfully recovery from a substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder. For those who have asked themselves, “Do I need rehab?” an honest self-assessment, followed by consultation with a medical professional, is a strong next step.
What is Rehab?
Short for rehabilitation, rehab is the process of halting drug or alcohol abuse. The most effective rehab programs help restore a person to how they were before they started abusing substances. Additionally, it provides coping and life skills to put them in a better position for a more satisfying life.
The word “rehab” often refers to a residential treatment program. However, it can also mean outpatient options, like the kinds offered by Empowered Recovery Center. These programs allow clients to get the help they need before going home at the end of the day. Thus, outpatient rehab is an excellent option for those unable to undergo residential treatment.
There are many different types of rehab. They all take different approaches to help people recover from addiction. Since there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to addiction recovery, a variety of treatment approaches benefits everyone.
Signs It May Be Time for Rehab
Plenty of people have wondered, “How do I know if I need rehab?” It’s a personal question with a personal answer, but below are some signs that suggest it might be time to consider rehab.
Using Substances Is a Top Priority
Rehab is ideal if someone abusing drugs or alcohol constantly thinks about using it. It’s also helpful if they are living only to get through each day so they can start using. At this stage, they are most likely with addiction. Hence, the more powerful the addiction, the less interest one has in work, hobbies, or other pursuits.
Physical Health Suffers
It’s no secret heavy drinking or drug use can com compromise one’s immune system. These habits can result in physical challenges like dehydration, skin rash, nosebleeds, nausea, and mouth sores. Also, drug and alcohol abuse can either lead to serious mental health problems or worsen the symptoms of an existing mental health disorder.
Of course, the severity of symptoms of these problems tends to vary, depending on the substance and the length of time one has been using. Still, if one begins experiencing unwanted thoughts or feelings, either while taking the substance or not, it might be time to consider rehab.
Relationships Suffer
One of the chief features of addiction is that it distorts one’s views about what’s important in life. After all, when a person focuses all their time and energy on getting a particular substance, their relationships with friends and loved ones often take a backseat. What’s more, feelings of guilt and self-loathing attached to avoiding friends and loved ones can begin a downward spiral. This can lead to further substance abuse and more bad feelings.
Withdrawal Symptoms
If someone experiences withdrawal symptoms whenever they stop using, a physical dependency may have developed. These symptoms can range from shakiness and agitation to anxiety or depression. If these symptoms seem ungovernable, meaning one is unable to cope with such symptoms and turn back to using, it’s probably time to consider professional help.
Addiction is a Progressive Disease
One of the most dangerous aspects of drug or alcohol addiction is that it is a progressive disease, like asthma or diabetes. In other words, addiction will get worse without professional help. How an addiction gets worse is always unique to the user.
However, as the disease progresses, substance abusers tend to struggle with worsening psychological symptoms. These can include depression and anxiety. Additionally, they can include wild mood swings when driving while intoxicated and committing criminal acts to get the addictive substance.
Meanwhile, the physical effects of addiction grow progressively worse, possibly causing long-term users to experience brain and kidney damage. People can suffer from highly compromised immune systems. As people in recovery often say, “It always gets worse, never better.”
What Can Rehab Do for Me?
The most effective rehab programs empower people to acknowledge and manage their addictions so they can maintain control of their lives. The process helps people develop the skills needed to cope not only with their withdrawal symptoms but with the pressures that exist in everyday life to use drugs and alcohol.
Rehab Myths vs. Reality
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 40.7 million people aged 12 or older reported having a substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder in 2021. However, among this population, nearly 97%—or 39.5 million people—said they did not feel they needed rehab.
One of the many reasons for this contrast is the endurance of certain myths about rehab, including:
“Only the rich can afford rehab.”
It may seem like only the rich and famous can afford to go to rehab, but that’s because some celebrities’ trips to rehab are well-publicized. The fact is, rehab is offered at many different price points. While some treatment centers boast beachfront views and luxury services, many others offer “merely” comfortable accommodations while emphasizing what is needed most: addiction treatment.
It is worth noting that, as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), all insurance providers are required to provide full or partial coverage for rehab. Of course, one’s out-of-pocket costs for rehab depend on one’s state of residence, whether the facility is “in-network” or “out-of-network,” and the type of rehab center.
If someone or their loved one worries about the cost of rehab, it helps to know what’s available and for what price. Therefore, it’s a good idea to consult with both one’s insurance carrier about payment options.
“I’ll lose my job if I go to rehab.”
It makes sense that someone would worry about losing their job if they went to rehab. However, the fact is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) offers protections for employees of both government and private companies in just this situation. Some employers even offer employee assistance programs that provide full or partial coverage for rehab services.
For those who would rather not divulge to their employer that they need rehab, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires employers to offer qualified employees as much as 12 weeks of leave without explanation other than “medical reasons.”
“I need to hit rock bottom before I go to rehab.”
Not seeking professional help for a substance use disorder until one “hits rock bottom”—whatever that means—is one of the more dangerous myths regarding rehab. Waiting to hit rock bottom before seeking addiction treatment makes about as much sense as waiting for a car to run out of gas before visiting a gas station. The fact is, if someone is struggling with their substance or alcohol use, they can look for help at any time.
In fact, recognizing the problem earlier rather than later will likely ease the detox and recovery process.
“I’ll have to put my whole life on hold while in rehab.”
Certain rehab programs call for an uninterrupted 30 days of immersive addiction therapy. However, requiring everyone who struggles with substance abuse to put everything on pause for such a long time is unrealistic. After all, even addicts have responsibilities they must attend to.
The fact is, there are different levels of rehab, designed specifically for those who cannot pause their work- or family-related duties. Empowered Recovery Center recognizes this need, which is why we offer:
- Partial Hospitalization (PHP). This option allows clients to spend their days in residential treatment before going home at night. This option is for people who may need intensive treatment or who are “stepping down” from a 30-day residential rehab.
- Intensive Outpatient (IOP). Our IOP allows clients to continue fulfilling everyday obligations without sacrificing their everyday lives. This option is most appropriate for those looking for effective support in their recovery.
- Outpatient programming (OP). This treatment program is less time-consuming and calls only for limited (but effective) time with our therapists.
Get Addiction Treatment and Support Today in Atlanta, GA
If you or a loved one are wondering, “Do I need rehab?” it’s important to know there is help available. At Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta, Georgia, we strive to provide the best care for anyone who needs help with substance use disorder or a mental health disorder. Our team is well-versed in addiction and can help lead you to lasting recovery.
Contact us today to start the recovery process and win back your life.
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