Why Rehab?

It is difficult for anyone to admit that they don’t have full control over the situation in which they find themselves, but it is particularly challenging for addicts to do so. One of the characteristic symptoms of addiction is denying that there is a problem (Read How to Deal with Denial). But if you or someone you know has admitted to having a problem with substances, then you may be wondering if rehab is necessary or if you could try to overcome the addiction without professional help. People often justify not getting treatment by making any number of excuses (Read Common Excuses for Not Seeking Treatment). This article will explain some reasons why a rehab facility and professional assistance might be crucial to the long-term success of the addict at maintaining a sober life.

Why should I get professional help with addiction?

1. Withdrawal Symptoms Can be Dangerous

Depending on the substance that is causing the addiction, the addict may have developed physical dependence on and/or tolerance to it. When this occurs, the body has, in essence, reprogrammed itself to have difficulty functioning in a normal fashion without the presence of the drug in the user’s system. If the addict stops using for a period, they may begin to experience withdrawal symptoms, which can range from mildly unpleasant to painful, dangerous, and potentially fatal in extreme circumstances. For this reason, the safest, least painful, and most effective way for an addict to go through withdrawal is via a medically monitored detoxification process, which can occur either at a hospital or in a rehab facility. For more information on the potential withdrawal symptoms of specific substances, visit our Drugs page.

2. Addiction Involves Complex Psychological Components

Whether you are addicted to a substance or a behavior (like gambling> or sex), there are often numerous complex psychological mechanisms operating behind it: mechanisms that you might not be fully aware of or able to address and resolve without professional help. Even if you can make it through the withdrawal symptoms alone (though you really shouldn’t try it!), you may eventually encounter a trigger that will send you back to the substance or into the behavior pattern.

Although scientific evidence points to a genetic component to addiction, environment also has an enormous influence on both the initial development of an addiction as well as an addict’s likelihood of relapse. Stress, depression, trauma, or social experiences can all lead a person to begin using a substance or experimenting with a behavior (Read Substance Abuse: “Causing” and “Coping with” Domestic Violence; Veterans & Addiction; Substance Abuse & Suicide). Someone who has a genetic predisposition for addiction may then begin using the substance or behavior in an unhealthy way, often as a coping mechanism for dealing with something else that is going on in their life or to delay facing the reality of some past traumatic experience. These triggers will never go away; trying to determine what the triggers are or could be in the future – and trying to develop a plan for minimizing their effect on your mood and outlook so as to avoid relapse – can be nearly impossible to do effectively without the help of a therapist, psychiatrist, or other professional.

What are the benefits of rehab?

• Safe detox that will be monitored by medical staff to ensure that withdrawal symptoms are reduced. This will also increase the likelihood that the addict will follow through with the recovery plan instead of being tempted to give up in the face of the difficult and unpleasant symptoms associated with withdrawal.
• Access to replacement drugs (prescription medications that mimic the original substance but do not have as devastating consequences – not available for all substances) from physicians who are at the facility, if determined to be necessary or beneficial (Read Methadone Treatments: Are They for You?)

   

• A new environment that will allow the addict to focus only on recovery without distractions from the outside world.
• Individual and group therapy sessions to heal past wounds and to address any ancillary issues that may have caused or perpetuated the addiction (Read Co-Dependency: Are You “Addicted” to Addiction?).

   

• Hope in shared experiences. In a rehab facility, an addict will hear the struggles of others who are going through their experience with addiction. Knowing that they are not alone in the challenges that they face as a result of their addiction and attempts at sobriety can bring a sense of hope and comfort.<
• Development of life skills, a sense of personal accountability, and healthful coping mechanisms to prepare the addict for the challenges of maintaining sobriety in the real world by equipping them with necessary skills.
• A customized plan for recovery.
• Direction to community resources such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Al-Anon.

I know I need rehab. Where do I begin?

Admitting that there is a problem is a difficult but necessary first step. If this is your situation, you may feel overwhelmed at the prospect of looking for the right rehab facility or treatment program for you. You can start by reading What to Ask a Rehab Facility. This will help give you an idea of things to keep in mind during your search. But we also encourage you to all eDrugRehab today. Our addiction specialists will help you sort through all of the options that are available to you and determine the right rehab facility to match your needs and your budget. We have been helping addicts and their families for years, and, with our experience, we can help you avoid the stress and the hassle of starting from square one. We have information on treatment programs in all areas of the country and around the world, some of which specialize in accommodating specific groups like executives, teens, or Christians.

If you are the friend or a family member of an addict who has not yet recognized that they have a problem, your first step will be an intervention. eDrugRehab has helped many families to communicate their concern to their addicted loved one. We will help you prepare for the intervention and direct the discussion during the intervention. Also, we can help you pre-arrange a facility for the addict to go to immediately following the intervention so that there are no excuses for not accepting treatment. eDrugRehab is committed to assisting in the complete recovery of everyone involved, and we are available for consultation even after your loved one is discharged from rehab should they relapse or should you personally need recommendations for a therapist in your area to address your own emotional wounds that may have resulted from the addiction.

Call today. You don’t have to do this alone.