4 Common Misconceptions About Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment
It’s no myth that getting sober is a transformative and tremendous accomplishment. An inpatient residential treatment program can offer you a way to ease into your recovery by removing external distractions and encouraging you to engage in the healing process in a safe and stable living environment, with 24/7 access to your treatment support team. This can help you to develop sufficient recovery skills to avoid immediately relapsing or continued use. Inpatient rehabilitation can also help those who need physical and mental support while moving through the stages of detoxification, lessening the risk of relapse and health complications. Even still, the topic of addiction treatment comes with its own collection of stereotypes, assumptions, and misunderstandings. In this post, we’re demystifying this important and life-saving type of rehabilitation and breaking down 4 of the most common misconceptions about inpatient substance abuse treatment. Read on to learn more.
Myth #1: Seeking Treatment is a Sign of Weakness
Admitting you can't achieve sobriety without help is a difficult reality to face and it’s understandable to feel nervous or self-conscious about the challenges you will encounter on the road to recovery. Seeking treatment at an inpatient rehabilitation facility offers you a safe and supportive environment as you navigate these challenges, one free from the demands and distractions of daily life.
If you are struggling with your alcohol or drug use, know that choosing yourself and your future is not a sign of weakness—remember that there is strength in reaching out for support and you are capable and deserving of recovery.
Myth #2: Entering a Residential Treatment Program Will Cost You Your Job
Concerns over job security and stability can dramatically influence one’s decision to seek treatment for their substance use. However, addiction is classified as a medical condition, and legislation protecting individuals who attend a residential treatment program exists. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) both extend protections to those actively engaged in addiction treatment. The FMLA offers 12 weeks of unpaid leave in an annual period for employees who meet their eligibility requirements, while the ADA offers protection from discrimination and job loss for employees who are attending or registering for treatment and are currently sober from drugs or alcohol. Of course, it still remains crucial to do your own research about whether or not your situation qualifies for these legal protections and to discuss your plan to seek treatment with your specific employer.
Myth #3: Choosing Inpatient Treatment Means Never Seeing Your Family
Since joining a residential treatment program involves temporarily living away from home, it is normal to feel apprehensive about spending time away from your loved ones; parents especially may struggle with the idea of being separated from their children. While communication is typically limited during inpatient treatment, many facilities offer services that give loved ones an opportunity to check in with their family member as they work towards their sobriety goals.
→ The Walker Center’s inpatient rehabilitation facility offers treatment programs where your family can be involved in your recovery. Reach out to a member of our team to learn more.
Myth #4: Inpatient Treatment Will Cure Your Addiction
Entering a residential treatment program is a positive first step towards a substance-free life, but it isn’t a cure or a one-size-fits-all solution for the struggles of addiction. Just as conditions like depression and cancer require care to manage the impact of their symptoms, addiction is a chronic medical ailment that cannot be cured through treatment alone.
While no cure exists, addiction can be successfully managed through a courageous and ongoing commitment to your sobriety. In the event a relapse occurs, it’s important to remind yourself that it is not a mark of failure or shortcoming and no two journeys are the same. Despite the obstacles that may rise to the surface, it is possible to reclaim your life from the grasp of addiction. No matter where you are on your path, seeking out treatment after a relapse is a constructive, achievable way to get your goals back on track.
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At The Walker Center’s inpatient rehabilitation facility in Gooding, Idaho, we specialize in compassionate, evidence-based addiction treatment services. Our trained professionals will give you the tools, guidance, and support you need to break free from substance use and transform your life. Discover which treatment program is right for you and get in touch with one of our counselors today.
