Top 5 Reasons People Fear Going to Substance Abuse Treatment
Why Do People Fear Going to Rehab for Addiction Treatment?
Deciding to start drug or alcohol rehab treatment is a huge step that takes determination and strength. Understandably, there are many reasons people fear going to rehab. Five common anxieties are:
Fear of Change: Addiction brings a sense of familiarity and comfort, even in the face of discomfort and pain. Drug and alcohol abuse can help people feel in control of complicated feelings and situations. But addiction and substance abuse only get worse and worse without help.
Fear of Feeling: Avoiding unpleasant feelings or disturbing thoughts about oneself can be addiction’s goal. When you achieve sobriety, and these feelings and thoughts are no longer suppressed, everything can feel overwhelming. It’s challenging to deal with thoughts and feelings that are troubling, but rehab can help address them in healthy ways and lead to healing.
Fear of Shame and Ridicule: People who struggle with substance abuse may assume that others view them the way they see themselves—through a lens of shame and inadequacy. Coming to terms with those feelings can be scary, especially if you think other people share those assessments.
Fear of Being Able to Mend Mistakes: Addiction and substance abuse carve a wicked path of shattered relationships, loss of jobs, broken friendships, legal troubles, and money woes, among many others. It’s a daunting task to fix these problems. You may think old habits and temptations will drive you to relapse. But mistakes are there to be learned from. And there is no shame in asking for help.
Fear of Loneliness and Boredom: Part of recovery involves letting go of old, harmful behaviors and relationships, like the friends and acquaintances you used to abuse alcohol and drugs with. The fear that you might not replace these relationships could make you think you won’t have fun again. But that’s a defense mechanism of the addiction, and you’ll learn to have fulfilling relationships in your new sober life.
Part of rehab treatment will give you new tools for overcoming all these fears in everyday life.
Overcoming the Fear of Rehab
If the idea of a rehab treatment program scares you out of addressing your substance use disorder, some things you can do to deal with your fear are:
Examine and Identify Your Fears: The first step in overcoming any fear or hesitancy you might feel is to identify the root causes. Are you afraid of others finding out about your substance use disorder, or are you more worried that you won’t be able to afford treatment? If you can pick out the specific anxieties that prevent you from getting help, you can take the necessary steps to overcome them. You can do this through personal reflections, but addiction treatment counseling is also a great option to work through and confront your fears.
Educate Yourself About Addiction: Those with substance use disorders often blame themselves for their addiction, and many see it as a sign of personal weakness. But that is not the reality of addiction. Learning more about what causes addiction and the biological factors at play help fight the stigma around addiction. Education can also help those who struggle with substance use disorders confront their fears about recovery’s physical and psychological aspects. A qualified healthcare provider is the best place to get information about addiction.
Gather the Support of Family and Friends: Friends and family can help you confront your fears about recovery and provide a network of support during your treatment. Whether through emotional support or financial assistance, friends and family are often instrumental aspects in recovery. Treatment centers can create one for those who may not have access to strong support structures by introducing them to many people who share similar struggles. Humans need community and lasting healthy relationships; the tools you’ll learn at recovery will last a lifetime.
Do It Afraid, Do It Anyway: Enter treatment despite your fears, and you’ll see the benefits of recovery and feel much more confident in yourself. Seeking help is a courageous act, and embarking on this journey despite your fears can only benefit you in the long run. When you enter treatment, you might find that some of your fears were unfounded or simply a result of improper education about addiction. Whatever the case, you are never alone in your worries or recovery. Wrangle your fear, and let it fuel you towards a healthier, healed future.
Rely on your friends, family, or loved ones to help you feel less afraid: Significant steps take immense courage and leaning on loving those who care about you can help you find that motivation.
Our blog below details how to cope with alcohol withdrawal:
What Happens During Rehab Treatment?
Once alcohol detox is complete, you will enter inpatient or outpatient rehab. Inpatient rehab will require you to stay at their residential treatment center for your program. Your days will be highly structured and scheduled around various addiction treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups, medication-assisted treatment, 12-step programs, family therapy, and holistic treatments like music therapy and art therapy. Outpatient programs offer the same substance abuse treatment as inpatient rehab. However, you will go home or to a sober living home every night after your treatments are done.
The length of alcohol and drug rehab depends on each person and their addiction circumstances. Factors such as the severity of their substance abuse, size of alcohol addiction, if there are any co-occurring disorders, and overall health will have an impact on how long their recovery programs will last. Many treatment centers also have a continuum of care in which you go through various levels depending on your progress and if extra support is needed. Although any substance abuse treatment is beneficial, the most effective length is 90 days of addiction treatment. We also offer 30-day and 60-day inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment programs.
Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Addiction at Novo Detox
At Novo Detox, patients start overcoming alcoholism through our individualized treatment programs. Our team of medical professionals will support you in addressing your dependence on alcohol within our medical detox program. As you progress through your alcohol withdrawal symptoms, you will be continuously monitored by medical professionals and addiction therapists who will support you in overcoming any severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If necessary, doctors may prescribe helpful medications to mitigate the side effects of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
You will be provided with the support of behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment if needed, and dual diagnosis treatment for any patients living with a mental health disorder. You’ll attend therapies in solo sessions, group sessions, and sometimes family sessions to create a new, healed network of support for lasting relapse prevention. Your comfort and safety are our highest priority, and we work hard to ensure that you can remain relaxed and at ease as you begin your new life in addiction recovery. Contact Novo Detox at (844) 834-1777 to speak with one of our admission specialists and get on the road to recovery today.
