You’ve heard of people entering “rehab” or being “in recovery” when they have troubles with addictions. But if you’re a frequent user of addictive substances, you may be wondering what makes a person’s addiction intense enough to merit a stay in a rehabilitation program. If you’re a longtime or frequent substance user, “do I need rehab?” may have even gone through your head a few times.
But it’s only natural that you may be hesitant to commit to the idea of going to rehab. In the early 2000s (and arguably even earlier), it was seen as a sign of total failure. To have spent time in a rehabilitation program was an indicator that your life had fallen apart. But today, more people understand the truth: Going into rehab is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a conscious decision to focus on your addiction, and to take steps to regain control of your life.
Why Do People Go To Rehab?
Rehabilitation, or “rehab” for short, refers to the process of treating addiction and helping individuals overcome their substance abuse problems (usually through a structured program of healing). A rehab provides a structured and supportive environment where individuals can learn new coping mechanisms and develop the skills necessary to lead a sober life.
Seeking professional help at a rehab facility can provide the necessary tools to break the destructive cycle of substance abuse — it allows people to fully focus on healing without the distractions of their normal lives. There’s no “I’ll deal with this later” in rehab. The stresses (and temptations) of regular life are completely removed.
Rehab programs offer a variety of therapeutic interventions tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. These may include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and holistic treatments such as yoga and meditation. Many rehab facilities provide aftercare services to support individuals as they transition back to their daily lives. This may involve support group meetings, and assistance with developing a relapse prevention plan. The continuum of care can help ensure long-term sobriety and prevent relapse.
How to Recognize the Signs of Addiction
Before deciding whether or not to go to rehab, it’s important to answer the biggest questions: Do you have an addiction? If so, how severe is it?
Some common signs of substance abuse include:
- Increasing tolerance and needing larger amounts of the substance to achieve the desired effect
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (such as “the shakes”) when attempting to stop using the substance
- Drastic changes in sleep patterns and appetite
- Weight loss or gain
- Engaging in risky behaviors to obtain or use the substance
- Isolation and withdrawal from family and friends
- Neglecting personal responsibilities and obligations due to substance use
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Inability to control impulses and engage in risky behaviors
- Mood swings
- Secretive behavior
- Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities and hobbies
It’s important to note that substance abuse can affect individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. If you’ve noticed these changes in yourself or someone close to you, it may be time to seek help in a rehab setting.
Addiction often leads to a breakdown in trust and communication within relationships. If you’re seeing this happen around or because of your substance abuse, it may be time to seek out a rehab treatment program. Therapy you access while in rehab (particularly trauma therapy) can provide the tools to rebuild trust and maintain healthy connections.
Substance abuse extends far beyond the individual, and can have far-reaching consequences on families and communities. Loved ones may feel helpless, frustrated, and even betrayed by the actions of the person struggling with addiction. These are all valid feelings. But it’s crucial to approach the topic of substance abuse with empathy and understanding, as individuals struggling with addiction may face stigma and barriers to seeking help.
Another sign that rehab might be necessary is a decline in professional or academic performance. Addiction can start to interfere with a person’s ability to concentrate, meet deadlines, and perform well in their chosen field of study or work.
If you find yourself struggling to meet your responsibilities or facing disciplinary consequences due to substance use, or if you find you’re prioritizing substances above these priorities, it’s essential to seek rehab as a way to regain control.
Addiction often co-occurs with mental health disorders, leading to what is known as a dual diagnosis. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD can contribute to the development and perpetuation of addiction. If you think a pre-existing mental illness is being affected by your substance use, it’s important to seek dual diagnosis treatment. Rehab can be an excellent opportunity to take time to focus on learning healthy management of your mental illness that doesn’t involve addictive substances.
If loved ones express concern about your substance abuse, it’s important to take their concerns seriously. Often, those closest to us can see the impact addiction is having on our lives before we can fully acknowledge it ourselves. For many people, hearing the truth of how their addiction has affected the lives of others (sometimes by way of an intervention) is what makes them decide to take the step of entering rehab.
Consider having an open and honest conversation with your loved ones and discuss the possibility of seeking rehab together. Having their support can make the journey towards recovery more manageable.
Why it’s Important to Seek Help For Addiction Early
Denial about an addiction and its impact is a significant barrier to seeking rehab for many people. It’s common to minimize the extent of the problem or convince ourselves that we can quit on our own.
Choosing to seek rehab at the earliest signs of addiction can have numerous benefits. Early intervention helps prevent the escalation of substance abuse and can minimize the damage it causes to one’s physical and mental health. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can find treatments that work for you and regain control of your life.
Different Types of Rehab Programs
Rehab programs come in various forms to cater to different needs and preferences. Some common types of rehab programs include:
- Medical Detox: Considered the first step of a comprehensive treatment program, medical detox focuses on purging the body of addictive substances in a healthy way that doesn’t damage the body long term. Medical professionals monitor the person undergoing detox, sometimes administering medication that helps to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. This comprehensive approach helps set the person up to focus on their recovery without incurring injuries or long-term damage from detox.
- Inpatient programs: These programs, also called residential treatment programs, provide intensive care in a residential setting. Individuals stay at the treatment center full-time with the intent of focusing full-time on healing from their addiction.
- Outpatient programs: If someone needs to keep up with their responsibilities and/or can’t take time away to solely focus on addiction, the best solution may be outpatient rehab. This form of rehab is more schedule-flexible and can be thought of as similar to a “part time” rehab program. However, this highly depends on the options available at the treatment center.
Each type of rehabilitation program has its advantages, and people may shift from one form of rehab to another over the course of their recovery journey. What matters most is finding and sticking to a rehab program that will help you stay sober and recover from your addiction.
Need Rehab? Here’s What to do Next
If you’ve decided to enter a rehab program, take time to congratulate yourself on making this big decision. It’s not a shameful act to enter rehab. It’s taking responsibility for your addiction, and dedicating time to healing before your life and/or loved ones suffer negative consequences of your addiction.
Once you’re ready to start this journey, take the next steps:
- Research rehab facilities that align with your needs and preferences.
- Reach out to the chosen facility to gather information and ask any questions you may have.
- Undergo an assessment to determine the most appropriate level of care and treatment plan.
- Coordinate logistics such as admission, transportation, and insurance coverage.
- Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the journey ahead.
Take time to decide who you want to tap for support in your life during this process. You may be pleasantly surprised by who is willing to help you on your journey to recovery. Your efforts may even inspire others to work through their own addictions.
Heal From Addiction at Wisconsin Recovery Institute
When it comes to recovery, the best results tend to happen when you start at the root of it all. At Wisconsin Recovery Institute, we work with people of all backgrounds who are dedicated to building new lives of sobriety. With the help of evidence-based treatment modalities, we work to support the entire process of recovery.
Contact us today to learn more about our rehabilitation programs.
