If you’re scared to go to rehab, you are part of 90% of the 21 million people suffering from a substance abuse disorder but are hesitant to register for a rehab program.
There are plenty of reasons why taking such a huge step might be scary or uncomfortable, one of them being the uncertainty of what rehab looks like.
This article will discuss why you’re scared to go to rehab, what rehab is like, what to expect in rehab, and what you will gain from going and completing a program.
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Why You’re Scared Of Going To Rehab
A certain stereotype revolves around addiction and substance abuse disorders that might be the biggest hindrance in your treatment. You might be fearful of losing your job, losing your friends, or having to face backlash for the mistakes that you have made.
Even if your resistance is not related to rebelling against the stigma, you might be facing other issues that we have discussed ahead.
Fear Of The Unknown
Change and growth are uncomfortable processes which are why many of us rely on the comfort of what we know. While this common fear is easily overcome in other situations, additionally, it feels like the end of the world.
What will withdrawal feel like? How will I calm myself if I can’t use drugs? What’s rehab like? What if I fail?
Questions like these are common in individuals suffering from substance abuse disorders. However, it is important to remember that these fears are momentary. Once your treatment begins, your moral support and the team of health professionals aiding you will help you overcome your hesitance.
Withdrawal can be scary, but our team aims to reduce the effects in any way possible. The detoxification process is carried out without proper help in diet, nutrition, and even medicines so that you experience as few side effects as possible.
If your fear is based on what your recovery or life after recovery will look like, our team will answer any query you have. We will rest your doubts and worries before treatment begins by appropriately setting your expectations.
Afraid Of Feeling Uncomfortable At First
What’s rehab like? Well, there is no denying how difficult the recovery process can be. Mostly because of the stigma that revolves around addiction and substance abuse disorders.
There will be a series of uncomfortable conversations with family, friends, employers, and schools. You might even face backlash and rude remarks in return from some.
On top of that, settling into a rehab center will be quite an uncomfortable experience for many patients at different recovery levels.
However, change does not come from comfort. It is important to remember why you chose to decide on recovery. Keeping that purpose in mind, it is easier to accept how all these tough situations will lead to a life of health and fulfillment.
Any loss of job, schooling, friends, or relatives will be worth the sacrifice in return for your health.
Facing Trauma And Your Past
Addiction is bred from a place of hurt, anger, and sadness. Individuals who have dealt with the world’s unkindness at young ages or have been surrounded by drugs tend to become victims of substance abuse easily.
In many cases, individuals have had to deal with a traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one, rape, sexual assault, or any life-altering incident that leads to them relying on drugs to forget their past.
Facing your trauma and your past can be an overwhelming step to take. However, figuring out the core reason behind your addiction is integral to recovery. The focus is on removing the root cause of the problem so that dependence on substances does not reoccur, no matter the difficulties of life the individual might face.
Feeling The Emotions That You’ve Tried To Hide For So Long.
Substance abuse is often a mask to hide what you truly think or the inner battle you are fighting daily. Recovery can be scary because, as stated above, it is important to face these feelings to understand the root cause of the problem and solve it from the core.
Recovery involves a lot of counseling and therapies. You might be scared of feeling the emotions you have numbed with drugs, but feeling them, recognizing them, and learning how to cope with them healthily will free you from the ropes of addiction.
What Is Rehab Like?
Not knowing what to expect in rehab can be nerve-racking. You might think of rehab centers as isolated areas or hospital settings, but rehab is nothing close to that.
It is a safe and therapeutic environment. The center is like a small community of like-minded individuals, all on the same journey to improving themselves and their health.
Rehab involves multiple fun activities, social gatherings, exercising areas, and libraries where you can indulge in various hobbies. You will have access to learning new things, enjoy delicious, nutritious foods, and take care of your health with daily exercise.
Rehab provides a safe, drug-free environment. Your road to recovery will be easier with friendly staff and understanding peers.
What Do You Do In Rehab?
The main purpose of rehab is to overcome addiction, which can only be done when all other aspects of your life are set in order.
Rehab involves a lot of therapy, counseling, and new life skills. You are made to develop a daily routine of healthy habits. The habits are solidified by daily repetition. Being in drug and alcohol rehab is a lot like learning to live again.
Moreover, you also have to meet with a psychologist who provides counseling and helps you overcome your past, trauma, and triggers. They also help you develop new coping mechanisms, react healthily to difficult situations, and teach you life skills that will help improve your quality of life.
You will be able to see the full potential that you have been missing out on.
What Will I Gain In Rehab?
Addiction can ruin many aspects of your life, but like stated above, rehab programs can help you improve each part to live your life to the fullest.
Now that you have decided to begin recovery, here is what you should expect.
Get To Know Who You Are Again: You will meet yourself again. You will rediscover your interests, passions, and goals in life; all you lost due to the drugs.
Improve Mental Health: Your mental health will improve greatly, especially since a major part of rehab includes getting therapy and counseling.
Improve Physical Health: Giving your body the love it requires through good food and healthy habits in rehab will help your physical health improve as well.
Mend Your Relationships: You will be able to be a better partner, parent, and friend to your loved ones. Learning new skills through therapy will help you manage the expectations of others, will teach you how to fulfill them, and will become more emotionally and mentally present in your loved ones’ lives.
Learn New Ways Of Being: Rehab will help you gain structure in life. Since rehab is about creating a routine, you will walk out with healthy habits you have developed over time. Moreover, learning new life skills and receiving counseling will also help you improve yourself in every aspect of your life.
Learn Your Giftings And How You Can Contribute To The World: You will finish your recovery with a new sense of purpose and knowing your self-worth. It will be clear to you what you contribute to the world and your loved ones.
