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Top 4 Worst Myths About Drug Addiction Treatment

A family embraces in front of an addiction treatment center.Many people are afraid to get treatment for their drug addiction because they believe harmful myths about drug detox and rehab perpetuated by popular culture. These unfortunate myths deter addicts from seeking treatment, undermining their recovery from alcohol and drugs. Let’s bust these myths before they do any more damage.

1. You have to be “ready” for substance abuse treatment.

It is a commonly held belief that you must be psychologically ready for addiction treatment in order for it to work — but this is a lie.

People who are coerced into going to rehab by concerned family members, or who are legally required to complete treatment for their drug or alcohol addiction, respond just as well to treatment than people who seek treatment on their own.

In fact, some research has shown that individuals who enter treatment because they are pressured to, respond better to treatment compared to those who go to rehab on their own accord.

2. Drug addiction treatment doesn’t work.

Relapse is inevitable … so why even bother with addiction treatment?

Sadly, this is an all-too-common attitude among addicts, especially those who have tried to quit using in the past and ended up relapsing. While many addicts will relapse, you are statistically less likely to relapse and face other addiction-related problems if you receive addiction treatment.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), several studies show that drug treatment reduces drug use by 40 to 60 percent and also decreases criminal activity and the risk of HIV infection; addiction treatment also increases your employment prospects by 40 percent.

3. Going to rehab could cost you your job.

Many people worry that they will lose their job if they take the time off work needed to receive residential treatment. However, the law will protect you from this happening.

Two federal laws — the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family Medical Leave Act —require employers to give their employees time off to attend substance abuse treatment. The laws also guarantee that the jobs of employees undergoing substance abuse rehabilitation will be saved for them while they are in treatment.

4. Addiction treatment is a punishment.

Unfortunately, a portion of society still views addiction as a shameful personality flaw. As a result, addiction treatment is sometimes seen as a punishment designed to “put you in your place.” This harmful attitude discourages addicts from seeking treatment, and additionally, it is not based in reality.

According to NIDA, “Addiction is a chronic disease similar to other chronic diseases such as type II diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.”

Would you feel ashamed about a cancer diagnosis? Would you view chemotherapy as a “punishment” for getting cancer? Of course not. Chemo is a treatment to help you recover from cancer, the same way substance abuse treatment helps you recover from your addiction.

Moreover, according to Psychology Today, shame is a strong predictor of relapse. Viewing addiction as something shameful that needs to be punished will only fuel addictive behaviors.

Curious about what addiction treatment really looks like? Learn about our trusted Utah drug rehabilitation center, where drug addiction treatment is delivered in a supportive and compassionate atmosphere.