The first “sober houses” were set up as early as 1840, and since then, there’s been no shortage of myths and misconceptions about drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers. We’re here to set the record straight.
Take a look at some of the most common myths about rehab, and get the facts so you can make an informed decision about your recovery.
Myth: “I’ll get fired if I go to rehab.”
Fact: In many cases, it is against the law to terminate the employment of an individual seeking treatment for drug or alcohol addiction.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you work for your state or local government, or a private company with at least 15 employees, you cannot be fired for going to rehab. And under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, if you work for any employer that receives federal funding, you will also be protected against termination for seeking treatment for addiction. In addition, you may be able to take up to 12 months of unpaid leave for rehab through the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. Speak with your human resources department to understand your options for taking time off work for rehab.
Myth: “I can’t afford rehab.”
Fact: Many addiction treatment programs accept insurance and also feature an affordable pricing structure.
If you are insured by a major company such as Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, or Cigna, your addiction treatment may be covered. And if you purchased insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, substance use treatment is considered an essential health benefit—meaning you can’t be denied coverage for treatment of an existing substance use disorder, and the plan can’t impose yearly or lifetime coverage limits. If you still need help covering the cost of treatment, many rehab centers offer individualized payment plans, financing options, and scholarships.
Myth: “I have to be religious to go to rehab.”
Fact: People from every faith background—or none at all—can benefit from addiction treatment programs.
When you think of rehab, you probably think of 12-step programs that involve submitting to a higher power. But in recent years, non-faith-based addiction treatment programs have gained popularity. One such program is SMART Recovery, a 4-point program that uses science and self-empowerment to help individuals overcome addiction. SMART Recovery is open to anyone seeking treatment for addiction, regardless of belief system. You do not have to be religious to go to rehab—you only need to be ready to ask for help.
Myth: “I need to hit rock bottom before I go to rehab.”
Fact: There is no magical milestone you must pass before seeking treatment for addiction.
You already know there’s a problem with the way you’re living your life. Why wait until things get worse? If you’re dealing with any type of drug or alcohol addiction, the time to get help is now. You don’t have to wait until you’re at the end of your rope to reach out. In fact, the sooner you start treatment, the sooner you can start making progress toward recovery. Take advantage of the assistance that is readily available in rehab so you can reclaim your life right now.
Myth: “Rehab doesn’t work.”
Fact: Many people enjoy healthy, addiction-free lives after rehab.
Countless success stories show that with help from a substance abuse treatment center, recovery is possible. Of course, rehab is not a magic bullet for addiction. When you go to rehab, you have to put in the work required for successful recovery. But treatment centers provide the tools you need to make recovery a reality. With care from trained therapists, you can embrace a life free of addiction. After all, the road to recovery is much smoother when you have help along the way.
When it comes to your health and well-being, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. Armed with the facts, you can make an informed decision about rehab and begin your journey to recovery.
Don’t get bogged down with misinformation about rehab. Contact Beachside Rehab’s trained admissions counselors at 888-984-5288 to learn how you can benefit from treatment in our luxury facility.