Why Rehab Is The Right Choice to Handle Addiction
Many people battle substance abuse on a daily basis. Some believe that there is no way out of the downward spiral. Families may experience feeling hopeless about helping their loved one. While overcoming addiction can be an uphill battle, it is possible to escape the trap of substance abuse. Rehab facilities are uniquely designed to provide a safe, structured environment in which to begin the healing process. Here are 10 reasons why rehab is the right choice to handle substance addiction:
1. Assisted Withdrawal Process
While there are some substances that require medical supervision for the withdrawal process, some withdrawal symptoms can be handled without medical intervention. Having staff on-hand who are trained in recognizing and handling withdrawal symptoms can greatly ease the process. Many individuals have expressed surprise at the ease of withdrawing in a rehab setting rather than trying at home.
2. Addressing Underlying Issues
Rehab can help an individual get to the bottom of what started their addiction and help them handle the root cause. If similar situations occur in the future, the individual is better equipped to deal with them without resorting to using substances.
3. Learning New Coping Mechanisms
Many individuals turn to substances to handle the emotional or physical issues they cannot confront. Rehab teaches healthy coping skills to manage difficult emotional and physical situations without resorting to substances. An individual learning that he or she can express their emotions while maintaining control can be a liberating experience.
4. Building a Support System
Addiction can cause isolation. An individual in active addiction may isolate themselves in an effort to disguise the use or extent of their use of substances. Rehab provides a safe place to connect with others who understand the struggle and to build a supportive network for lasting recovery. Lifelong friendships can be created because of the shared experience of rehab. The rehab itself should remain a source for help and support after the program is completed.
5. Relapse Prevention Planning
Rehab equips individuals with tools and strategies to identify triggers and avoid high-risk situations. A good rehab will include post-rehab planning to assist the individual in maintaining their sobriety and will stay in contact with the individual to monitor their progress toward fulfilling their goals. Individuals should leave rehab with a clear and definitive list of steps to continue with sobriety, help with rebuilding relationships, and regain control of their life and environment.
6. Improving Physical Health
Addiction can cause physical problems as well as mental and emotional issues. Improving diet, nutrition, sleep habits, exercise habits, and self-care in general can start the process toward rebuilding physical health. Regular self-care can also improve an individual’s sense of self-worth and help them understand that they are worth the effort of taking care of themselves.
7. Restoring Relationships
Addiction can be devastating to relationships. Many families find that trust is broken. They may discover that an active addict will resort to stealing from family members to support their addiction. Families may also experience financial stress due to paying for treatment. Some individuals have lost custody of their children due to their substance abuse. Rehab can provide guidance on repairing broken trust and rebuilding connections with loved ones. Families are encouraged to participate in the process, and most rehabs keep in close contact with the families, provided the addict agrees to it. The process of repairing family relationships can be started while an individual is in rehab.
8. Developing Life Skills
Addiction can disrupt education, careers, and personal growth. An individual in active addiction will often focus on nothing other than getting the next fix. Jobs can be lost, schooling can be abandoned, and life skills can lag in development as a result. Rehab can help individuals develop skills needed to return to work, school, and to pursue their goals. Many individuals can renew professional licenses, study for driver’s licenses, study for their GEDs, search for employment, or negotiate a return to their previous employment while in rehab.
9. Boosting Self-Esteem
An addict's self-esteem can be very low or even non-existent. Rehab offers support and encouragement to help individuals rebuild self-confidence and gain a positive self-image. Each success in rehab builds upon the previous successes and allows the individual to regain their sense of value as a person.
10. Reclaiming Your Life
Addiction can steal an individual’s and their family’s life. Rehab is an opportunity to break free from the cycle of destruction and addiction and reclaim a healthy, fulfilling life. An individual can regain control over their environment and their life, discover their strengths and abilities, and learn to create positive change toward fulfilling their goals. They will have the tools to be a successful and productive member of society.
The rehab experience can be life-saving and should be life-changing. Individuals who go to rehab can emerge as confident, capable people ready to re-enter life as productive members of society.
If you or someone you know has the goal of handling an addiction, taking back control of their life, and becoming the best version of themself, Narconon is here to help. Please reach out for help and we'll be ready. Many have already done it and you can too.
