Waiting until you are “ready” could be wasting valuable time, it is quite often believed that an alcoholic must be entirely willing and self-motivated and that the treatment will only be effective when entered into in this way. The reality is that most people enter alcohol rehab under some form of external pressure. Often patients in alcohol rehab have been pushed, cajoled and sometimes even forced into treatment by friends, family members or the authorities and the interesting thing is that this type of pressure can actually help ensure a positive treatment outcome. So the old myth that they have to ‘want it for themselves’ is entirely untrue.
How long is long enough….
Most alcohol rehab programs will begin with an intensive primary care period, including the all important detoxification – as detoxing alone, without medical supervision can be dangerous – thereafter this can be followed up by a secondary care and aftercare or tertiary care program. The length of treatment, for severe dependencies, should ideally be around 90 days. This is not to say that patients who suffer from less severe dependencies or who cannot afford this length of treatment would not benefit from a shorter treatment program.
There is a direct link between the length of alcohol rehab and better outcomes for those with severe addictions.
Relapse is not failure
Overcoming alcoholism is more often that not achieved after repeated attempts, it should not be assumed that if a person suffers a relapse after treatment that the treatment was unsuccessful or somehow ineffective. Addiction is an illness and like any other illness relapse is a possibility, this however does not mean that time spent in alcohol rehab was wasted as any time spent in treatment will contribute towards achieving long term recovery from alcoholism.
In fact, addiction treatment is about as effective as treatment of other disorders like diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma and is absolutley cost effective!
Tthere is a fair amount of contradictory information and several myths that manage to persist. We’ll deal with those first, then move on to why it makes sense to find an alcohol rehab near me and not travel too far away for treatment.
There’s plenty of accurate alcoholism treatment information, here are some of the myths that still abound.
Myth: People who don’t succeed the first time in alcohol rehab will never succeed.
Truth: This is entirely false, many people require multiple treatments in alcohol rehab facilities before theycano maintain lasting alcohol recovery. Recovery is a long process that requires sustained dedication and commitment. It is not a quick or easy illness to beat.
Myth:
Alcoholism is the result of personal weakness or moral failure.
Truth: Alcoholism changes the way the brain works and hijacks the alcoholics’ thought process. Alcoholics are in the grip of an illness that compels them to drink. The brain becomes so used to having alcohol present that it loses the ability to function normally without it. Alcoholism is an illness that alters the chemistry of the brain.
Myth: Alcoholism can be overcome on your own.
Truth: The majority of people with severe AUD (alcohol use disorder) find that they cannot retain sobriety alone. Those who remain sober without addressing the underlying issues that drive the process of alcoholism find themselves unhappy and unfulfilled. For the majority of people, a comprehensive alcohol treatment program offered by professionals in an alcohol rehab near me is required to achieve a happy and fulfilled life.
Myth: Alcohol rehab centres are like prisons.
Truth: Everybody has a fear of the unknown and the prospect of being admitted to an alcohol rehab centre may be daunting to some. The truth is that an alcohol rehab near me worth its salt should be physically comfortable and emotionally supportive. While certain freedoms are restricted in the early phases of alcohol treatment this is to ensure the safety of the members of the facility and you are free to quit the program at any time. The staff of an alcohol rehab near me facility are kind and caring people who have dedicated their lives to helping alcoholics recover.
Myth: Alcohol rehab will only work if the patient is there voluntarily.
Truth: Although the chance of a positive outcome is greatly improved by a patient arriving at the clinic openly asking for help this is not required for success. Alcoholics are often in denial about the problem and arrive at alcohol rehab at the behest of family members while earnestly believing that they have been misdiagnosed. Through exposure to the alcohol treatment program in an alcohol rehab near me in Johannesburg, the alcoholic could come to accept the illness and has just as good a chance of finding alcohol recovery as if he/she had entered alcohol rehab voluntarily.
Myth: An alcoholism treatment program in an alcohol rehab near me can be completed quickly.
Truth: There is a large body of evidence that suggests at least three months of treatment are required before an alcohol treatment program is likely to be successful. Shorter-term programs are less likely to be able to address the wide range of behaviours and entrenched habits that fuel the process of alcoholism.
Finding the right rehab close to you is simple with WeDoRecover. Our network includes the finest rehab centers, ensuring personalised, quality care for your recovery needs. Let Gareth Carter and our empathetic team help guide you to a center that feels right for you, offering expert care and support. Start your healing today by choosing a rehab that's not just close to you, but also that truly cares about your loved ones recovery.