Addiction Recovery

6 Misconceptions About Alcohol Rehabilitation

April 25, 2022

Misconceptions give alcohol rehabilitation a poor image, leading to treatment apathy. Uncover the truths about these misconceptions today.

Many people think that alcoholism is not as bad as drug addiction. In fact, being addicted to alcohol can often yield the same effects as drug abuse. These include broken relationships, neglect of responsibilities, and an overall failed life. 

Like with drug rehab, one of the best ways to recover from alcohol addiction is through alcohol rehabilitation programs. In alcohol rehab, patients will undergo a series of therapy sessions coupled with participative activities to help them cope and develop new traits to aid them in reaching sobriety. 

However, many people still believe in misconceptions about alcohol rehab. These misconceptions lead to treatment apathy that eventually leads to the development of severe alcohol abuse. If you’re considering alcohol rehab for you or your loved one, this article will explain the truths behind the top misconceptions about rehabilitation treatments for alcohol addicts. You’ll also learn about alcohol abuse, its nature, and why it should be treated early.

alcohol abuse rehabilitation center
Source: Pexels

Misconception #1: Alcohol Rehab is Only for the Rich

Rehab has often been viewed as a privilege accessible only to those who can afford it. The reason behind this misconception is because of what people see in the media. We often see celebrities who enroll in luxurious rehab facilities. While there are truly luxurious facilities for drug and alcohol rehab, there are also affordable facilities for those who can’t afford high-end amenities and services. 

There are alcohol rehabilitation centers that offer simple accommodation options. Contrary to popular belief, rehab doesn't need to be luxurious. Even if you just sleep in a simple bed inside the facility, it’s the therapy sessions and activities that count. Besides that, you can also talk to your health insurance provider to see if they can reimburse your rehab.

Misconception #2: Rehab Means Staying Inside an Alcohol Abuse Rehabilitation Center for Several Months

Some patients need to be treated inside the facility to get better. However, that is not always the case. If you’re not yet aware, there is a program called intensive outpatient treatment program. This treatment program involves rigorous rehab activities and one-on-one therapy sessions but doesn’t require in-house accommodation. It means that you can go home after you’ve finished all the required activities for the day.

You are eligible for the outpatient program if you have mild alcohol abuse diagnosed by a medical professional. On the other hand, in-patient treatment is a must for people with severe cases of alcohol abuse.

drug alcohol rehabilitation center
Source: Pexels

Misconception #3: Alcohol Abuse is Not a Disorder Qualified for Rehab

Alcohol abuse is considered a mental health disorder. When a person can’t live a day without drinking alcohol in excessive amounts, that person might be suffering from alcohol abuse disorder. The typical sign of alcohol abuse would be withdrawal symptoms. If there is a sudden urge to drink again after being sober for a short time, you can consider yourself dependent or addicted to alcohol.

In a drug & alcohol rehabilitation center, you’ll undergo thorough screening to determine if you’re a mild or severe substance abuse case. Then, the doctors will recommend the best treatment program for you.

Misconception #4: Rehab Always Has a Religious Agenda

Some rehab centers include religion in the treatment programs. Beforehand, the rehab center must disclose that they have religious and spiritual activities as part of their rehab process. If you’re not comfortable with religious themes in your treatment activities, you can always look for other treatment centers that don’t have religious activities.

However, if the religious activities are voluntary, you can choose not to join religious services. Assuming one of your therapists or activity facilitators includes religious doctrines or practices in one of your treatment sessions, you can always raise your concern to management. That’s why you need to ask the treatment center about religious involvement before enrollment to avoid complications in the future.

On the other hand, if you prefer religious activities in your treatment, find a treatment center that aligns with your faith or belief.

Misconception #5: Only People With Severe Alcoholism Can Enter Rehab

Even people with mild substance abuse can enter rehab, but that doesn’t mean that they have to take inpatient treatments. A rehabilitation center for drugs and alcohol accepts mild and severe cases of substance abuse patients. Always remember that rehab is not the last resort. Even if you’re not yet an extreme case, entering rehab early is the best way to recover from alcohol addiction faster and easier. 

That’s another misconception about alcohol rehab. People always think of rehab as a last resort or see it as a place for “hopeless” cases. But in reality, rehab is a place for everyone who wants to conquer alcohol abuse.

rehabilitation center drugs and alcohol
Source: Pexels

Misconception #6: Rehab is Purely Therapy

While therapy is part of alcohol rehabilitation, treatment programs are not centered on therapy and counseling alone. Patients will also undergo activities to boost self-esteem, develop new skills, and connect with people who share the same problems. In rehab, you’ll meet people from different walks of life. And who knows, you’ll probably learn a thing or two from them.

Some facilities offer classes on anger management, stress management, and exercise programs for a holistic recovery. There might also be alternative therapies like music and art therapy.

Conclusion

Misconceptions about alcohol rehab make it harder for people to enter treatment. With some people thinking that alcohol abuse is not a mental health disorder, this misinformation causes doubts about alcohol rehab and throws an elitist status to the treatment. 

Hopefully, sharing the truths about these misconceptions has shed some light on what alcohol rehab is really about. 

Are you looking for an alcohol rehab facility in Portland, OR? 

Another Chance Drug & Alcohol Rehab Center is Here For You

The journey to recovery starts with finding an alcohol rehabilitation center that’s ready to help you kick start your path to sobriety. Another Chance Drug & Alcohol Rehab Center in Portland is the top facility you should consider for your rehab journey. Here, we live up to our name of ensuring people get the help they need and have another chance at getting back up in life.

We offer alcohol rehab, counseling, and substance abuse recovery programs. Your road to recovery is one call away. Contact us now at (971) 272-8263 or fill out our contact form to get started.