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Medically Reviewed

6 Myths About Rehab

- 8 sections

Medically Verified: January 18, 2025

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

If you struggle with addiction, you are not alone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.5 million people suffered from a substance use disorder in 2023.[1]

The best way to overcome addiction to drugs or alcohol is by attending a professional treatment program. If you’ve been abusing substances for some time, you’ve probably heard people talking about rehab before. You might have heard misconceptions like rehab is too expensive, you’ll get fired from work if you attend treatment, or there isn’t a point in going back if you’ve been to treatment before.

These myths about rehab perpetuate stigmas that prevent people like you from getting the help you need. Thankfully, we are here to debunk these myths and provide facts that will motivate you to make positive changes in your life.

What are the Six Common Myths About Addiction Treatment?

Addiction treatment programs offer the tools and services you need to overcome addiction, including medically supervised detox, evidence-based therapies, and relapse prevention planning. There are multiple levels of care like inpatient rehab and outpatient programs to ensure each person has access to the type of support that is best for them.

If you hang out with other people who abuse substances, you might have heard some misconceptions about addiction treatment. Let’s take a look at the 6 most common myths about drug and alcohol rehab centers.

1. Rehab is too Expensive

One of the biggest myths about addiction treatment is that it is too expensive. Many people believe that there is no way they could ever afford the help they need. While it is true that addiction treatment programs can be costly, there are ways to make it affordable.

For example, health insurance must cover at least a portion of rehab. Even if you do not have insurance, some programs offer payment plans like sliding scale fees, which means you would only have to pay what you can afford based on your income.

2. You Need to Hit Rock Bottom Before Attending Rehab

Being in the world of substance abuse and addiction recovery, you’ve probably heard the term “hitting rock bottom.” It means your substance abuse has taken you to the lowest point possible. Some people believe the myth that you have to hit rock bottom before attending treatment, as you will only get sober once you’ve experienced the worst addiction has to offer.

There is no reason to wait until you “hit rock bottom” for help. Some people do not have a bottom, which means they might suffer from life-threatening overdoses before they even try to get help for their addiction. Instead, you should attend treatment as soon as you realize your substance abuse is negatively impacting your life.

3. You’ll Get Fired If You Go to Rehab

Many people avoid getting the help they need because they are afraid they will be fired from their jobs if they attend treatment. Because of laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), employers cannot legally fire you for seeking substance abuse treatment.

Additionally, if you cannot afford to take 30 to 90 days off of work to attend inpatient rehab, there are other treatment options to consider. For example, some outpatient programs have flexibility in scheduling that allows you to continue working while you work through your recovery program.

Mandala Healing Center accepts the following insurance providers

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4. There Isn’t a Point in Going to Rehab for a Second Time

If you have gone to rehab before and relapsed after getting home, you might believe the misconception that there is no point in trying a second time. After all, you’ve already tried to learn the coping tools and skills offered by an addiction treatment program only to return to substance abuse once you got out.

While it might seem like attending treatment again is redundant, sometimes you need that extra time to develop the skills necessary for maintaining long-term recovery. For some, relapse is a part of the process. Going to rehab for a second time could provide you with perspectives and experiences that you did not get the first time around.

5. Rehab Will Cure Your Addiction

If you are struggling with substance abuse, you might be hoping for a cure. Unfortunately, addiction is a chronic condition that can be managed, not cured. The myth that rehab will cure your addiction can contribute to misunderstandings that make a relapse more likely in the future.

Instead of waiting for addiction treatment to cure you, you should pay attention to the relapse prevention strategies offered during your program. These tools are the key to staying sober long-term and avoiding drug or alcohol abuse in the future.

6. Short Stays in Rehab are Enough

Some people believe that spending 30 days in rehab is enough time to fully recover. While short stays are better than no treatment at all, they are not associated with positive outcomes. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “participation for less than 90 days is of limited effectiveness, and treatment lasting significantly longer is recommended for maintaining positive outcomes.”[2]

In other words, it’s recommended that you spend at least 90 days in an addiction treatment program. You can split this time up by attending an inpatient rehab for 60 days and joining an outpatient program for 30 days.

Get Connected to a Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center

If you or a loved one abuse addictive substances, it’s time to seek professional help. At the Mandala Healing Center, we offer an individualized and evidence-based approach to addiction treatment.

Contact us today to learn more about our drug and alcohol rehab program.

References:

  1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Highlights for the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
  2. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment