If you’re suffering from an addiction, it’s important to not rule out pursuing treatment as a method of healing yourself. Rehabilitation programs, commonly known as “rehabs,” are designed specifically to help people take time to focus on healing from their addiction.
You shouldn’t be ashamed to be asking yourself, “Do I need rehab?” For most people, going to rehab is responsible. It’s a necessary action to take the steps you need to heal, so that you can give your best to the people you love and show up to your life as your best self. If you’re wondering if rehab is a good option for you, it’s worth giving it careful and sincere consideration
Signs That You May Need To Go To Rehab
To get as much benefit as possible from rehab, it’s important to first acknowledge that you have a substance use order. It’s important to remember that addiction is a disease, and it deserves treatment and rehabilitation just like any other disease. To admit that you have a substance use disorder is to admit you need help, and to enter rehab is to actively seek that help in a focused manner.
The criteria of a substance use disorder are as follows:
- Consuming more of the substance (and/or for a longer time) than intended
- Reduction of social, occupational, or personally enjoyed activities to do the substance
- Experiencing cravings for the substance
- Continuing to use the substance despite knowing that it may cause psychological or physical harm
- Substance use impairs their ability to fulfill obligations at home, school, or work
- Developing a tolerance for the substance, and needing to consume more to feel any effects
- Inability to stop using the substance, even if they desire to do so
- Continuing to use the substance in unsafe or dangerous circumstances, such as driving
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from using the substance
- Continued use of the substance despite it causing negative effects on their social life
It is accepted that an individual has to have at least three of these symptoms to qualify as having substance use disorder. A person may not show all of these signs, but that doesn’t automatically mean they don’t have a disorder. A mental health professional may be able to help you determine if you have a substance use disorder, or help to refer you to a rehab and or treatment center that can service a dual diagnosis.
When You Should Go to Rehab
Understanding the signs indicating the need for rehabilitation is crucial for individuals seeking assistance in overcoming substance abuse challenges.
If you’re spending a significant amount of money on substances (especially in proportion to other things), it may be time to consider going into treatment. This becomes even more relevant if you’re constantly hustling for money or selling possessions in order to purchase substances regularly.
Consistently using intoxicating substances takes a toll on your body. If you’re experiencing changes in energy, an increased occurrence of accidents, or more intense hangovers, it may be time to consider more active treatment for your substance use. This is also true if you feel more anxious, depressed, or paranoid on a regular basis. This may be a sign that your body is going through withdrawal whenever you cease using the substance.
Are you less able to show up for the people in your life because you’re recovering from your substance use? Is your manager becoming concerned about your ability to do your job? Using substances to an unhealthy degree can lead to people around you becoming worried about your health. Resisting or arguing against these concerns may cause tension.
You may not personally identify as an addict. But it’s definitely a cause for concern if you feel like you need a certain substance to get through the day. If a drink or a bump are what’s “necessary” to get you through a shift or a visit from your mother, you may in fact be dealing with a substance use disorder.
Have you ever forgotten to put your bong away, only for it to end up in the hands of someone younger? Have you ever driven while impaired, or almost dropped something heavy near another person because your last hit hadn’t worn off? If your substance use is putting other people in danger, it’s important to address the issue before something is seriously hurt.
If people that you respect are telling you that you have a problem, it’s important to listen to them. They may be seeing signs that aren’t as evident to you. Other people may also be better able to see changes in your life over time.
What Kind of Rehab Do I Need?
If you think you need rehab but aren’t sure where to begin, take time to assess your responsibilities and ability to commit time to healing. There are many different options available for rehab treatment, and a lot depends on the severity of your addiction. Take time to decide, and ask other people for feedback if you’re not sure what intensity of treatment may be best for you.
This is the classic idea of “rehab” that most people think of, wherein individuals stay in a special treatment center that is purposefully designed to support recovery. The point of inpatient treatment is to step away from normal life and solely focus on sobriety. Individuals take time to educate themselves about how addiction works, participate in wellness programs, and complete therapy to assess the underlying causes of their addiction.
If you don’t feel like you can fully step away but still want to focus on your personal healing, outpatient therapy may be the perfect option. This form of therapy acts like a part-time job, where individuals do sobriety-centered activities and appointments around the obligations of their regular lives. This is often recommended for people with less intense addiction that may not need as much detoxification treatment.
This option is an in-between option for treatment that isn’t fully inpatient or outpatient. It takes up about the same time as an outpatient program, and allows time for an individual to take care of their other life responsibilities. But this option typically includes more medical assistance than an outpatient treatment plan. It may best serve the needs of people with pressing life responsibilities but have a more intense addiction.
This type of program is considered another medium point between inpatient and outpatient treatment. Individuals can attend therapy and utilize services, but in general don’t need as much medical monitoring as someone with an intense addiction. This option may be best for someone who needs more than the offerings of a traditional outpatient program, but not as much supervision or support as offered by an inpatient program.
This type of treatment is considered best for people who have already completed a treatment program and want more support before re-entering regular life. These homes host people full-time, and provide services (such as group therapy) to help support recovery. Many times, people live in a sober living home as part of an aftercare program after staying at a rehab.
How to Find Addiction Treatment
If you seriously wish to enter a rehabilitation center, your best asset is the people around you. A medical professional will be able to connect you to helpful resources, and may even provide you with a recommendation to a particular rehab. This also applies to mental health professionals, depending on location. If you participate in any 12-step programs, the members and leaders may have recommendations or insights into what makes a good rehab for the area. It’s also in your best interest to call your health insurance to find out about your coverage options.
Melrose Recovery Can Help You in Recovery
It’s a very brave decision to enter a rehab program, no matter what type of program you choose. You’re taking responsibility for your own addiction and the impact it has on your life. To need to enter rehab isn’t shameful, but a commendable choice that signals a desire to heal.
Melrose Recovery is designed to help people heal in a holistic, comprehensive way. We provide multiple forms of treatment, and develop comprehensive treatment plans for everyone that comes in for help. If you’re ready to start your journey to recovery, contact us today.
