Rehab has gained so many negative perceptions that it is not surprise that people have heard myths about it. Some of these are absolutely ridiculous and people probably don’t believe that they are true, but others seem so logical that there seems to be no way they are not accurate.
One of the more common myths is that a person has to be ready for rehab. This is not the case at all and waiting for a time when you will be ready could be too late. Patients who are admitted to a rehab treatment centre are often placed there forcibly by their friends or family. They are forced to admit that they have a problem, and may be very resistant to going to rehab.
Relapse is another element that is often misconceived. People see relapse as a failure, both of the person and of the rehab, but this is not the case. There is no prescriptive treatment for those suffering from addiction and when you are struggling to heal, there may be more steps backwards than forwards at first. The important thing to remember is that it is a process and it takes time, so no matter how many relapses occur or how many temptations the person gives into, they need to know that they can always go back to the path to health.
One of the more common myths is that rehab is simply a vacation. People often see in movies that patients in rehab get private rooms, are catered to in every way and only need to sit in one therapy session a week to recover. This is not the case. The truth is much more serious and for those who have been through rehab, this myth is completely disproved. Those who wish to recover have to go through a very challenging process to do so, and they are by no means in for a holiday. They will have intensive detoxing and therapy sessions that will be draining and frightening, but they all work in the long term with the active commitment of the patient, if they are ready and willing to be stakeholders in their own recovery.
Also see our :
Comprehensive guide to the myths of AA and NA Groups.
Overview of the 12 Step Programme and the AA Meetings.