In the United States, there are over 21.2 million people in need of addiction treatment. However, only 11 percent of these individuals have received specialty care. This means there are still millions out there who are struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, and all the negative effects that it can bring.
There are many reasons why a person may not go to rehab right away. Firstly, they may be in denial that a problem exists — Usually, it is a loved one that intervenes and suggests professional help. Many struggling with addiction are also scared to get treatment, afraid of what others might think or how it might change their life. Others with a drug problem may wonder, “Is my addiction bad enough?” and “Do I need rehab if I am still functioning in other aspects of my life?”
This may be why you are here now. You may be wondering if you really need to seek treatment, or if you can hold out. You may be thinking that you have not hit rock bottom, so rehab isn’t an option yet. The truth is, it is never too early to seek help for your addiction. Drug addiction, left untreated, can get much worse. It can lead to overdose as well as negative consequences in your physical and mental health. If you are asking the question, “Do I need rehab?” now, then more than likely, the answer is yes.
Does My Addiction Warrant Rehab?
When you use drugs or drink alcohol regularly, it makes lasting changes in the brain. It changes the way you think and behave, and clouds your perception of reality. This, in turn, can make it very difficult to recognize the severity of a drug problem.
Substance addiction, or substance use disorders, can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, based on the following symptoms. If you are experiencing at least two of the below, this indicates you have some degree of a substance use disorder, and are in need of professional drug rehab.
- Compulsive cravings that you cannot control
- Irrational decision-making, or making decisions despite negative consequences
- A desire to quit drugs, but you have not been able to do so
- Using drugs repeatedly, even when it puts you in danger
- Giving up once-loved relationships, hobbies, and vocations
- Problems everyday responsibilities at work, home, and/or school
- Continued use, despite the detriment to your relationships
- High tolerance to drugs, and increased dosages (or frequency of use) to feel a “high”
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using drugs
- Most of your time is spent trying to obtain, use, and/or recover from drugs
- Co-occurring mental health problems, like depression or anxiety
However, as noted above, if you are asking “Do I need to go to rehab?” then more than likely, you already know the answer. Recognizing you have a drug problem is often the first step – and it’s a very difficult one. You may have realized this after getting in trouble at school, at work, or with the law. You may have realized this when your relationships started to fall apart, due to your drug abuse. Or, perhaps you recognized the problem when you tried to stop using but couldn’t. Or when you could not get out of bed to go about your day, without taking a hit of your drug of choice. These are all tell-tale signs that you need rehab from a professional treatment facility.
You can learn more about the signs here.
Now the question is, what kind of rehab do you need?
What Type of Rehab Do I Need?
There are many different types of treatment programs out there, including inpatient and outpatient rehab, as well as long-term and short-term programs. It is important to remember that rehab is not “one size fits all.” The right type of rehab for you will depend on your individual needs, the severity of your substance addiction, and your circumstances at this time. It is important to discuss your needs, and your situation, with a treatment professional. You can also do research to learn about the different types of programs available. For example, at Turnbridge, you will find:
- Gender-specific treatment programs
- Integrated, dual-diagnosis treatment
- Long-term treatment programs, which prove to be most successful
- Evidence-based, behavioral therapy methods
- Individual and group counseling
- 12-step meetings
- Family therapy
- Holistic therapies and activities
- Both inpatient and outpatient programs available
Generally speaking, inpatient (or residential) treatment is the best choice for those who cannot remove themselves from drug use or toxic environments at home. In other words, they do not have a safe place to heal in the early recovery journey. Inpatient rehab is also recommended for adolescents, young adults, and those battling co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, eating disorders, and more. Meanwhile, outpatient treatment is recommended for those who have a less severe substance use disorder, and have a stable and sober environment at home.
In near every case, long-term drug rehab is recommended. Research shows that the longer you stay in treatment, the more successful your treatment outcomes will be. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends at least 90 days (i.e. three months) of rehab; however, longer terms yield even better results.
If you are interested in learning about the different types of addiction treatment available, but do not know where to start, you can always contact Turnbridge. Turnbidge is a recognized adolescent and young adult drug treatment center, offering dual diagnosis and gender-specific programs for those battling addiction. We can help you, or your loved one, start the path towards recovery. Simply call 877-581-1793 to learn how. You may also visit some of the helpful resources below.