Feeling ashamed to seek treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is common. You may be embarrassed at the thought of telling family members or your employer that you are going into a rehab program, or simply find it difficult to admit that you need help. However, you should never be ashamed to go into a rehab program for drug or alcohol addiction. Instead, consider the many reasons to be proud of taking a critical first step towards recovery.
Addiction is a Medical Condition
First and foremost, recognize that addiction is a chronic disease. Drug and alcohol addiction are linked to both genetic and environmental factors. Many do not realize how quickly our bodies can become dependent on drugs or alcohol.
Long-term drug or alcohol abuse can cause changes to the structure of your brain, which in turn impacts your impulse control. As an addict, you have a medical condition with physical causes and consequences. Those who suffer from medical conditions need appropriate treatment to get well. Going into a rehab allows you to receive that crucial treatment.
You are in Good Company
Struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction can make you feel completely alone. In reality, millions of people from all walks of life suffer from addiction. Addiction crosses all ages, racial backgrounds and genders. There are addicts with loving and supportive families as well as addicts whose only social contacts are friends who also struggle with substance abuse. Some who struggle with addiction have successful careers while others are unable to hold down a job.
In addition to providing the medical and counseling support needed to detox and move into recovery, going into a rehab program offers the opportunity to meet many others who are battling with drug and alcohol addiction.
Many people who go through rehab programs gain lifelong support systems of like-minded friends and mentors. Counselors and staff are often in recovery themselves. You will find yourself surrounded by others who do not stigmatize your addiction, but instead celebrate the hard work and bravery of your recovery.
Going to Rehab Is Courageous
One of the easiest things to do in life is to stay where you are. In the moment, denying that you need treatment or delaying going into rehab can feel more comfortable than taking the plunge. Even when the lifestyle we are used to is not making us happy, walking away from it is scary.
However, it is only possible to be brave when you are facing something that makes you feel afraid or uncomfortable. Making the decision to go to rehab and following through even though you have fears about the process or the changes in your life is an act of courage. Rather than be ashamed, be proud of the strength you are showing by taking control of your addiction and moving towards recovery.
Seeking Help Is Smart
Going into rehab is more than just courageous. Recognizing that you need help and seeking it out is smart. When the plumbing or electricity in our homes or the hardware on our computers have problems, we seek out experts to repair them. Of course, going into rehab isn’t quite like that, because rather than repairing things for you the experts are there to help and guide you in doing that work yourself.
Knowing when you cannot do something without the knowledge and support of others is intelligent. It demonstrates that you understand your own limitations and what is needed to grow beyond them.
Going into rehab is acknowledging that many others have walked this path and have successfully overcome drug and alcohol addiction, and choosing to learn from their experience and expertise.
Being ashamed to seek treatment for drug or alcohol addiction can hinder you from taking a critical first step towards recovery. Instead of being ashamed to go into rehab, remind yourself that you are battling a medical condition and need the expertise and support of others to do so successfully. Look forward to building a support system that can lead to lifelong friendships with others who share your goals and challenges. Remember that seeking treatment takes courage and intelligence, and congratulate yourself for having those traits instead of feeling that your addiction is a weakness. Then pick up the phone, contact us at 732-392-7311 and take your first step towards recovery.
