Alcohol Rehab; the Myths and Facts

Myth: Alcohol rehab is very expensive

Fact:There are some luxurious alcohol rehab programs that cost several thousand dollars per week; there are many that are generally affordable to the public. Additionally, many private insurance plans cover the cost of alcohol rehab. (Note: you must check with your insurance provider to confirm before enrolling into any program.)

Myth: Alcohol rehab can be finished in less than a week

Fact: Beware of "instant rehab" from any addiction treatment center. Most addiction treatment programs last 30 days or more, and longer term alcohol rehabs can even last over a year. Alcohol rehab focuses on getting people clean and sober and teaches them skills to stay that way. This cannot be achieved overnight and requires dedication and commitment from the recovering addict. Once an alcoholic in recovery makes the commitment, the alcohol addiction treatment program can make some serious changes in their life.

Myth: Alcohol detox is the same as alcohol rehab

Fact: Alcohol detox only helps with the physical component of alcohol addiction. The individual must then focus on the psychological component through individual and group counselling to help change the behaviours associated with their alcohol addiction. Alcohol rehab focuses on both the physical and psychological components of addiction. Alcohol detox is important but it is only the first step in the alcohol recovery process, not the final one.

Myth: Inpatient residential alcohol rehab is better and outpatient alcohol rehab does not work

Fact: There are advantages to entering a residential alcohol rehab which includes 24/7 attention, care and support, the programs are very similar to outpatient care. Even though the individual is free to go home at the end of the day. Both types of alcohol rehab are helpful ways to combat alcohol addiction, but to call one better than the other would be simply preposterous.

Myth: When an individual finishes alcohol rehab treatment, they are "cured"

Fact: When someone completes alcohol rehab they are faced with many obstacles. That individual must readjust themselves to outside world of alcohol rehab. This is one of the most difficult tasks when someone completes an addiction treatment program. What they learn inside an alcohol rehab is being tested in the real world. They must make the best decisions and avoid temptations that lead to drink in the first place to avoid relapse. Fortunately, there are some alcohol rehabs that offer an aftercare program to help. Aftercare programs consist of 12-steps like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other support group meetings, weekly one on one therapy sessions or follow up counseling over the telephone designed to provide support

Myth: All alcohol rehab facilities can help dual diagnosis patients

Fact: This is not true. In fact, most alcohol rehabs do not treat the dual diagnostic individual. This is why it is important to find one that does. Dual diagnosis or concurrent disorders is a condition where an individual suffers from both a mental illness and an alcohol or drug addiction. This requires specialized care that not many centers can handle. In an alcohol rehab that treats dual diagnosis has a psychiatrist, nurse and physician on staff as well as addiction counsellors and psychotherapists.

Sobriety.ca Foundation is a small residential alcohol drug rehab treatment center located in the serene countryside a short drive from Ottawa. We offer individualized addiction treatment programs in an environment that is conducive to rest, relaxation and recovery. If you have questions about whether you or a loved one may need treatment please call our call us at 1-888-999-8101 and speak with one of our addiction specialists.