Many people who are suffering from substance abuse cannot seek help because of the stereotypes that come attached with it. The media also drives this stigma because people shown as recovering addicts are shown leading tragic lives. So even though thousands of people are being affected by it, some people have formed their ideas and perceptions about rehabilitation and treatments that aren’t even true. Healthcare institutes worldwide have a specific medical drug and alcohol detox team so that all their attention goes into treating the patient.
Having medical support and supervision during alcohol or opioid detox reduces health risks and discomfort while increasing the chances of complete recovery. As a result, Dr. Andre Waismann method and professional staff is constantly working to provide you with the safest, most comfortable, and medically assisted detoxification in the world.
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Why are there stereotypes associated with medical drugs and alcohol detox?
Stereotypes are a bunch of negative beliefs that a group holds against any particular plan. The World Health Organization says that increasing misbeliefs and assumptions is the leading cause of discrimination and prejudice against people seeking help.
There are such stereotypes related to medical and alcohol use that it is seen as an overindulgence. One common belief is that addicts lack determination, and hence they engage in bad behavior. It is difficult for people who haven’t been addicted to understanding the ability to lose control over themselves; that is why it is very convenient to see an addict as a bad person and not ill.
Millions of people consume medical drugs and alcohol to cope with life’s challenges in our society, but only a small percentage is seeking help at treatment centers. People suffering from addiction continue to be blamed for their disease, even after medicine established that addiction is a brain disorder. The public has been linking their condition as a result of flawed character and moral failing. Drug and alcohol rehab must be widely accepted and encouraged by the public.
It’s already time to address such stigmas and stereotypes not to feel uncomfortable while seeking help anymore. Some of them are as follows:
● There is no need to detox
Many people just don’t want to be associated with the term ‘addict.’ It is necessary to understand that medical drug and alcohol addiction is an illness. People are just ashamed to admit to the severity of their problems. They think they have got it under control, but in reality, it’s far from their hands. If anyone who lacks control over the substance avoids socialization and continues to behave similarly needs help.
● Rehab doesn’t work because most patients relapse
Drug and alcohol detoxification would work only when the patient follows the rules of the rehab program at a drug rehab Baton Rouge and lives a sober and healthy lifestyle with the help and support of their fellow peers and family. The road to recovery can be eased by the support of the network, which is at the same place as you, or a self-help group such as Alcoholics Anonymous, which could be crucial to one’s lifelong recovery. You should set realistic targets for yourself and celebrate small milestones, encouraging you to go a long way.
● You can detox on your own
This stereotype is not only menacing but also the leading cause of why people won’t seek help. People think that self-determination towards detoxification is more accessible to commit than going to a rehab center. According to psychological experts, if one tries to do this on their own, as they are most likely to relapse, which will be insanely painful and, in some cases, life-threatening also. The most challenging barrier to pass while being in a detox program is the stage of withdrawal. It is a set of physical and mental effects that a person has when they stop consuming a particular substance in their body. There are trained professionals at rehab centers to help you cope with the same.
● People using medical drugs don’t require treatment; they just need to try harder
Even if you are the most dedicated person globally, it isn’t enough to help you quit using. Treatments do work, and they help you cut substance usage by 40-60%. However, recovering from addiction takes time, mental strength, and several attempts before you start living a healthy and substance-free life.
● Detox is very painful
When a person experiences withdrawal symptoms, it majorly depends on the substance and the period of usage. However, there are always professionals who can help ease the pain, discomfort, and other symptoms related to the same.
● You have to hit rock bottom
We need to thank the media for this, as they have previously shown that recovering addicts lead tragic lives and live in public spaces. But the truth is that people suffering from addiction actually lead good lives, a well-to-do job, and a family to go back to. Unfortunately, these people can be anyone we know who is afraid to come out because of their stigmas. They think that it may cause harm to their career and reputation.
● If it didn’t work before, it never will
This misbelief needs to be addressed at large before discouraging other people from seeking help again. Relapses happen very often, and it is nothing to feel ashamed or guilty about. About 50% of people who enroll at a rehabilitation center relapse, and you can always re-enroll again. Psychologists can help you identify the point you went wrong, to work on correcting the same.
Conclusion
Becoming used to substances can happen to anyone. We barely really realize how the levels of consumption have increased. It is critical to understand that we prove to be fruitful in reducing the stereotypes about the same. Some hurdles have been crossed in overcoming the stigmas by raising public awareness, and using effective medicines has somewhat helped minimize the domination of depression. Reducing the stigma is not easy. One way we can challenge the stereotypes is just by simply talking about them. This is going to help everyone by making them more empathetic.