Why Rehab Doesn’t Work for Everyone

There is no question that going to rehab can be a positive, life-changing experience, but unfortunately, it doesn’t work for everyone. For one reason or another, people don’t complete the program, or they relapse soon after completing the program. Today our Massachusetts rehab is exploring the common reasons why rehab doesn’t work for some people and how we can combat these issues to ensure as many individuals get the help they need as possible.

When Rehab Doesn’t Work: Top 6 Reasons

Rehabilitation has proven to be a valuable resource for countless individuals struggling with various forms of substance use and mental health disorders. These structured and supportive interventions offer hope for a healthier, sober life. However, rehab doesn’t work for everyone.

There are several reasons why some individuals may not fully benefit from these programs. Understanding these reasons can shed light on the challenges people with addiction and mental illness face in their recovery and help develop ways to enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation for a more comprehensive approach to healing.

1.      Denial.

While there are many different reasons that someone decides to go to rehab, admitting that you have a problem is the first step. Many people who go to rehab went either because they felt pressured by loved ones or because they were court-ordered. However, if the individual does not believe or admit that they have a drug or alcohol problem, they’re likely to leave treatment early or relapse.

If you aren’t sure whether you need to go to rehab, ask yourself whether you can go more than a day without drinking or using drugs. Has your habit ever prevented you from working or being with your family? Do you experience physical and/or emotional distress when you aren’t using or drinking? If you answered yes to these questions, then it’s probably time to get help.

2.      You’re Going to Rehab for Someone Other Than Yourself.

You may think that just getting sober is enough, but it’s not. Unless you truly want to be sober, your sobriety won’t last past your last day of treatment. For example, if you decide to get clean because your significant other wants you to, what happens if you and that person break up? While you might finish rehab and stay sober for a while, you’re likely to relapse if you don’t want to be sober.

3.      You Skip Meetings.

Our Massachusetts inpatient drug rehab encourages clients to join our alumni program or attend 12-step meetings following the completion of treatment to keep them accountable. The transition to life after rehab can be challenging, but having a peer support group that offers a safe space to vent and learn new sober skills can prevent relapse.

Aftercare support is a major aspect of rehab for many people. It’s a continuation of treatment, allowing patients to apply the things they learned in rehab to their everyday lives with the guidance of a recovery professional. Skipping meetings or avoiding aftercare altogether can negatively impact a person’s success in staying sober after rehab.

4.      You Continue to Surround Yourself With Others Who Still Use.

Being around people who still use drugs or alcohol is a recipe for disaster. They may not offer you anything at first, but just having it in your presence is more temptation than anyone in recovery should have to handle. And, as the saying goes, “If you hang out in a barber shop long enough, you will get a haircut.”

It’s like swearing off sugar but constantly having your favorite sweet treat within reach. Sooner or later, most people would cave. Yes, getting sober means readjusting some things in your life, including who you spend most of your time with, but it’s a change for the better.

Though it can seem daunting at first, think about the quality of life you want. You will form new relationships in your new life and maybe even inspire some former friends to take the same steps and work on living clean and sober.

5.      You Have An Untreated Mental Health Problem.

As a facility that offers both addiction treatment and mental health care, we understand the role that mental health plays in addiction and the importance of individualized care. Considering that co-occurring disorders are common, it’s crucial for facilities to do clinical assessments to determine the extent and nature of the individual’s condition and whether they require more than one avenue of care. In cases where the individual has depression, anxiety, or any other disorder that isn’t treated alongside their addiction, rehab is less likely to be successful.

6.      Lack of Personalized Care.

As we touched on previously, it’s crucial for clients to have treatment programs that are individualized to meet their needs. When patients are placed under a generalized program, they’re deprived of the guidance and support that will help them work through unique problems.

For example, our Northeast addictions treatment center offers a Veterans In Recovery program that’s designed solely to help veterans who struggle with mental illness and/or addiction. This program is unique to this demographic, offering the proper support, care, and guidance to help them with challenges such as PTSD and transitioning back to civilian life.

What to Do When Rehab Doesn’t Work

The sad truth is that sometimes people relapse even after going through rehabilitation. Nevertheless, if you’ve thought at all about going, chances are you need to, so don’t hesitate. Don’t let anything change your mind once you’ve decided to get help.

You may want to wait until you feel like you’re truly “ready,” but putting it off puts you in danger of never taking that first step. Even if you find yourself identifying with one or more reasons on this list, it is not a guarantee that rehab won’t work for you. These are simply things you need to keep in mind during your journey to prevent relapse and stay on track.

If you or someone you love is currently struggling with drug addiction or alcoholism, please know that help is available. With over 45 years of experience, Clearbrook Treatment Centers has had the opportunity to witness the miracle of recovery for thousands of individuals.

For more information about our drug rehab in Massachusetts and our services, call Clearbrook today at 570-536-9621 or contact us online.

Related Reading:

Reasons to Go to Rehab

Challenges of Addiction Treatment for Women