The Truth About Treatment Programs

Debunking 5 Common Myths About Receiving Psychiatric Help

Sometimes, when people think about entering a treatment program for addiction or behavioral health issues, they’re put off by the ideas that surround getting help. Most of the time, those who carry these negative beliefs are influenced by someone else’s view of treatment. But, if you are thinking about getting help for substance use or a behavioral health disorder, it’s important to find out the truth about treatment. In order to do this, you need to know that many of the things you’ve heard are actually misconceptions or myths.

The Truth About Treatment

Here’s one truth: change is scary! No doubt, you’ve been feeling a little nervous about entering treatment. This is common! Many people feel anxious when they even think about taking a large step like this. It’s difficult to imagine living life in recovery. It’s a big change and one you should take seriously.

Many times, people who decide not to get help do so because of uncertainty. The fear of the unknown has stood in the way of many when it comes to treatment. But remember, recovery is possible, and you are not alone on this journey. Millions live with addiction and behavioral health disorders, and it’s imperative that we continue to fight these stigmas and support those seeking help.

Here’s another truth: treatment is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Instead, it’s an individualized journey, complete with a variety of programs and services that can help you through your unique recovery. 

Now that you know the truths about treatment, let’s discuss some of the myths.

5 Myths About Treatment

Myth 1: People who enter a treatment program are “weak,” “crazy,” or otherwise flawed in some way.

This is probably the biggest reason why most people are hesitant to seek out treatment. We’ve been taught that we should be able to “handle things on our own,” and asking for help is a sign of weakness or defeat. While there has been some shifting of this perspective, there are still a lot of people who feel shameful for receiving counseling, taking medication, or entering treatment programs.

The truth is, it takes courage and a certain amount of emotional maturity to acknowledge that we don’t know all the answers and to reach out and ask for some guidance. Being willing to ask for help is a way of taking responsibility and doing what we need to do to take care of ourselves.

Myth 2: Hitting “rock bottom” or having a severe mental illness is the only reason to enter a program.

Myth 3: Treatment programs aren’t necessary.

Many people think of professional treatment as yet another way to make money from those who need help. Sadly, some treatment facilities have taken this approach. However, there are numerous facilities that are dedicated to your well-being, including here at Sage.

Also, it’s important to address the idea of quitting alcohol or drug use cold turkey. For many individuals, this is the “free alternative” to an addiction treatment program. It may be “free,” but it can end up costing you more in the long run. Withdrawal can be dangerous, which is why we offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to help you navigate the symptoms of withdrawal. Additionally, addiction is not just the physical use of drugs or alcohol; it’s also an emotional and psychological dependence on those substances. So, even if you stop using abruptly, you will still need to overcome your other dependencies.

For all of these reasons, it’s important to seek professional help right away if you’re struggling with substance abuse.