How to Overcome the Fear of Going to Rehab

woman who is scared of going to rehab

How to Overcome the Fear of Going to Rehab

Are you scared of going to rehab? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s perfectly normal to feel a little anxious and fearful before going to an addiction treatment center. After all, you’re about to embark on a journey to a completely new life, so there is a lot of uncertainty and growth ahead of you. That being said, making the decision to go to rehab isn’t easy, and neither is getting sober. As a result, there are many fears people have about going to rehab, but the good news is that you’re not alone.

Learning about the rehab process can help ease some of your worries and, hopefully, eliminate some of your fears about going to rehab. Here is a list of some of the most common reasons why people are scared of rehab and what you should know about overcoming those fears.

1. I’m Afraid of What Other People Will Think if I Go to Rehab

Whether you’re worried about telling your employer that you have a substance abuse problem, are worried about your neighbors finding out you are going to rehab, or are trying to keep your addiction from your family, being scared of what other people will think is no reason to stop you from going to rehab. More than likely, these individuals love and care about you – and they want you to succeed. Most people will be encouraging and supportive if you let them know you need time away to get yourself healthy. More importantly, getting help could mean the difference between life and death, and your life is far more important than what others think of you.

If you’re honestly looking to get sober and stay sober, it may also be a good time to reevaluate your relationships. If there is somebody in your life who judges you for going to rehab or says you shouldn’t go, that relationship may be toxic for you because that person isn’t putting your well-being first. Remember, healthy friends will support your decision to go to rehab. Many of them will even be there to help you work through your fears.

2. I’m Afraid of Going Through Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal

The fear of going through withdrawal is one that many addicts and alcoholics face. It is also a major obstacle that persuades people to continue using even when they want to stop. The fear of withdrawal is often worse in people who have never been to detox before and are unsure of what to expect. While TV shows and internet articles may make withdrawal sound excruciating, detox facilities have medications and resources to help you through the process.

Although drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms are difficult and comfortable, detox centers make sure you don’t go through it alone. Professional drug and alcohol detox programs will administer detox medications to reduce the intensity of your symptoms and provide therapeutic support so your detox experience is as safe and comfortable as possible. With the right detox protocols, you should only experience minor discomfort.

3. I’m Scared That I Won’t Be Able to Stay Sober

Everyone experiences fear of failure from time to time, but when you’re stuck in the grips of addiction, the thought that you’ll be able to stay sober can seem too far out of reach. One reason why so many people don’t go to rehab is that they simply don’t believe that they’ll be able to stay sober. Instead, many people believe they are just going to relapse again.

Truth be told, between 40-60% of recovering addicts do relapse after treatment. However, relapse doesn’t always mean failure. Relapse is simply an opportunity to look at the things you did wrong and figure out what to do next time in order to stay sober. But, if you are scared of rehab because you think you’ll relapse, you won’t even give yourself a fair shot at what you deserve – a chance at a better life.

4. I’m Afraid of Confronting My Addiction and My Past

Addiction causes people to do things they otherwise would not do, such as lie to their loved ones, break the law, or even hurt themselves. If you’re scared of rehab because you’re afraid to confront your past, you’re not alone. The thought of facing your past shortcomings is scary and it can seem impossible to mend certain relationships. Most people have a lot of guilt, shame, and embarrassment when they come to rehab and they have no idea how to start feeling better.

With the combined help of your substance abuse counselor, friends, and support group, you will be able to confront this fear head-on. It’s going to take time to heal broken relationships and make up for the things you did in the past, but there is nothing that is unredeemable. A good treatment center will include your close friends and family in your recovery process to help aid you in the process of mending broken relationships and repairing your past.

5. I’m Scared of Facing My Emotions Without Drugs and Alcohol

Many people abuse drugs and alcohol to numb their emotions. Then, when they get sober, all of these emotions come to the surface. Feelings of depression, anxiety, irritability, and stress may be more pronounced in early sobriety. If you know that you use substances as a coping mechanism, you may be scared of rehab because you’re afraid of dealing with your emotions while sober.

Early sobriety can be an emotional time, but in processing these emotions, you’ll learn how to cope in healthier ways and begin to heal from the devastating effects of your addiction. During your time in treatment, you’ll learn coping skills from your therapist and gain support from your peers so that you can deal with your emotions without drugs or alcohol.

6. I’m Scared of Rehab Because I’ll Never Be Happy Sober

If you still think drugs and alcohol are what will make you happy, it’s safe to say you have some more examination of your behaviors and lifestyle to do. Of course, you can expect to feel some depression when you first get sober. After all, your brain and body will take time to adjust to life in sobriety and you’ll have to grieve losing your life of addiction as you begin to start a new life. It’s understandable that you don’t want to be unhappy, but it’s more likely that you were using drugs and alcohol to hide from sadness in the past, anyway.

In addition to learning coping skills, addiction treatment centers will also help you find things you enjoy. You can work with your therapist to come up with a list of motivators, goals, and strengths so you can work to accomplish things you want to accomplish and find happiness in life. Recovery takes effort, but if you just give it your best shot, you’ll be able to find happiness.

Don’t Let the Fear of Going to Rehab Stop You From Getting Help

If you or someone you know is scared of going to rehab, you’re not alone. At Florida Recovery Group, we know how difficult early recovery can be, which is why we provide each of our patients with individualized substance abuse treatment plans that assess, target, and treat their specific needs. We promise to take the time to work with you to help you overcome your fears, address your concerns, and provide you with the tools you need to stay sober.

There is no reason to let the fear of going to rehab stop you from seeking the help you deserve. Don’t wait any longer. Contact us today to get started with an addiction treatment program near you.