Tag Archives: Addiction Treatment Process

Reasons People Stop Going To Treatment and Rehab

One of the most predictive factors of someone building a successful recovery is their length of time in treatment. Because addiction is fundamentally about compulsive behavior, people need time to break the cycle. We are helping the brain gradually change and settle down such that the person feels more empowered in their life. It can be devastating for a family who hears of a loved one who has decided to leave treatment early before it’s complete. When a person is leaving treatment early, they make a mistake that can cost them their future. That’s a hard statement to make, especially for those who want to remain sober. Yet, it takes time and a lot of work to make sure that sobriety is possible.

However, leaving treatment is preventable. But it takes effort from all around.These are some of the most common explanations of why people leave addiction treatment early.

Top Reasons People Leave Treatment Early

“Detox is too difficult.”

One of the most common reasons why people leave drug treatment is the drug and alcohol detoxification process. The first couple of weeks of treatment can be uncomfortable and even unbearable because of the onset of withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the drug, the length of time the drug was used and the quantity of the drug consumed, the withdrawal symptoms can be highly uncomfortable both physically and mentally.

Many drug treatment facilities provide excellent detoxification programs in which licensed and training medical staff provide around the clock supervision. The goal of detox is to minimize the pain and discomfort of withdrawal. At Harmony Ridge Recovery Center, we offer medication-assisted treatment to our patients with opioid addiction. It gives them an alternative form of therapy aside from the typical abstinence-based treatment.

Whether it’s through naltrexone or buprenorphine, our team of professionals at Harmony Ridge Recovery is here to assist. They know that medications are sometimes a necessary component of the treatment process. In order to not leave treatment early, we offer a way to track how much medication we’re giving you, as well as how long we believe you’ll need it.

The fact is those early in recovery aren’t alone in the management of your withdrawal, you have the support of medical and counseling staff who are encouraging and empathetic to the situation. Many counselors who work in drug treatment are in recovery themselves so they can identify and relate to the struggles of detoxification.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat substance abuse. MAT is normally used to treat opioid use disorders but has helped other types in the past. Sometimes other effects from these medications can hinder the recovery process, but they help more often than not. This therapy can be combined with others, like behavioral and group therapies, in order to achieve desired results of sobriety. We understand that ceasing drug use without the help of medication is sometimes not the best option for our patients. In our medication-assisted treatment here at Harmony Ridge, our staff is available 24/7 to manage the different prescribed medications and help you to not leave treatment early.

Leave Treatment Early Because of Unrealistic Expectations

Some people might go into treatment thinking it’s going to be easy and amazing right from the start. And you can’t really blame them. Addiction takes over a person’s ability to think rationally. And, on top of that, a lot of addicts haven’t been to treatment before. They don’t realize the work that goes into it. So, when they’re forced to confront their emotions and develop tools to live a functional life – rather than simply being medicated until the drugs leave their system – some may choose to leave.

Recovery is worth it and sometimes some of the methods and activities will really resonate with you. But it’s unrealistic to think that everything is going to be easy and amazing. Instead, you should acknowledge that the real reason you’re there is to work through your addiction and take that first step into recovery. That implies effort. Keep an open mind throughout your treatment process. And if something doesn’t go as you expected, don’t make any rash decisions. Instead, take a moment to ask yourself if the treatment program is actually bad or if your expectation was just unrealistic.

“I Already Know All Of This – I Don’t Need Rehab.”

With any addiction recovery program, there will be certain themes that can be repeated. Repetition is important because as humans, that’s how we learn. Because of this repetition, individuals who complete only a few weeks of rehab may become overconfident. While confidence is key in recovery, overconfidence can be potentially damaging. Despite not having the full skill set that they need in order to maintain long-term sobriety, a person may become convinced that he or she is completely healed or “cured.” However, without all of the skills developed and fully in place, they won’t be ready to work through the triggers.

Response: Research indicates that the longer an addicted person remains in treatment, the better their chances of maintaining their recovery. To leave treatment early means the person thinks they have learned everything they need to know. If a loved one indicates that they already know everything about treatment – it can be a signal of progress, or it can be a signal that more treatment – at different levels – is necessary. For example, stepping down from inpatient to outpatient or a transitional living home environment.

Dangers to Leave Treatment Early

There may be a small minority of people who check out of rehab early and do manage to stay sober, but in the vast majority of cases it leads to negative consequences. The dangers of an early exit from this facility include

* The individual will not be prepared for the transition back home so they will likely be overwhelmed by familiar temptations.

* If the person feels like they have had a bad experience they will likely use this as a justification for a return to alcohol and drugs.

* Those who flee treatment while overly emotional (e.g. angry) will not be able to think rationally and so are likely to make bad choices.

* Nobody knows how many chances the individual will get at recovery – some people only seem to get one shot because they never summon up the determination to quit again. This means that by leaving rehab the individual might be blowing their only chance of a good life.

* The individual can use this bad experience as an excuse to never consider rehab again.

* Family and friends are likely to be disappointed by this failure to stay the course of rehab. It may even mean that they struggle to ever trust that person again.

* If the individual leaves rehab and then relapses it can lower their self efficacy – their belief in their own ability to escape addiction. This means that it will be harder for them to quit next time.

Can You Check Yourself Out of Rehab?

If you’re currently enrolled in a rehab program and are considering leaving, talk to your therapists and counselors about how you feel. They’ve been through this before with other patients and can address any concerns you’re having about your recovery, treatment, or progress. You might also want to discuss your concerns in group therapy, because others may feel the same, and you might be able to strengthen each other’s resolve.

Leaving drug rehab early or AMA is a form of self-sabotage – a behavior that is common for those in active addiction. If your loved one decides to leave treatment early, it will be a difficult time for you – however, it should not be the end of the family’s effort and support in getting a loved one well. With the support of family and a strong team of professionals, keeping a loved one active and engaged in their treatment and recovery process is possible.

Lastly, if you really want to leave–you can, but just wait it out for 24 hours and see how you feel. Take recovery day by day, and every morning commit yourself to stay another day. Before you know it, you’ll be on the road to recovery.

Considering to Leave Treatment Early? Harmony Ridge Recovery Center is here to help

If you have left treatment early, know that your recovery efforts don’t have to die in vain. There is still hope for a successful recovery. While it’s dangerous to relapse after treatment for the risk of overdose-related death, it’s also dangerous to never get help with treatment ever again. Many people who relapse end up obtaining a lasting recovery on their second or even third time in treatment. So, don’t give up!

The Relationship Between Addiction and Chronic Pain Among Patients in Parkersburg, WV

Addiction and chronic pain among patients in Parkersburg WV is not merely a health concern; it’s a community issue impacting the lives of individuals and families alike. Chronic pain on its own can be overwhelming, but when coupled with addiction, the situation becomes significantly more complex. The reliance on substances for relief can quickly turn into a relentless cycle, deepening the patient’s suffering and complicating treatment efforts. The battle against this tangled web of pain and substance misuse needs our attention, understanding, and comprehensive care. Continue reading →

What to Do When an Addict Refuses Treatment?

As you watch the person you care about battle addiction, it’s understandable to believe you know what’s best. You may even feel strongly about getting them into treatment because you recognize the risks if they continue on their current path, and know they can take steps to interrupt their addiction and head toward recovery. What can you do when your loved one won’t get treatment? When an addict refuses treatment, there are specific steps you can take to help get them on track.

Why Would an Addict Refuse Treatment?

There are a number of reasons why an addict won’t get help for a drug problem, but they usually come down to one thing: fear. Given the threats that accompany a lifestyle of addiction, then, why do addicts refuse to consider addiction treatment as an alternative? Addicts and alcoholics are usually the last ones to recognize that their use is a problem, and when confronted, one of the biggest reasons why an addict won’t get help is because he or she insists that they don’t have one. As well, one of the reasons why an addict refuses treatment is because they feel like, given the right circumstances, they can “fix” their problems.

Another big reason why an addict refuses treatment is because they’re under the mistaken impression that detox is just that: withdrawal without any comfort or support. The reality is that’s the furthest thing from the truth when it comes to a drug and alcohol treatment facility. Safe medical detox programs use comfort medication and clinical protocols to manage withdrawal symptoms, keeping patients as comfortable as possible throughout the detox and recovery process.

If you’re a family member, loved one, or friend of someone who needs treatment yet refuses to get help, you may have heard one or all of these reasons. There are methods you can use, however, to talk to someone about alcoholism or addiction.

If Your Loved One Refuses Treatment

The goal, of course, is to encourage the individual to get the help they need and to slowly overcome the reasons why an addict refuses treatment.

It’s not an easy process, but then again, addiction is a complex disease that requires patience and understanding above all else. Unlike someone with a physical health condition, a person with an addiction might not recognize the true danger of their illness or understand the risks of not treating it.

Educate Yourself on Why an Addict Refuses Treatment

Find out what they’re going through on an educational level. While every single addiction is different, and potentially more harrowing than what you may find online, withdrawal symptoms and other synonymous aspects tend to go with their coupled addictions. It can help you prepare for the future and keep your eyes out for any signs of potential overdose.

More than that, it’s also a key component in validating your stance in an intervention down the road. If you know nothing about what your loved one is going through, it’s very difficult to understand the magnitude of the situation from a third-party perspective. Do the research, and understand the specific drug or alcohol issues that your loved one is going through in order to better understand their place in all of this.

Identify Where in the Situation You Are

There are different stages of addiction. It’s difficult to determine exactly where your loved one resides. It makes a difference between being able to talk one-on-one with them and realizing that they are too far gone. If you can determine where they are in their addiction, it’s going to be beneficial. By taking a step back and looking at the last few weeks or months of events, you’ll be able to better determine what the next steps to take.

Start With The Medical Approach

When someone is in the grip of addiction, their clarity quickly withers away. Suggest or schedule a routine check-up appointment. Inform the doctor of the addiction prior to the visit, and do so for multiple reasons. They’ll be better able to identify the issues and see past the excuses of the individual.

Offer Support

Let the person know that you are there for them no matter what. It’s very easy to have a conversation with someone and keep the subject matter silent, while both of you know what’s going on. By avoiding bringing it up in direct words or unveiling anger, you’re showing them that you’re not being judgmental and that you just want to help. When an addict refuses treatment, starting small is always the best choice for a successful outcome.

Set Limits and Avoid Enabling

Often, people struggling with a drug addiction want help but not recovery. They may ask for financial assistance, comfort, or a place to stay. While you may wish to assist them, setting limits is essential.

Enabling someone’s addiction can take many forms, almost all of them well-meaning. Some examples include:

Offering cash
Offering a place to stay
Offering to help hide the addiction from friends, family, or co-workers
Paying bills that they misplace, forget, or ignore
Picking up their slack if they are a co-worker
Giving them rides to or from locations that are clearly not related to school or work

This could be beneficial in the short term, but it will ultimately hinder their desire to seek true recovery and sobriety.

Get Help for Yourself

Just because your loved one refuses treatment, doesn’t mean you can’t get help yourself. It is not easy to live with addiction. Even if you’re not the one abusing drugs or alcohol. If you’re dealing with an addict who refuses treatment, you are not alone. however.

Al-Anon and Narc-Anon are 12-step programs designed for those with loved ones who are addicts. In addition to group support, consider family or individual therapy. Learning about addiction and abuse will also help you understand what your loved one is going through, and how to help him or her better.

A Word from Harmony Ridge Recovery Center – What to Do When Your Loved One Won’t Get Treatment

We understand you are probably at your wit’s end and feel as though you have tried everything you can think of to make your loved one stop. But you can’t make an addict stop using. No amount of threats will change them. If you’re concerned about what to do when an addict refuses treatment, you can rely on trusted professionals as support.

Harmony Ridge offers comprehensive and specialized substance abuse treatment to support individuals on their journey toward lasting recovery and improved well-being. Our recovery specialists are standing by 24/7 to help you or your loved one.

The Role of Healthcare Providers in WV in Addressing Benzodiazepine Addiction

Benzodiazepine addiction in West Virginia and throughout the country is a growing concern that demands immediate attention. Healthcare providers are necessary to address this issue. They stand at the frontline, equipped with the knowledge and tools to combat this crisis. Their responsibilities extend beyond mere treatment, encompassing prevention, education, and long-term recovery support. We will dive into the various strategies employed by Harmony Ridge Recovery Center WV to tackle benzodiazepine addiction. We’ll explore the science behind benzodiazepines, the importance of routine screening, and the power of patient education. Furthermore, we’ll discuss treatment options, collaborative care, and the significance of adhering to medical guidelines. Join us as we navigate this complex issue, shedding light on the vital role of healthcare providers in WV in addressing benzodiazepine addiction. Continue reading →

The Impact of Addiction on West Virginia’s Economy

Addiction is a complex issue that goes beyond its toll on individual health and familial well-being. Its detrimental effects extend to the broader community and economy. The impact of addiction on West Virginia’s economy serves as a poignant example of the economic consequences incurred by rampant substance abuse. As a state gripped by the relentless grasp of addiction, West Virginia faces ramifications across various sectors and facets of society. At Harmony Ridge Recovery, we care deeply for our communities and state. As established pioneers among drug and alcohol treatment centers in West Virginia, we feel obliged to explore this matter in depth and offer our insights. In doing so, we hope to emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to mitigate its consequences. Continue reading →

MAT Benefits for Addiction Recovery

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is an established medical practice with ample benefits, all crucial in facilitating a more comfortable detox process. MAT benefits for addiction recovery extend far beyond the detox phase, as well, helping achieve optimal outcomes. At Harmony Ridge Recovery Center WV, we have diligently examined the profound advantages that MAT offers individuals on their path to recovery. We delve deep into the topic, shedding light on the invaluable benefits that MAT provides. Join us as we explore the intricate facets of MAT, highlighting its instrumental role in promoting successful addiction recovery. Continue reading →

Why Harm Reduction is Crucial in Substance Abuse Treatment

The issue of substance abuse isn’t a trivial matter. Its tendrils stretch far and wide, quietly ensnaring the lives of millions around the globe. It’s an unspoken epidemic, casting long shadows over families, communities, and societies. But there’s a beacon of hope in this enveloping darkness: harm reduction therapy. This strategy is more than just a buzzword; it’s a pivotal shift in the treatment of substance abuse. In this journey, we will delve into why harm reduction is crucial in substance abuse treatment, how it operates, and the life-altering transformation it can bring. Continue reading →

Night Sweats and Alcohol Use: Causes & What to Do

In our everyday lives, a good night’s sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being. But what happens when this peaceful slumber is disrupted by a peculiar occurrence known as night sweats? This phenomenon can be uncomfortable, confusing, and sometimes indicative of underlying health issues. One of the common triggers of night sweats links to something many of us may overlook: alcohol use. As we delve into night sweats and alcohol use, we’ll unravel their complex relationship, shedding light on how they interact within the body and impact our sleep quality. Moreover, we’ll provide insights into various interventions, such as the help offered by the esteemed drug and alcohol rehab in West Virginia, which can guide individuals in managing these conditions effectively. Continue reading →

The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation During Rehab in Marietta OH

As you embark on your journey toward recovery, incorporating mindfulness meditation during rehab in Marietta OH could prove invaluable. Many reputable rehabilitation centers, like Harmony Ridge Recovery Center WV, endorse and implement mindfulness techniques to enhance recovery programs. We’ll delve into the multifaceted benefits of this practice and how it can improve your recovery experience and, ultimately, foster resilience, self-awareness, and overall well-being. Whether you’re a rehab participant, a caregiver, or simply curious, let’s delve into the transformative power of mindfulness meditation in rehabilitation. Continue reading →

Tag Archives: Addiction Treatment Process

Reasons People Stop Going To Treatment and Rehab