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Having the desire to overcome your addiction is something that should make you proud. Putting your foot down and deciding to go to rehab is often the hardest step in recovery. It’s important to remind yourself everything is within reach and that the life you deserve is right around the corner. That’s not to say rehab doesn’t come with its challenges.
Many patients starting their recovery journey express fears about the unknown. Whether it’s the thought of change, withdrawal, or relapse, feeling afraid about your current situation is natural. Instead of letting your fears become an obstacle, you can turn them into motivation to seek help at a rehabilitation center and start on your path to a new beginning.
Let’s discuss some of the fears you or a loved one may have about Intensive Outpatient Rehab and how to overcome them.
Change
One of the most common fears associated with rehab is change. Even though patients still live and sleep at home with the flexibility of an intensive outpatient program, it is still introducing a new way of living. It’s normal to worry when you don’t know how you will enjoy your free time while staying sober.
It’s important to remember that change is the only way to move forward and improve your life. By embracing change, you can not only reach your recovery goals and be surprised by what you learn about yourself. Whether you find a new hobby or learn a new skill, you’ll be thankful you decided to start rehab. A strong support system is crucial in helping you enforce change and focus on the road ahead.
Rejection
When you decide to cut out your old toxic habits, you will likely have to do the same for those supporting your addiction. Unless you are going to rehab together, it won’t help you in your recovery to keep ties with anyone who isn’t interested in seeing you win. The feeling of losing someone who was once close to you or even them rejecting you can be scary at first.
If you have a friend or family member that isn’t jumping for joy about you starting treatment, it’s time to reevaluate that relationship. Now is the time to surround yourself with supportive people who want the best for you. Intensive outpatient rehab will help you connect with others who are experiencing the same struggles. Making new friends will help ease the pain of losing old ones.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms in the early stages of recovery can be unpleasant at times. When you quit depending on an addictive substance, your body will start to experience physical and mental symptoms of withdrawal.
Some of these include:
- Mood changes
- Aches and pains
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Shaking
Anticipating these symptoms can be scary at the beginning of your recovery journey. Thankfully, withdrawal is manageable with the support you get during rehab. With medically supported techniques, these symptoms can be reduced to mild discomfort.
Relapse
The fear of a future relapse prevents many people from seeking the treatment they need. Many believe falling into old habits after starting rehab is a sign of failure. In reality, it is a part of healing, as you are learning how much work it will take to live sober.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between forty and sixty percent of individuals relapse within their first year of treatment. Repeated attempts at sobriety are normal, and treatment plans can be adjusted in an intensive outpatient program as you learn.
Our team at Carolina Recovery Solutions is here to help you overcome your fears of rehab. Getting treatment is worth it, and we’re committed to making the process comfortable for you. If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction, call us today at (828) 383-8328 to see if our Intensive Outpatient Rehab program is the right choice.
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