Breaking the Stigma of Treatment

Crippling fear, embarrassment and shame are all complex emotions that many who suffer with addiction are subject to. There are untold reasons why those who know they need help with their addiction avoid going to rehab in Los Angeles. But treatment methods are continually evolving and becoming increasingly effective. Furthermore, what was once thought of as a social stigma is now becoming an acceptable and responsible choice.

Why Seeking Treatment is a Good Idea

Realizing that there is an issue helps set in motion the process of recovery. When you seek treatment, you can finally start to address the years of addiction that you have suffered through. Trying to kick the habits cold-turkey, won’t necessarily yield the results that you would want.

The odds of relapse are greater, because you’re not working with someone trained to help those who are serious about recovering from addiction. A rehab facility on the other hand have experienced personnel and psychologists needed to help you through your withdrawal and help you address the underlying problems behind your addictions.

Growing Social Acceptability

It wasn’t that long ago that those who went to rehab were considered social pariahs as soon as others found out. However, this attitude has slowly changed over the years wherein due to greater awareness via information campaigns, people with hidden drug addictions are now being actively encouraged to seek treatment with little in the way of significant social stigma.

What to do About Work

In California, an employer with at least 25 employees must give unpaid time off for those who enter rehab, with few exceptions (one notable exception is if taking that time off would create an unreasonable burden on your employer). You would then use your accrued time off, and your company would be required to keep your treatment and reason for leaving private. Upon return, though, you have to be able to perform your job duties and not pose a risk to others. California gives additional protections to employees, particularly for alcohol rehab.

It wasn’t that long ago when addiction was considered a moral flaw and “treatments” ranged from imprisonment to asylums. But as the years have passed, our attitude towards drug usage and rehabilitation has drastically changed. Likewise, our understanding of what causes addictions has made treatments far more effective. Seeking help is no longer a big social stigma; rather, it’s seen as a necessary step in the right direction.

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source http://www.goodencenter.org/breaking-the-stigma-of-treatment/