Choosing to participate in a rehab program is a vital step toward recovery. However, the trip is not always easy. If you leave rehab early on in the treatment program, the outcome may be unsuccessful. It is critical to note that patients often withdraw from therapy because of fear, not because they have thoroughly analyzed the advantages, drawbacks, and repercussions of their decision. So, can one leave rehab before time? What are some of the common reasons for people leaving rehab before time, and what are the risks associated with that? That is the main focus of this guide by experts from Skyward Treatment Center, one of the leading rehabs near Houston, TX.
Can One Leave Rehab Before Time? What Are Some of The Reasons Why Individuals Leave Rehab Before Time?
According to statistics from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), dropout rates in the first month of outpatient drug addiction treatment surpass 30%, with the possibility of reaching 50% within a period of three months. Similarly, extended stays in inpatient therapy are associated with greater dropout rates. Despite the urging of rehab centers and counselors not to leave treatment early, some patients choose to do so and may return later. Ultimately, the decision to leave treatment early is up to the person, just as enrolling.
Below are some of the reasons why individuals leave rehab before time:
- Detox and withdrawals. One reason why individuals wish to quit early is the withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox can cause physical and mental withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the drug, some of the withdrawal symptoms include nausea, sweating, depression, anxiety, irritability, mood outbursts, etc. It’s vital to understand that withdrawal can be difficult, but the most severe symptoms will pass within a few days. Also, remember that detoxing with the assistance of competent medical personnel is the best way to manage symptoms and stay safe.
- Many individuals may attend therapy assuming that they haven’t got a problem with drugs. They may also believe that their addiction to drugs is not as severe as their colleagues’ and so do not need addiction treatment. However, it is critical to recognize that 30-day therapy is just the beginning of a lifetime recovery process, and there will be difficulties along the way. Ultimately, recovery will need effort, time, and patience. Therefore, it is essential to complete therapy before you start witnessing the positive effects on your life.
- Complex emotions. Addiction treatment and therapy can elicit a variety of complex emotions. When you start your program, you’ll immediately begin having appointments with therapists and counselors. The goal of these sessions is to identify underlying triggers and emotions that may have led to your drug use problem. While these discussions are necessary to create beneficial changes, addiction therapy can elicit feelings such as doubt, shame, or worry, making it difficult to continue with the program. It’s also normal to feel overburdened by the changes required for healing. Remember to take every moment each at a time, understanding that the more effort you put into treating these underlying difficulties, the better the outcomes will be.
Risks Associated with Leaving Rehab Early
If you are considering discontinuing your treatment plan, you should examine the possible risks. After all, leaving treatment means abandoning all of your progress and reverting to your previous way of life. Before making such a life-changing choice, consider the following risks:
- Increased risk of relapse. If you leave treatment before you’re ready, you may find yourself unprepared to live a sober life. You may feel overwhelmed by triggers and desire to get high. Furthermore, if you leave treatment feeling angry or frustrated, you may be tempted to take drugs or drink alcohol in order to cope with those bad emotions. Quitting treatment early dramatically increases your chance of relapse because you lack the necessary coping skills and resources to remain clean.
- Serious medical complications, especially if you are detoxing. Leaving therapy during the first week of your stay is particularly dangerous since you will be in withdrawal. Regardless of the drug you are detoxing from, your body is undergoing significant changes at this time. Quitting addictive drugs can cause moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms, some of which are potentially life-threatening. During the first few days of rehab, your safety and well-being should be monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you decide to leave before finishing detox, you may be left confronting medical risks on your own. Seizures, dehydration, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts are just a few of the risks associated with cold turkey detoxification.
- Overdose as a result of diminished tolerance. The longer you stay abstinent, the more your tolerance diminishes. This is not an issue if you are in rehab since you have enough support. If you leave early and relapse after your tolerance has become diminished, you may be at a higher risk of overdose.
Get Expert Drug and Alcohol Rehab Near Houston, TX- Reach Out to Skyward Treatment Center Now!
Although going to rehab can be scary, it can potentially transform your life. Addiction can deprive your life of pleasure, health, and purpose, causing a slew of issues in its aftermath. Our drug and alcohol addiction rehab can assist if you or a loved one has chosen to make a fresh start. We offer addiction treatment near Houston, TX, for all types of drugs and alcohol. Client treatment programs, provided at different levels of care, are tailored to their specific requirements in order to maximize their recovery chances. Call Skyward Treatment Center today for more information regarding our addiction treatment programs.
