Entering addiction treatment is a significant step towards recovery, and just as it is your choice to enter, you also have the decision to leave early. However, leaving before completing your program, whether it’s a 30-day or longer stay, is often not advised. Research indicates that the longer you remain in treatment, the better the outcomes for your long-term health and recovery. Every stage of the treatment process is designed to keep you safe, teach you essential life skills, and improve your chances for lasting recovery.
Can You Voluntarily Leave Rehab?
You can voluntarily leave inpatient treatment before completing your program. The medical team and addiction specialists at treatment centers cannot hold anyone against their will. While family and friends can encourage a loved one to stay, the decision ultimately rests with the individual undergoing treatment. It’s important to remember that most people who leave early do so because of anxiety, rather than having considered the full implications of their decision.
If you’re in treatment and considering leaving, discuss your feelings with your counselors and therapists. Addiction counselors have experience dealing with such situations and can offer advice to manage anxieties or adjust your treatment plan if needed. Group therapy can also be beneficial, as discussing your concerns with others who might share similar feelings can strengthen mutual resolve.
Common Reasons for Wanting to Leave Early
Denial
Many people enter treatment believing they do not have a serious problem with substances. They may think their addiction is less severe compared to others and that they do not need treatment. However, it’s crucial to recognize that 30-day treatment is just the beginning of a lifelong recovery process. Recovery takes time, effort, and perseverance, making it essential to complete the treatment to see its full benefits.
Complex Emotions
Addiction treatment and therapy can bring up a range of complicated emotions. From the start, you’ll meet with therapists and counselors to uncover the underlying emotions and triggers contributing to your substance use disorder. While these discussions are necessary for making positive changes, they can also stir emotions like doubt, shame, or anxiety, making it challenging to continue. It’s common to feel overwhelmed, but taking each day one step at a time can help you manage these feelings and see positive results.
Detox and Withdrawal
The withdrawal experience is another reason people often want to leave early. Medical detox can produce physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, depression, sweating, irritability, anxiety, and mood swings. While withdrawal can be tough, the more intense symptoms typically subside within a few days. Detoxing under medical supervision is the safest way to manage symptoms and ensure your safety.
How Leaving Rehab Early Impacts Recovery
Leaving your treatment program early can have significant implications on your recovery, including:
Health Effects
The initial withdrawal process can be life-threatening without medical supervision. Risks include strokes, heart attacks, and seizures. Leaving early increases the likelihood of relapse, and since your body’s tolerance to substances decreases during detox, the risk of a fatal overdose is higher.
Lack of Necessary Skills
Addiction treatment provides the tools needed to address addiction and manage emotional and psychological issues outside of rehab. Leaving early means missing out on these essential skills, potentially putting you back where you started. Recovery is a lifelong process, and long-term success depends on factors like individual counseling, group therapy, and building a support network.
Adverse Impact on Relationships
Addiction often strains relationships with friends and family. Ending treatment early can further harm these relationships and reduce the support available to you, increasing the risk of relapse. Treatment helps you develop communication skills to strengthen relationships and form new supportive friendships that can last a lifetime.
How to Encourage a Loved One to Stay in Treatment
Supporting a loved one through addiction treatment can be challenging, especially if they are considering leaving the program early. Here are some detailed strategies to help encourage them to stay and complete their treatment:
Offer Comfort and Support
Provide Reassurance: Make it clear to your loved one that you are there for them, both during and after treatment. Express your belief in their ability to overcome addiction and praise their decision to seek help. Statements like “I’m proud of you for taking this step” and “You’re showing incredible strength” can provide much-needed encouragement.
Avoid Judgment: Approach your loved one with empathy rather than judgment. Understand that addiction is a complex disease, and recovery can be a difficult process. Offer a listening ear and validate their feelings without criticizing their choices or behaviors.
Be Physically Present: Whenever possible, visit your loved one in the treatment facility or stay connected through phone calls and messages. Your presence can be a powerful reminder that they are not alone in their journey.
Set Realistic Goals
Break Down the Process: Encourage your loved one to take their recovery one day at a time. Setting small, manageable goals can make the process feel less overwhelming. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, to help build their confidence and motivation.
Develop a Structured Plan: Help your loved one create a structured plan that outlines their daily activities and goals. This can include therapy sessions, group meetings, exercise, and leisure activities. A clear plan provides a sense of purpose and direction.
Focus on Short-Term Achievements: While it’s important to keep the long-term goal of sobriety in mind, focusing on short-term achievements can provide a sense of immediate progress. Acknowledge accomplishments like attending a full week of therapy sessions or completing a difficult step in their treatment.
Remain Optimistic
Highlight the Benefits: Remind your loved one of the positive changes they have already made and the benefits of completing their treatment. Discuss how their health, relationships, and overall quality of life can improve with continued commitment to recovery.
Strengthen Their Resolve: Reinforce their inner strength and ability to overcome challenges. Use positive affirmations and remind them of past successes, both in and out of treatment, to boost their confidence.
Stay Positive: Maintain a hopeful and positive outlook, even during difficult times. Your optimism can be contagious and help your loved one stay focused on their recovery goals.
Encourage Open Communication
Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in your loved one’s experiences and feelings. Active listening involves paying full attention, nodding, and responding appropriately to show you understand their perspective.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage deeper conversations by asking open-ended questions. Questions like “How are you feeling about your progress?” or “What has been the most challenging part of your treatment?” can provide valuable insights and foster open communication.
Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge and validate your loved one’s emotions. Let them know that it’s okay to feel anxious, scared, or frustrated. By validating their feelings, you create a safe space for them to express themselves honestly.
Additional Tips for Supporting a Loved One in Treatment
Be Kind but Firm
Set Clear Boundaries: While offering support, it’s essential to set and maintain healthy boundaries. Let your loved one know what behaviors are acceptable and which are not. Boundaries help establish a framework for a supportive and respectful relationship.
Encourage Professional Help: If your loved one expresses doubts about their treatment, encourage them to discuss their concerns with their counselors or therapists. Professionals can provide expert advice and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Foster a Supportive Environment
Create a Substance-Free Space: Ensure that your home or any environment your loved one frequents is free from substances. A supportive, substance-free environment can significantly reduce the risk of relapse.
Build a Support Network: Encourage your loved one to connect with other individuals in recovery, whether through group therapy, support groups, or social activities. Building a network of peers who understand their struggles can provide additional support and motivation.
Be Patient: Recovery is a long and often challenging journey. Be patient with your loved one and understand that progress may come in small steps. Celebrate their victories and provide comfort during setbacks.
Seeking Support in South Africa
Addiction can impact both individuals and their loved ones profoundly. Various South African treatment centers offer comprehensive care and support to help individuals complete their programs successfully. Utilizing resources such as family therapy, support groups, and educational programming can provide the necessary support for everyone involved in the recovery process.