Today, there exist a variety of alcoholism treatment centers offering a range of treatment options. These centers, to most people, are extensions of sanitariums of the past centuries which had rather rigid norms of treatment. Also the media focuses on heavily addicted stars who have undergone treatment at such centers and have been declared cured. These and other factors, mostly ignorance on the part of the people at large about what actually goes on in these centers contribute to various myths. Here are a few most common myths:
Myth 1: Only heavy drinkers should go enroll at alcoholism treatment center.
Alcoholism treatment centers have been developed to help addicts, regardless of how much they drink i.e. level of addiction. There is a huge gap between alcoholism and social drinking. Experts believe that if a person with mild problems of alcoholism is admitted to these centers, he can be helped early and the chances to recover are much more than a patient with a chronic problem. It is therefore a good way to start a treatment before things go beyond control. Professional help to such patients result in a higher success rate.
Myth 2: These centers use force as a method of addiction treatment.
The fact is that these centers are run by experienced professionals who are masters in the art of dealing with patients of all types. They know and understand the problem of alcoholism and the fact that drinking cannot be stopped by forcing anybody. Scientific and natural methods are used to stop a patient from drinking in a gradual way after making him understand its adverse consequences. Alcoholism treatment centers avoid use of any harsh methods. The quitting process is divided into various stages or phases that addicts have to go through. A team of experts constantly monitors the patient and the progress he is making.
Myth 3: A very long time is required for treatment at these centers.
The duration of each treatment program is according to the severity in each case. It can range from one month to three months. If the addiction is in the initial stages the person can be cured within a shorter time while a hardened case will take longer.
Myth 4: Alcoholism treatment center costs very high.
The problem of alcoholism is increasing and to tackle this social issue, many NGOs have together started working for the development of various affordable treatment centers. These centers are very pocket friendly and have expertise and professionalism in their way of working. In addition, there is a large number of faith-based treatment centers which are also not-for-profit institutions. They are run by missionaries and are affordable. There may also state run centers and nowadays even hospitals are offering alcoholism treatments at nominal rates.
Myth 5: The support from these centers lasts till the duration of the treatment program.
These centers are providing post recovery sessions with counselors to monitor the development of the patients and help them avoid relapses. Psychologists are always there at these centers to help the patients and their family and friends to counsel them about various issues related to post-treatment lives of the patients.
If at all you are considering treatment for yourself or for someone you know a visit to any alcoholism treatment center will dispel these myths as you will be able to observe first-hand everything that goes on in these centers. Unlike the sanitariums of the past where secretiveness was given much importance, today's centers are open and friendly.
