5 Reasons to Go to Rehab: Benefits of Addiction Treatment

If you’re concerned about your drug or alcohol use, or you’re concerned about a loved one’s drug or alcohol use, you may be wondering, “Why do people go to rehab?”. Understanding why many people choose to attend addiction treatment programs can help you decide whether it’s a good idea for you or a loved one to seek help.

Here, we’ll explore the top five reasons to go to rehab, things to consider when helping a loved one with addiction, and the steps that you can take to begin the process of addiction treatment.

Top 5 Reasons to Go to Drug & Alcohol Rehab

If you’ve noticed signs you should consider rehab—such as an increase in substance use, changes in your health or behavior, withdrawal symptoms, mood swings, or other indicators of addiction, you may be asking yourself, “Should I go to rehab?” There are many reasons to get addiction treatment.

1. Safely Detox

Whether you’re learning more about rehab for yourself or you’re working at convincing someone to go to rehab, withdrawal symptoms can be a concerning part of the start of recovery. Medical detox offers support to help you or your loved one manage withdrawal symptoms and keep you as safe as possible throughout the detox process. Going through the detox process at a qualified medical facility can help you or your loved one begin sobriety on the right foot.

2. Get to the Root of Your Addiction

Getting to the root of your addiction is vital for helping you begin your recovery. When you determine the root cause of your substance use disorder, you’re able to begin the process of moving forward with the support of trained therapists. When you’re at rehab, your therapist will work with you to help you safely and effectively discover the thoughts, incidents, or beliefs that are keeping you stuck in addiction.

Many types of therapy are used to help people with substance use disorder, including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, and more. Your treatment provider will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs.

3. Recover in a Substance-Free Environment

If your social activities, living environment, or other lifestyle factors are making it difficult for you to begin recovery, rehab can help. When you start rehab, you’ll be immersed in a safe and substance-free environment where you can begin the healing process free of distractions. This allows you to gain distance between the people, places, and things that typically push you to use your substance of choice. You’ll also be in direct contact with others who are experiencing substance use disorder, allowing you to develop a supportive community that allows you to learn from one another as you find common ground.

Many rehab programs offer aftercare programs and sober living programs to help you continue living in a substance-free environment after you complete rehab. As you explore treatment programs, be sure to keep an eye out for those that offer aftercare to help you continue your long-term recovery.

4. Benefit from Structure and Support

To bolster your ability to stay in recovery long-term, it’s vital to develop structure during treatment that you can implement into daily life. The day-by-day, hour-by-hour structure offered in most addiction treatment programs can teach you how to develop new routines and habits that will support sobriety. You’ll also get the benefit of accessible support from mental health care professionals who are invested in your recovery process.

5. Learn Coping Skills

In both inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs and outpatient addiction treatment programs, you’ll learn new, healthy coping skills that can help you eliminate the coping strategies that led you to drink or use drugs.

Coping skills you might learn in rehab include:

• Identifying and dismantling dysfunctional thinking.
• Using exercise to cope with stress.
• Meditation.
• Peer support.
• Mindfulness.
• Avoidance of people, places, and things related to substance use.
• “Playing the tape,” i.e., playing through what will likely happen if you choose to use drugs or alcohol.
• Self-care strategies.
• Spiritual and/or religious practices.

How to Talk to Someone About Going to Rehab

If you’re concerned about drug or alcohol use or your loved one, you may be curious about helping a spouse with addiction, helping your child with addiction, or helping your parent with addiction.

When you’re thinking about talking to someone about their drinking or drug use, keep these tips from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in mind:¹

• Identify an appropriate place and time. If possible, choose a private setting with few distractions.
• Express concerns directly. Don’t beat around the bush.
• Acknowledge their feelings. Listen openly. Don’t interrupt. Take time to process their answers before you respond.
• Offer help. Let your loved one know that you’re there to help and support them, and talk to them about how you can help them find treatment.
• Be patient. It typically takes time for a person with substance use disorder to decide that they’re ready for treatment. You’ve planted the seed by having the conversation. Wait, be supportive, and let them know that you’re continuing to love and support them and that you want them to be well.

Start the Recovery Journey Today

If you’re searching for information that will help with choosing a rehab facility for yourself, or you’re helping a loved one explore their recovery options, our team at American Addiction Centers is here to help. Reach out to us today at to talk with one of our admissions navigator who can help you learn more about treatment options, provide you with information about using health insurance to pay for rehab, and more.