Are inpatient drug and alcohol treatment centers always necessary?

Can I get sober without a treatment center?

The short answer is yes and the longer answer is yes.

Now, please don’t get me wrong, thousands have received help through treatment facilities and 9 times this number or more have not. How is this?

Well, believe it or not, I work with clients who have never gone to a 12 step meeting let alone a treatment facility. On the other hand, I have worked with many who had gone to numerous addiction treatment facilities but didn’t get sober there for numerous reasons. That they relapsed quickly after treatment says it all.  Most of my clients succeed through one-on-one coaching. Why?

Firstly, I screen people thoroughly before the client and I decide to work together. They have to convince me they want it and are prepared to work hard, be honest and do home work. I’ve been around and screen well!

Next, my clients pay money. I am always shocked at how much greater the success rate is when people have skin in the game. I coached many for free and sponsored in 12 step fellowships. It always shocks me how much more serious addicts take things when they are paying.

I’m not saying that addiction treatment cannot help an addict looking for recovery. I am simply stating that treatment centers may not be necessary for every person. Following are some tips for evaluating whether or not inpatient drug or alcohol treatment can work for you.

If you want to go to inpatient drug or alcohol rehab…

1. Enter a treatment center for the right reasons

If you go to a treatment facility seeking a start to recovery, you must enter the facility (or any other recovery program) for the right reasons. YOU MUST WANT RECOVERY JUST FOR YOU.

If it is to please your wife, keep someone off your back (like the courts) of keep your job, nothing has much chance of working. Plain and simple. You have to want clean/sober just for you!

2. Research your options

All treatment centers are NOT created equal. Really do due diligence if you are considering a treatment facility. Personally, I believe facilities that over a holistic program that addresses cause and has a significant professionally lead therapy program; including group; are the way to go.

3. Skip treatment centers that are 12 step driven

If you go to a treatment facility that is 12 step driven, skip the time and expense and just go to lots of 12 step meetings; it is much cheaper.

Recovery is about intention

In the end, if you really want recovery for yourself, you’ll likely find it. A trip to treatment is not neccessary but good centers have certainly helped many!

About the author

Keith Bray

I am a Master Life Coach who is ICF certified and a certified addictions coach. I consider myself recovered from the effects of addiction (16 years) but still in recovery mode as it relates to personal growth. Professionally, I am university educated, a former corporate CEO and have been in the consulting business for over two decades. I'm a husband, father, grandfather, friend, uncle son, a trusted confidant and many other things but bottom line, I'm Keith. I hope that I can help SOME out there with ideas that will make you think deeply.