Millions of people live with substance use disorder (SUD). Drug and alcohol addiction can impact every aspect of your well-being. It can harm your emotional health, relationships, and physical well-being.
Substance abuse treatment programs can help people address the roots of their addiction and move forward. There are many levels of addiction treatment, including inpatient and outpatient rehab programs. Each person must find the right level of care to meet their needs.
Inpatient mental health treatment programs provide intensive, round-the-clock support. People can access the therapies they need while focusing 100% of their time and energy on recovery.
While inpatient mental health treatment programs are beneficial, some people may want to leave before treatment is complete. But is this possible? Can people check out of a rehab center early?
This article will explore the possibility of leaving rehab against medical advice. You will learn:
- If it is possible to check yourself out of rehab when you choose
- The potential risks of leaving rehab early
- The benefits of completing a rehab program
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love lives with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact The Living Room specialists to learn about our rehab or recovery support programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
Can I Check Myself Out of Rehab?
Rehab programs provide structure, treatment, and support to help people put addiction in the past. Treatment plans may include medications, behavioral therapies, education, counseling, and other evidence-based therapies. While treatment can help people recover from addiction, some people want to leave rehab before completing their program.
There are several reasons people may want to check out of rehab early, including:
- Denial about the severity of their substance abuse
- Uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms
- Believing they no longer need treatment or support
People may want to leave rehab “against medical advice (AMA)” for many reasons. But is it possible?
In short, yes, it is possible to leave rehab early. In most cases, attending inpatient treatment is voluntary. People choose to enter treatment and can check themselves out of rehab.
Research shows that about 17% of people in recovery from addiction choose to leave rehab early (before completing 30 days of treatment). This decision can have serious consequences, but people are free to leave when they choose.
Medical professionals and addiction specialists typically advise against leaving rehab early. People must understand the potential risks of leaving rehab AMA so they can make the best decision for themselves.
What are the Risks of Leaving Rehab Early?
Checking out of a treatment facility before completing a rehab program can lead to severe consequences. Here are some of the potential consequences of leaving rehab early.
Untreated withdrawal symptoms
Drug or alcohol rehab programs provide individualized treatment during each stage of recovery from addiction. Most programs begin with a medically-supported detox program. A detox program includes:
- Medications to manage alcohol or drug withdrawal symptoms
- Emotional support, including individual therapy sessions and group therapy
- Holistic therapies for comfort, including mindfulness, massage, yoga, and nutrition support
Without these and other treatments, people may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that increase the risk of relapse.
In some cases, drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening. People may develop dangerous blood pressure changes, dehydration, seizures, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, and other symptoms. Round-the-clock care and supervision are essential to ensure safety during detox.
Loss of support
People may choose to check out of rehab immediately after completing detox. However, research shows that people require comprehensive treatment to achieve long-term recovery.
Addiction is not just a physical condition. It also has roots in a person’s environment, behaviors, emotions, and more. If people check out of rehab early, they miss the opportunity to explore and address the underlying aspects of their addiction.
Overdose
People who experience untreated withdrawal symptoms or a lack of support in recovery are more likely to relapse. Tolerance decreases after just a short period of sobriety. This means that a relapse during recovery is more likely to lead to a deadly overdose.
There are many reasons someone may choose to leave rehab early. However, checking out of rehab against medical advice can have dangerous consequences. Knowing the risks can help you or a loved one make the best decision for their long-term well-being.
Understanding the Benefits of Completing Rehab
There are many risks associated with leaving rehab early. There are also many benefits to completing a rehab program.
Some of the most significant benefits of completing rehab include:
- Learning healthy coping skills to reduce the risk of relapse in the future
- Having medical and mental health support during detox
- Having a supportive community of peers and staff
- Engaging in comprehensive therapies to address the underlying roots of substance abuse
- Involving family and friends in treatment to create a healthier environment
- Working with your treatment team to create an effective aftercare plan
Finishing a rehab program can be challenging, but the benefits are real. Contact The Living Room specialists to learn more about the importance of completing rehab or to find the right care level to meet your needs.
Find Treatment Now
If you or a loved one struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact The Living Room specialists to learn about our rehab and recovery support programs or to make an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Substance abuse treatment drop-out from client and clinician perspectives