Drug or alcohol addiction can be very challenging to overcome. While these conditions impact every aspect of your life, many people do not get the treatment they need. Many who do seek treatment leave treatment early.
There are many reasons people may decide to leave rehab early. But are people always allowed to check out of a drug rehab center when they choose?
This article will explore how and why people leave a treatment center early. You will learn:
- If it is possible to check out of an addiction treatment center when you choose
- The potential risks of leaving rehab early
- The benefits of staying in treatment
- Where to find substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with drug or alcohol addiction, you are not alone. Find comprehensive treatment and support at The Living Room. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our rehab and mental health treatment facility or to schedule an intake appointment.
Can You Leave Rehab When You Choose?
Addiction can impact every aspect of your health and well-being. Seeking treatment to support your recovery journey is one of the most important decisions a person will ever make.
Comprehensive treatment plans occur in inpatient and outpatient settings. Patients receive treatment at several levels of care, meaning they get the care they need at each stage of recovery.
While getting treatment is incredibly important and beneficial, many people wonder if it is possible to leave rehab early.
So, can you leave rehab whenever you want? The short answer is yes. People may check themselves out of rehab at any point.
In most cases, people are not legally required to complete rehab. There are many reasons someone may want to leave rehab before finishing treatment, including:
- Experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms during detox
- Believing rehab isn’t going to work
- Not recognizing the severity of their addiction
Checking out “early” (before their treatment program is complete) is possible, but it is likely to have unwanted or dangerous consequences.
People in court-ordered treatment may not be able to leave rehab early or may face serious legal consequences if they do.
What May Happen if You Check Yourself Out of Rehab Early?
There are several potential consequences of leaving rehab early. While there are generally no legal consequences of checking yourself out of rehab, there may be serious consequences to your mental and physical health, as well as your long-term recovery.
Here are some things that may happen if you leave rehab early.
Uncontrolled withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms are common during detox. Withdrawal symptoms happen when someone with addiction stops using drugs or alcohol.
Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the substance someone was addicted to and may include:
- Nausea
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- NIghtmares
- Body aches
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Seizures
These symptoms can make people very uncomfortable and increase the risk of relapse. Detox programs can provide medical and emotional support that help people manage withdrawal safely.
Overdose
Relapsing (using drugs or alcohol after a period of abstinence) is more likely to result in a life-threatening overdose. Even a short period of abstinence can reduce a person’s tolerance. Using the same doses or amounts of a substance as someone used before can lead to an overdose.
No coping skills
Leaving rehab early means missing out on valuable relapse prevention skills. During rehab, people attend therapy, participate in support groups, and work with medical professionals to address the roots of addiction. Research shows that completing a rehab program is more likely to result in a safe detox and long-lasting recovery.
Contact The Living Room specialists to learn more about the risks of leaving rehab early or to explore our programs.
Why Is It Important to Finish Rehab?
It is possible to leave rehab before finishing a treatment program. There are many risks to checking out of rehab and many benefits to completing treatment.
Here are some of the most significant benefits of completing rehab.
Complete detox
Finishing a treatment program means you’ll have comprehensive treatment and support throughout detox. The care you receive during detox will ensure you remain safe and have the support you need to be successful.
Learn new skills
Rehab isn’t just about detoxing. Comprehensive treatment programs include treatment for your mind and body. You’ll learn new skills and develop a support network that will help you overcome addiction and avoid relapse in the future.
Develop an aftercare plan
Addiction is a lifelong condition. Rehab can help you overcome the physical aspects of addiction and learn new skills to prevent relapse. However, you must also develop a realistic aftercare plan that can help you stay active in your recovery.
Checking out of rehab early prevents you from learning the skills or building the support you need to sustain sobriety. Completing a rehab program is essential to your long-term recovery.
Find Treatment Now
If you or a loved one struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake specialists at The Living Room to learn about our rehab and recovery support programs. Ask questions, get help with insurance, or schedule appointments by reaching out today.