When it comes to mental health treatment, there are a few common myths that are prevalent in our society. These myths are quite harmful, especially when it comes to addiction treatment. It can sometimes make someone afraid to seek treatment for their addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. These myths can also perpetuate stigma and prevent us from freely discussing mental health treatment.
Being able to talk about mental health treatment is important, not only for ourselves but for others. When someone hears someone speaking positively about mental health treatment, it can give them hope. It may even inspire them to seek the treatment that they need. It's why Pathways Wellness Center works so hard to bust these myths. We want people to seek the treatment they need with confidence. Nobody deserves to struggle with addiction alone, especially when treatment and help are only a phone call away.
The best way to bust a myth is to lead by example, and that's exactly what Pathways Wellness Center does.
This myth is false because mental health care facilities are not prisons. They are a place where someone goes to recover from their mental health disorders. Unless someone requires medical supervision, clients can come and go as they please. Most mental health care facilities have outdoor areas where clients are encouraged to explore and enjoy. It depends on the treatment program, but many clients go home after treatment is done for the day. Even clients in residential treatment, where someone stays on-site for treatment, can leave when they want.
Clients are, of course, encouraged to remember treatment appointments and keep them. But besides that, clients at Pathways Wellness Center are free to do what they like in their free time.
Mental health treatment is certainly not a waste of time and money. Effective treatment takes time, and treatments do cost money, but in the end, it's worth it. Someone is more likely to recover from addiction with mental health treatment than those who attempt to recover unassisted. It saves more time and money by seeking the help of a professional than it is to try and treat yourself.
It's a very rare thing for someone to be forcibly committed against their will for mental health treatment. The only times this is possible is if someone is in direct danger of harming themselves or another person. Even so, it requires the oversight and recommendation of a mental health care professional for someone to be involuntarily committed.
However, addiction treatment is completely voluntary, as treatment does not work when it is forced. A person can even refuse to enter addiction treatment even if it is court-ordered. Everyone who enrolls in addiction treatment at Pathways Wellness Center is there of their own free will.
A client can stop their mental health treatment at any time and decide to go elsewhere if they so choose. The rights of a client, including the right to stop treatment, are discussed extensively with each client when they enroll. So when people decide to enter treatment at Pathways Wellness Center, they can be confident that they have the power to decide how their treatment proceeds.
Regardless of the mental health disorder or addiction, nobody can be forced to take medication against their will. Sometimes medication is a part of someone's treatment plan to treat a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression. Other times, someone may need medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to deal with the symptoms of addiction and withdrawal as they detox. These medications are important, but it's still up to the client if they want to try them or not.
If someone decides to try medication as part of their mental health treatment, a qualified medical professional will be on hand to monitor everything. In cases where a client feels unwell while on medication, they can speak with their doctor or on-hand medical professional to help them at any time. Nobody is forcibly medicated at Pathways Wellness Center.
Pathways Wellness Center sets itself apart from other addiction treatment facilities by utilizing engaging and exciting therapies as part of treatment. Most people would never think that rock climbing would be considered a part of addiction treatment, but it is at Pathways as adventure therapy. Those who enjoy creating can have art therapy as part of their treatment as well.
Even so, clients are given plenty of time to relax and de-stress after undergoing treatments. Some treatments, like psychotherapy, are never easy, as they require talking about difficult subjects. But afterward, a client can go practice other therapies, such as yoga and sound bathing, to help relax their minds and bodies.
This myth is perhaps the most harmful myth of all, as it discourages people from seeking treatment. The truth is that anyone, regardless of who they are, can recover from addiction. Addiction recovery takes personal work, time, professional mental health treatment, and support to recover. Pathways Wellness Center provides quality mental health treatment and support. However, it's up to the client to put in the time and personal work needed to fully recover.
By busting these myths, it encourages those in need to seek the mental health treatment they need to recover not only from addiction but any mental health disorder.
It's no secret that addiction and mental health care is stigmatized in society. However, some of these stigmas evolve into harmful myths. These myths are dangerous because they can prevent people needing help from getting treatment for their addiction. At Pathways Wellness Center in Glendora, California, we work hard to bust these myths through psychoeducation, family therapy, and other programs. Our goal is not only to give our clients compassionate and quality treatment but to educate the public at large about the truth of mental health care. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don't wait. Call us today at (888) 771-0966 to take the first step in your recovery journey.
