Can I Check Myself Out of Rehab?

Drug and alcohol addiction can have a profound, negative impact on your health and well-being. Living with substance abuse can also lead to life-altering financial, social, and legal problems.

Recognizing the early signs of addiction and seeking treatment right away is the best way to reduce the risk of severe complications. However, it is possible to recover from addiction, even when the condition is severe.

While recovery is possible, it may not always be easy. Many people start rehab feeling optimistic about the process and then realize how hard it can be to get sober. They may wonder if it is possible to check out of rehab early.

This article will explore the risks of leaving rehab early. You will learn:

• The process of checking out of rehab early
• What can happen if you leave rehab before you are ready
• The risks of checking yourself out of rehab against medical advice
• Where to find treatment and support

If you or someone you love need addiction treatment or are in recovery, support is available at Archstone Behavioral Health. Our team of specialists will create a holistic treatment program to meet your needs and support long-term recovery.

Take the first step of your recovery journey by reaching out to the Archstone Recovery team now.

Can You Check Yourself Out of Rehab?

Choosing to get help for addiction is one of the best and most important decisions you’ll ever make. Comprehensive treatment programs can help you address the psychological, physical, and behavioral aspects of substance abuse.

Completing rehab ensures you have the tools you will need to have lifelong sobriety. However, some people may want to leave treatment early. Some of the reasons for leaving rehab against medical advice include:

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
• Denial of the severity of their problems
• Not believing rehab is effective

When people refer to leaving rehab “early,” it means choosing to check out before their treatment plan is complete. In most instances, this means before completing 30 days of rehab.

Medical professionals refer to leaving rehab early as “against medical advice (AMA).” This term reflects that medical or mental health specialists have determined that leaving rehab may result in harm.

But is it possible to check yourself out of a treatment center early?

In short, yes. In most cases, people are not legally required to complete treatment. Staying in treatment is not a legal requirement unless a court order exists. People are free to leave whenever they choose.

Research suggests that about 17% of people in a rehab program leave AMA. However, leaving drug rehab early can have severe, even life-threatening consequences.

What Can Happen if You Leave Rehab Early?

Typically, there are no legal consequences for leaving rehab early. However, people who leave rehab early may experience serious harm. Understanding and considering the potential impacts of leaving rehab AMA is important.

Here is an overview of the consequences of leaving rehab early.

Withdrawal

People with drug or alcohol dependence often experience withdrawal symptoms that make them miserable. Symptoms of withdrawal may include:

• Flu-like body aches
• Anxiety
• Nightmares
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Depression
• Nausea

These symptoms can make people feel awful and increase the risk of relapse.

In a rehab center, people receive treatment to help them manage withdrawal symptoms, including medications, emotional support, and group therapy. It is important to continue treatment to manage withdrawal.

Lack of coping skills

People may check themself out of rehab after completing detox. Many believe that detox alone is enough to ensure long-term recovery.

However, leaving rehab before completing your treatment program leaves you without critical coping skills and support.

During treatment, you will participate in a range of therapies that can help you identify and heal the roots of your addiction. It is crucial to complete your rehab treatment program to ensure you have the tools to support lifelong sobriety.

Overdose

Leaving rehab AMA can put people at increased risk of a deadly overdose. People who check out of rehab early may find themselves without the support, skills, and treatment they need to manage withdrawal. Without this crucial support, they may relapse.

A relapse is always dangerous. However, relapsing after a period of sobriety can be even more hazardous. During even a brief period of sobriety, your body loses some of the tolerance it has built up. If you use drugs or drink again, you are more likely to overdose.

A drug or alcohol overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency. If someone near you is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Stay with the person until help arrives.

Find Treatment and Support Now

If you or someone you love struggles with drug or alcohol addiction, you are not alone. Reach out to the team at Archstone Behavioral Health to learn about our comprehensive addiction treatment programs. Our specialists also offer guidance and support for family and friends of people living with addiction.

Get the support and treatment you deserve by contacting the specialists at Archstone Behavioral Health today.

References:

1. National Institute of Health (NIH): Substance abuse treatment drop-out from client and clinician perspectives