If you are struggling with addiction, you are not alone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.5 million people suffered from a substance use disorder in 2023.[1]

Attending an addiction treatment center is one of the best choices you can make for your recovery. While being in residential treatment can sometimes feel overwhelming, it is best to stick through the uncomfortable feelings. These programs offer you the tools and skills you need to maintain long-term sobriety once rehab is over.

You might begin to feel better halfway through your addiction treatment program. Medical detox and therapy can make you feel motivated, and stronger, and lessen your desire to use substances. While you might be feeling a bit better, this does not mean you are ready to leave treatment.

Leaving treatment early increases your risk of relapsing and overdosing. It also prevents you from fully healing from co-occurring mental health issues. Lastly, if you are attending rehab on a court order, leaving early could lead to legal trouble.

Can You Leave Treatment Early?

Addiction treatment centers do not hold you against your will. In other words, you are legally allowed to leave treatment before your program ends. However, it will be referred to as an “AMA,” which means you left against medical advice.

The risk factors that make you more likely to AMA include:[2]

• Being young
• Being male
• Having a low socioeconomic status
• Having an extensive history of substance abuse or relapse

When people leave rehab early it could be because they are dealing with intense withdrawal symptoms, feel like they have recovered prematurely, are not ready to stay sober long-term, or are intimidated by the idea of therapy and counseling.

Just because you feel a little bit better halfway through your addiction treatment program does not mean you should leave. Staying in treatment until your program is over decreases your risk of relapsing and is associated with a better overall quality of life. Additionally, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that treatment for less than 90 days is of limited effectiveness, which highlights the importance of staying in rehab as long as possible.[3]

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

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What are the Risks of Leaving Rehab Early?

Leaving treatment early can undo all of the progress you made during treatment. Your treatment team decides how long you stay in the rehab program based on your specific needs. In other words, leaving early could prevent you from developing all of the coping skills and tools you need to maintain long-term recovery.

Some of the dangers of leaving treatment early include:

Increased Risk of Relapse

When you leave rehab early, you do not develop all of the tools you need to maintain sobriety. Once you are out of the treatment center, you’ll encounter triggers that cause you to crave drugs and alcohol. Without the necessary coping mechanisms, you are more likely to experience a relapse.

Heightened Danger of Overdose

Another risk of leaving treatment early is experiencing an overdose. If you return to substance abuse, you might attempt to use a dose that you were accustomed to before treatment. Now that your body has gone through medical detox, you no longer have a tolerance, which means you might experience a life-threatening overdose.

Mental Health Issues

Many people who suffer from addiction also have a co-occurring mental health condition. During treatment, you will receive therapy and other services to help you recover psychologically. Without finishing your program, you might not receive the support you need to recover from your mental health condition.

As a result, your symptoms might become intense or cause problems in your everyday life. This could trigger you to relapse, as you are used to using drugs and alcohol to cope with mental health symptoms.

Strained Relationships With Family and Friends

Your family and friends might have set boundaries with you about your substance abuse. One of their stipulations could’ve been that you must finish treatment to continue having a relationship with them. In other words, leaving early could damage the relationships you have with your support system.

Legal Repercussions

Lastly, if you were attending rehab on a court order, leaving early could have legal repercussions. You may have avoided jail time by agreeing to attend treatment. If you do not finish your program, there could be a warrant for your arrest upon returning home.

Get Connected to a Top-Rated Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center

If you or a loved one suffers from addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. Addiction treatment centers can help you gain the tools and support you need to achieve long-term recovery. At Alamo Behavioral Health, we offer individualized treatment plans and evidence-based therapies to help you recover.

At Alamo Behavioral Health, helping individuals overcome addiction is more than just a job; it is the very essence of our existence. Witnessing patients rebuild their lives from their lowest points fills us with immense pride and gratitude for every precious moment we spend on this earth.

We recognize that individuals experience both good and bad days during treatment, but we’re dedicated to supporting them every step of the way.  Our mission at Alamo Behavioral Health is to provide compassionate and comprehensive care to individuals struggling with addiction. With a focus on evidence-based treatments and individualized care plans, we empower our patients to overcome the challenges they face and achieve lasting sobriety.

Contact us today to learn more about our highly-rated addiction treatment program.

References:

1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Highlights for the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
2. Taylor and Francis Online: Characteristics of Opiate Users Leaving Detoxification Treatment Against Medical Advice
3. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment