What to Expect From Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs

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The first time you go to rehab can be a bit daunting. If you're trying to end your addiction however, you could be anxious about attending rehabilitation since you're not sure the expectations.

Being aware of what can happen in rehab will put your mind at relaxed. Here are a few of the most commonly used aspects of rehabilitation programs so that you are as prepared as you can for your experience. 1

When to Consider Rehab

When you are aware the need for help to overcome your addiction, you'll likely think about other options prior to committing to an official rehabilitation program. Peer support groups, like 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery and Celebrate Recovery might be the best option for you.

A doctor who is specialized in addiction medicine will be able to offer assistance with detoxification for acute cases and also with medicines that can reduce the desire for alcohol and help prevent the relapse of alcohol or other substances. If you have exhausted all of all options are likely to locate an inpatient program.

The signs that you require assistance with your addiction are the negative effects of substance abuse on the quality of your life in many ways including your work, your relationships, your hobbies, your mental health or general wellbeing. 2

Find out what you are doing with your substance that has taken away from your life. Are you avoiding things you once enjoyed? Are you thinking constantly what the next opportunity you'll be able to consume alcohol or get high?

Self-medicating using substances such as drinking or taking medication to manage the symptoms associated with anxiousness as well as depression is yet another reason to seek out treatment. 3 Rehabilitation centers can assist in diagnosing mental health issues that could be co-existing with your drug dependence disorder and can manage both.

The development of a tolerance or a dependency to a substance can be a sign of addiction. If you're unable to imagine living in your life with out the use of substances like drugs or alcohol, you should consider rehabilitation to be a possible treatment choice that can enable you to live a drug-free life.

Types of Rehab Centers

There are many different kinds of rehab centers you could consider. It is not necessary to choose which is the best fit for your particular situation by yourself. The majority of the time, a doctor or mental health professional and social workers, along with employees at the rehab center will assist you to choose.

  • Residential treatment for long-term It is a kind of rehabilitation that provides 24-hour treatment in a residential environment (not an institution). The duration of stays is usually between six and twelve months. 4 Socialization with the staff and other residents is a part of the treatment, along with groups sessions for therapy sessions, individual therapy sessions, and educational programs for addiction, mental health, nutrition, and much more.
  • Residential treatment for short periods of time This type of program is designed around the 12-step model of recovery from addiction. The short-term residential treatment was initially intended for those suffering from alcohol-related disorders however, it now helps people suffering from all kinds of addiction disorders. The typical treatment is between three and six weeks long, and are supported by outpatient therapy and help groups (such such as Alcoholics Anonymous) to decrease the possibility of Relapse. 4
  • Treatment for outpatients The term "outpatient treatment" means that you reside at home, and you travel to a treatment center frequently during the week. You'll be able to participate in many of the same kinds of courses offered by residential centers provide (therapy sessions and education courses) but you won't reside at the centre. 5

A Typical Day in a Rehab Facility

If you're in residential treatment, your days usually are governed by a routine. The goal is to ensure that you are consistent (and not having to make a lot of choices throughout the day) can help your recovery.

Below are some examples of what happens during a typical day of rehabilitation. Of course, how you experience in your day can depend on the center you are in as well as the extent of your addiction and your personal situation.

Mornings

The typical time to wake up is to a predetermined time each day. Nurses will give any medication for those who are prescribed. For instance, a physician in a rehab facility might prescribe a medicine to treat withdrawal symptoms 6 or to treat mental health problems.

Breakfast is served. then, after, take part in one of your sessions for the day for example, the group treatment. 7 You could be offered an opportunity to take a break to think about, journal, or use any techniques you've learned in the session.

Afternoons

In the afternoon, be attending another session, like individual therapy. There may be the opportunity to select one of the activities, like going to a fitness class in your rehabilitation center if it has an exercise facility. Exercise can aid in managing depression and mood swings in the withdrawal. 8

Perhaps you'll attend an some educational classes. A lot of best luxury alcohol rehabs facilities educate their clients on addiction, mental health and/or nutrition. A balanced diet will help you cope with the pressure of recovery, and can even stop cravings for withdrawal. 9

Evenings

There will be a meal or perhaps close your day with a second group discussion to discuss your achievements thus far and what you think about what you've experienced throughout the day. You'll have time to prepare to go to the night. A lot of rehab facilities typically will have a time-frame to "lights out," when you've had your free time for the day, and you're urged to fall asleep.

Checking In

If you are the first to arrive at rehabilitation programs the staff members usually begin by asking you to take an intake questionnaire to learn more about you. This is a vital part of the rehabilitation process because the information will be used to begin designing your treatment program.

In an intake interview, you'll be asked questions relating to the use of your drug and your daily routine. These questions may include:10

  • In the last 30 days, what days did you drink alcohol, consume alcohol until you were drunk or use illegal substances such as cannabis?
  • In the last 30-day period, what have been spending the majority of your time?
  • Over the last 30-days, how difficult were your experiences because of alcohol or drug consumption?
  • In the last 30 days what percentage of your use of alcohol caused you to cut back or cease doing your activities?
  • Are you a parent? Do they reside with you? If not, are they living with someone else in accordance with an order from a judge?
  • Are you a student or do you have a job?
  • In the last 30 days were you arrested in connection with drug-related offences?
  • What would you rate as your general well-being?
  • In the last thirty days have received inpatient or outpatient care to treat a physical problem or mental or emotional issue or alcohol or drug usage?
  • Are you satisfied with your life and you?

Prepare to answer questions in a straight and honest manner. While talking about your life, your choices and your use of drugs may be challenging, remember that accurate data will aid the team in determining the best program to your specific needs and preferences.

The average duration of stay in rehab for alcohol and drugs is 28-30 days, 60 or 90 days as well as 90 or more days. While any amount of time can be beneficial however, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recommends that individuals spend at minimum 90 days in treatment. 11

The Detox Process

Following the initial evaluation after which you'll begin the process of detoxification. The process of detox is eliminating alcohol or drugs from your body following prolonged usage. Although it can be a challenging process for certain people, it's crucial to cleanse your body from the substances in order to be prepared mentally and physically for the tasks that lie ahead in your rehab.

If you stop abruptly taking a drug that has the potential to become dependent (such like heroin, Morphine, benzodiazepines, or alcohol) it is possible to suffer from withdrawal-related symptoms that are uncomfortable. In most cases, medications can be prescribed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms that are that are associated with these substances. 12

Therapy

Different types of therapy can be utilized throughout the rehabilitation process, based on the needs of the patient and the rehabilitation program you're enrolled in.

Individual Therapy

You'll be working with a mental health professional during one-on-one sessions. In those sessions, you'll have the time to examine your and your addiction as well as the impact that your addiction has caused on your life. Personal education is an effective way to help you recover. The therapist will also assist you recognize the triggers for anxiety. After you've identified them your therapist will show you how to deal with the triggers in a positive manner.

A specialist in addiction will tailor the appropriate therapy to meet your specific requirements. Therapy comes in a variety of kinds, but studies suggest that behavioral therapies are the most efficient in treating addiction. 13 Two of the most popular therapy methods employed in this context are cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders or motivational interviews..

  • CBT helps you to understand the fundamental beliefs and behavior that lead to the use of substances. It also helps you learn healthy coping strategies that you can use in rehabilitation. 13
  • Motivational Interviewing is a technique by which a therapist or counselor asks you questions like "Why do you want to stop drinking?" Or "How has substance use impacted your life?" The objective is to eliminate the feeling of ambivalence many have when they are looking to make a change , but worry that they're not prepared. Motivational interviews make your plans more concrete to be substance-free and rekindle your desire to live a substance-free life effectively. 14

Family Counseling

Research has proven that involving family and friends in the process of recovery greatly improves the results of rehab. 15 Because of this, a lot of addiction rehabilitation facilities provide family therapy as part of their treatment program.

Family members can be deeply affected by the loved one's addictions. Counseling for families provides a secure space where everyone can share their experiences , and for family members to discover what they could have done to facilitate the addiction or contributed. Recognizing and working through these difficult and sometimes painful feelings can help heal and continue development. 16

During the family counseling session Your family members will be taught about the complexities of addiction, and how to be the best support for you when you have left the rehab facility.

A lot of programs involve family members and friends through the entire rehabilitation process starting with the initial assessment and continuing through aftercare. Some have family members be present at Al-Anon meetings if they wish to visit you during your time receiving treatment.

Group Therapy

The group therapy program is the foundation of numerous rehab centers. Participants, guided by a therapist discuss their personal progress, difficulties and experiences of addiction recovery. Some groups concentrate on specific stages in recovery (i.e. withdrawal, or prevention of relapse) and others offer assistance for those with mental health issues (i.e., social anxiety disorder or difficulties controlling the emotion).

There are usually recovery groups which provide safe spaces for those of specific genders as well as ages and backgrounds. Some rehab facilities provide LGBTQand groups , or even groups for people who were previously imprisoned.

A lot of the same methods employed in individual therapy can be employed to treat groups, for example, psychoeducation, motivational interviews, and the development of skill. 17

Group therapy has been linked to positive results for recovery from addiction due to the assistance it provides. Participants are able to share their stories and hearing stories from others as well as forming bonds and helping one another.

Aftercare Planning

At the end of your stay in a rehabilitation center You and your counselor will develop an ongoing care (aftercare) program that is based on the progress you have made up to this date. Aftercare is a great way to reduce Relapse rates. 18 This is why it is a crucial part in your rehabilitation.

The plan you choose to follow will provide medical and social support to assist you in your journey. It could include the possibility of transitional housing (like an sober living facility) followed by follow-up therapy, counseling, medical assessments as well as alumni support groups and other recommendations to avoid events and triggers that can lead to return to addiction.

Press Play for Advice On Recovery

Hosted by Editor-in Chief and Therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The theholisticsanctuary Podcast with the addiction specialist Erica Spiegelman, shares the strategies that can help you recover. Listen now by clicking below.

Your Rights As a Patient

It is important to know that the American healthcare system offers residents in rehabilitation facilities with rights that are essential to be aware of in the event that you or someone else in your family is admitted to an addiction rehabilitation program. The rights are:

  • Access to your patient's record 19
  • The right to be involved with your health care (make choices regarding your care and refusing care if you're non-minor) 20
  • A right of an informed and consent (being informed about the advantages and dangers of treatment, and agreeing for treatment before the treatment being administered) 21
  • The right to be treated equally without discrimination, or any kind of abuse of a patient (physical or sexual, mental or any other form of abuse) 22

As a result of these rights, patients are also protected from any cruel treatment, such as excessive restraint or isolation.

Although you are entitled to make informed choices about your care however, you may also assign someone else to take decisions regarding your health care, when you decide to.

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