Going Into Rehab
Are you considering entering alcohol rehab?
If so, there are some things you should know about what to expect.
The rehab treatment process can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding if you are in the right hands, like NuView Treatment Center.
Depending on the intensity of your addiction, rehab can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. It is an opportunity to explore underlying issues and gain insight into why you are prone to addictive behavior. Whether you’re an adult or teenager proceeding with inpatient or outpatient treatment, it will take determination and courage to get through the program. The road to recovery is not easy, but it is worth it! Here’s what it’s like going to rehab as an adult.
When To Consider Rehab?
If you’ve been struggling and are done with a substance use disorder, you must reach out for help.
Many people try to quit drinking on their own, but unfortunately, most of them relapse.
An alcohol or drug rehab treatment provider provides a structured environment where you can detox from alcohol and receive substance abuse treatment for your addiction.
If you’re not sure whether or not you need rehab, consider these questions:
- Do you drink more alcohol than you want to?
- Do you feel like you need to drink alcohol to cope with your problems?
- Has drinking alcohol caused problems in your life, such as job loss or financial difficulties?
- Have you tried to quit drinking on your own without success?
What to Expect Upon Entering Rehab
The first step of the rehab journey will be to undergo a comprehensive assessment. This process will help the staff determine your needs and goals for treatment. You may be formally evaluated to identify your specific addiction and any underlying psychological factors contributing to your substance abuse.
You may also be asked to undergo a physical examination to identify any existing health conditions or new issues resulting from substance abuse. The examination will also assess your overall health and determine if you are a candidate for detox.
After the assessment, you will likely meet with a therapist to discuss your addiction, treatment options, and the road to recovery. You will be able to ask any questions you may have about the rehab process.
How Long Does Rehab Take?
The typical length of rehab varies depending on the intensity of the program, your specific needs, and the type of rehab facility you attend. In some cases, you may receive treatment over a few weeks or months. In other cases, rehab may last six months or longer. Depending on your specific situation, you may be able to complete a program in as few as 30 days.
Longer programs, however, may be necessary for individuals who have a long history of substance abuse or co-occurring mental health disorders. A good rule of thumb is to expect to spend at least 90 days in rehab. While the first few weeks are crucial for the process of detoxification, the last few weeks will be spent preparing for a sober life after rehab.
Stages of Drug Abuse and Recovery
- Early stage- This is the phase when you first begin using drugs. The substance may trigger a positive experience and cause you to associate it with pleasure. This can lead to a pattern of compulsive drug use and may indicate a dependence on the substance.
- Middle stage- The middle stage of drug abuse can last months or even years. During this phase, you may experience negative consequences related to your substance use, but the desire to quit is not strong enough to prompt change.
- Recovery- The earlier you seek help and enter into an effective treatment program, the sooner you can experience a successful recovery. The first stage of recovery is marked by a desire to stop using drugs, followed by efforts to achieve abstinence and repair the damage caused by drug abuse.
Types Of Rehab Centers
There are many types of helpful rehab centers that cater to different needs. Some specialize in treating addiction, while others may focus on mental health or physical health.
Here are some of the most common types of rehab centers:
Addiction Treatment Centers
These centers focus on helping people overcome addiction and substance use disorders.
They offer detoxification, counseling, and other services to help people get clean and stay sober.
Mental Health Treatment Centers
These centers (approved by the mental health services administration) focus on treating mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
They also offer counseling, medication, and other therapies like; family therapy and group therapy to help people manage their symptoms and live healthy lives.
Physical Health Treatment Centers
These centers treat physical health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
They offer diet and exercise programs and other treatments to help people improve their health.
Rehabilitation Centers
These centers focus on helping people recover from injuries, disabilities, and chronic health conditions.
They offer physical, occupational, and speech therapy and other services to help people regain their independence.
A Typical Day In A Drug Or Rehab Center
If you’re in residential inpatient treatment, the days are usually planned out for you.
The goal is to keep things (and not have to make as many decisions throughout the day) so that you may heal more quickly.
The following are examples of what takes place daily for going into a rehab facility.
Naturally, your schedule will differ depending on the center, how severe your drug problem is, and a variety of other factors.
Mornings
You’ll likely be woken up bright and early by the staff at the facility.
There will usually be a light breakfast available, after which you will have some time to yourself to wake up and get ready for the day.
During this time, you may be able to read or write in a journal.
Afternoons
Lunch is usually served around noon, after which you will have some more free time.
This may be when therapy sessions are scheduled, or you may use this time to attend group meetings.
You may also have some time to talk one-on-one with your counselor.
Evenings
Dinner is typically served in the early evening, and you will have some more free time.
This is an excellent time to relax, as you may be tired from daily activities.
You may also have time to talk with other residents or attend another group meeting.
Nights
The staff at the facility usually sets bedtime, and you will likely be required to be in your room at a particular time.
Lights will usually be turned out not long after this, although you may be able to read for a little while before going to sleep.
Of course, every drug and alcohol rehab center is different, so your daily schedule may differ slightly from what is described here.
However, this should definitely give you a general idea of what to expect during your stay at a residential treatment facility.
Types of Treatment During Rehab
- The various therapies offered in rehab can help you explore the root causes of your addiction. One of the most common types of therapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is focused on identifying and changing destructive beliefs and behaviors to improve your quality of life.
- Behavioral modification- This technique focuses on positive reinforcement and changing negative habits. It can help you break the connection between addictive thoughts and actions.
- Contingency management- This type of therapy is often used in the treatment of alcohol addiction. It rewards abstinence from drugs or alcohol with a tangible item such as a gift card.
- Medication- Certain medications may be prescribed to treat co-occurring disorders. They may be administered as part of the rehab program or on an ongoing basis after you leave treatment.
- Group therapy- This type of therapy is generally done in a group setting with other individuals who are in recovery. It allows you to explore your feelings while receiving support from others who are going through a similar journey.
- Family therapy- This type of therapy allows family members to share their feelings and gain insight into how their behavior has contributed to the addiction. Family therapy can help you and your loved ones learn new ways of communicating and cope with the challenges of addiction.
Counseling and Therapy in Rehab
Counseling is the main therapeutic process in addiction treatment. It is a collaborative process that involves you, your family, and the addiction counselor. The counselor will help you understand triggers, cravings, and their underlying causes. They will also help you develop coping strategies to deal with daily stressors and prevent relapse.
Counseling may be in-person or take place over the phone. In some cases, you may meet with your counselor only once a week or once every two weeks. The frequency of sessions depends on your specific needs and goals for treatment. While the counseling process is ongoing, you will also likely participate in one-on-one therapy sessions. This type of therapy allows you to explore your underlying psychological issues in greater depth and increase self-awareness.
Rehab for Dual Diagnosis Patients
People who suffer from co-occurring disorders often go to rehab with the goal of conquering both conditions at the same time. This is called “dual diagnosis” treatment. For example, a person who has both a substance use disorder and clinical depression might be admitted to a dual-diagnosis outpatient rehab or treatment center.
To treat both disorders at once, the focus of rehab may be slightly different than if only one disorder was present. For example, the focus of depression treatment might be psychotherapy, but the focus of dual diagnosis treatment might be a combination of psychotherapy and medication.
Rehab for Multiple Addictions
There are many different types of substances that people may become addicted to, so it is important to determine which substances are present during your treatment evaluation. For example, if you are addicted to alcohol, tobacco, and cocaine, your treatment plan may be very different than someone who has a marijuana addiction.
People who have multiple addictions may go to a dual-diagnosis treatment program, or they may be admitted to a program that treats specific addictions. For example, someone addicted to cocaine, alcohol, and tobacco may be admitted to a treatment program that specializes in integrated treatment for both alcohol abuse and drug addiction.
Can I Detox From Alcohol Without Special Help?
If you’re addicted to alcohol, you may wonder if you can detox yourself at home.
Detoxing from alcohol is dangerous and can even be life-threatening, so it’s not recommended that you try to do it without professional help.
When you have gone through the process and detox from alcohol, your body is going through withdrawal, and symptoms can include:
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
What Addictions Does Rehab Treat?
Rehab centers treat a variety of addictions and mental health disorders. The most common are:
- Alcohol dependency
- Drug addiction
- Eating disorders
- Sex addiction
- Gambling dependence
- Internet addiction
Signs That You Need to Go to Rehab
The decision to enter a rehab program is not taken lightly, but some signs may indicate that you need to go.
- You have tried to quit or cut down on your addiction, but you were unsuccessful.
- You can’t control your addiction.
- You have suffered negative consequences from your addiction, such as job loss or legal trouble.
- You have a physical or emotional dependency on your addiction.
- You are in danger of losing relationships, your job, or your physical health.
- You suffer from a co-occurring disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
- Your addiction is causing you emotional pain and ongoing stress.
- You are facing a major event or transition, such as a death in the family, divorce, or a new child.
- You have tried other methods of treatment unsuccessfully.
What Happens if You Relapse in Rehab?
Unfortunately, it is common for people to relapse in the early stages of recovery from addiction. If this happens to you, it is important to understand that it does not mean that you are a failure. Instead, it means that you are learning about your triggers, your emotions, and how to better manage your behaviors.
Relapse does not mean that you have to start the entire rehab process again. Instead, it is an opportunity to use what you learned in treatment and apply it to your new situation. For example, if you relapsed and used drugs again after a period of sobriety, you can use what you learned in treatment to avoid the same situation in the future.
How Do People Pay for Rehab?
Depending on your insurance coverage and/or financial situation, you may be able to pay for rehab out of pocket. Otherwise, you may be able to apply for financial assistance, such as Medicaid or other state programs. In some cases, hospitals will even cover the cost of treatment. To learn more about how to pay for rehab, you can contact the admissions department of the treatment program of your choice. They will be able to tell you about their payment policies for all types of insurance.
Before you commit to a treatment program, it is important to weigh all of your options and find a program that is the best fit for you. This will ensure that you experience the greatest success once you complete the program. Ready to get started? Now that you know what it’s like to go to rehab as an adult, it’s time to take the next steps toward recovery.
How to Build a New Life Without Substance Abuse
The goal of rehab is to help you gain the skills you need to live a sober and fulfilling life. To succeed in recovery, you need to understand the nature of addiction. You will also learn how to manage your emotions and take control of your thoughts. Likewise, you need to understand the nature of your relationships and how your family and friends can help you in recovery. Signs that you’ve developed a healthy relationship with alcohol include:
- You can identify when you are feeling stressed or anxious.
- You can identify your emotions and use healthy coping mechanisms.
- You can acknowledge that a drink is not the solution to your problems.
- You can identify when a drink will cause you problems.
- You can identify ways that a drink will disrupt your life.
Treatment Is Available
If you or someone in your circle you know and love is addicted to drugs or alcohol, help is available.
No matter how bad you think the addiction is, treatment can make a difference.
There are many American addiction centers with different treatment programs, so there’s sure to be one that’s right for you.
Don’t hesitate or wait any longer to get the help you need—it could save your life from drug abuse.
