Tragically, millions of us in the United States are currently struggling with one form or another of addiction. Lately, we’re seeing opioid addiction spread like wildfire and experts are comparing this upward spike in addictive disorders to epidemics of contagious disease.
Opiates are not the only drug we struggle with here in the US. Alcohol, meth (ice), cocaine, prescription medications like Xanax and Adderall, heroin, and even weed (marijuana) can produce severe addictions that get in the way of our dreams. Frankly, most of us who struggle with a substance abuse disorder don’t stick to just one drug. Most rehab centers are equipped to help you with whatever substance, or combination of substances that are affecting you.
If you and your family are currently struggling with a drug addiction crisis, know that you’re not alone. Many of us have fallen into the jaws of drug addiction, but also, many of us have escaped. You can get your life back, no matter how bad it seems right now.
When it comes to drug and alcohol rehab centers, what are my options?
Once you’ve decided to enter rehab, you then have to decide what kind of rehab, and which one specifically will work best for you. The search can be overwhelming at first, since thousands of different listings pop up when you google rehab. Your first step is to choose from one of the 3 broad categories of rehabs out there. They consist of:
This option requires you to temporarily move into the treatment facility, so you are immersed in treatment 24/7. Typically, inpatient programs last roughly 30, 60, or 90 days although there are exceptions.
If you choose an outpatient program, you won’t be required to move out of your current home. You can stay where you are, and visit the treatment facility for specified hours every day or week. The main benefit of an outpatient program is that you can still maintain responsibilities like work, school, or family while receiving treatment.
Sometimes an inpatient program isn’t possible because of obligations, and an outpatient program isn’t enough support.If this is the case, some rehab facilities will customize a schedule of inpatient and outpatient phases of treatment that meet your needs. Other programs offer a pre-planned mix of inpatient stays and outpatient meetings. No matter what you have going on in your life, there’s a rehab option that will work for you.
Treatment Style
Once you’ve decided to enter an inpatient, outpatient, or mixed rehabilitation program, you can personalize your rehab experience even further by selecting the treatment style that appeals to you. The options are truly limitless when it comes to style, as every rehab center is staffed and run by uniquely talented individuals. For a start, here are some of the most popular styles of rehab centers:
- Christian/Faith-based– Rehab centers based on christian values, or other faith systems are quite popular and effective.
- Luxury– I’m sorry to disappoint, but the term ‘luxury’ here doesn’t mean you’ll be sitting next to Paris Hilton while you’re in rehab. It means that you will be participating in a cutting edge treatment program designed by leaders in the field of addiction treatment. Luxury style rehab centers cost more because they incorporate the latest psychological and medical advances into their treatment, and have a higher staff/patient ratio.
- State-Funded– The opposite of luxury rehab is state-funded rehab. These centers may be more simple, and you may have to wait for an opening but the state will help cover your bills.
- Destination– Sometimes, in order to clear our head we need to get away from the ‘real world’ for awhile and visit a new place. This is why some rehab centers offer treatment in other countries or states, so you can get away while you work on recovery.
- Adolescent– When treating addiction in young people, those under 21, you can select a rehab center catered specifically to youths and their unique needs.
- Holistic– Being healthy is more than just living addiction-free. Holistic rehabs recognize this fact, and incorporate physical, spiritual, and emotional exercises in their treatment models.
Choosing and entering the right substance abuse treatment program for you is the best way to start your road to recovery. Based on years of experience, we know that the best possible drug rehabilitation option is an inpatient program. Studies show that people who enter inpatient treatment are significantly more likely to achieve a full and complete recovery. In other words, choosing to enter rehab will give you your best shot at recovery!
What Happens in Drug Rehab?
If you’re new to the subject of substance abuse treatment, rehab can seem quite mysterious. Some of the more common questions about rehab include: What goes on inside? Is it like jail? What will we do all day? What should I expect?
I can assure you that rehab is not like jail, you won’t be punished nor treated like a criminal. Treatment is about restoring your health and confidence, and you will be treated with respect throughout the entire process.
Treating addiction involves making improvements in the physical, emotional, and spiritual components of your life. For this reason, recovering from addiction is an intensive, and lifelong process. To learn more in depth about the science of drug addiction, and how it is treated, visit our page here.
No two drug rehab addiction treatment experiences will be exactly the same. Everyone’s needs are unique, and every interventionist has his or her own special method. However, there are 4 key elements common to all rehabilitation programs. Whichever treatment plan you choose, you should expect to go through each of these 4 phases:
- Intake
- Detoxification (Detox)
- Rehabilitation (Rehab)
- Ongoing Recovery
The first phase of Rehab, the intake phase, is a bit like getting to know a new friend. Both you and the drug and rehab center will start by learning about each other little by little. The purpose of the intake phase is to make sure that there is a good fit between your individual needs, and the unique services provided by the rehab center. You should expect the interventionists and health-care providers to collect information about you through diagnostic tests, interviews, and possibly medical exams as well.
During the intake stage, you will also have the chance to ask your providers as many questions as you like. Be thorough, as you want to make sure ahead of time that the program works for you.
Phase 2 of rehab is all about detoxifying the body and getting rid of any traces of drugs and alcohol still left in your system. Different addictions need different detox resources and our team of experts is highly capable of putting together a plan for your loved one that attends to these needs. We choose to only work with detox programs that offer state of the art treatment protocols that keep each client safe, comfortable, and contained during the detox process
Drug addiction leads to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that pop up whenever we try to quit. Sometimes, those withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that we decide to just give up on treatment altogether. This is why a proper detox is a crucial first step in lifelong recovery.
During the rehabilitation phase of the program you choose, you’ll be learning lots of new skills and doing the bulk of the work that recovery requires. Unlike the detox phase which was hard in an uncomfortable way, the rehab phase is hard in the way that you have to work a little bit. This is because the main focus of the rehab stage is uncovering the deeper emotional meanings behind your addiction, and how to vanquish your demons and conquer your weaknesses. It seems like quite a lofty goal, but I can assure you that it’s within your reach, and that recovery is well worth the effort.
During this phase you can expect to spend time participating in individual and group therapy, and also working through the conflicts in your family that might be contributing to your addiction.
Once you walk out of rehab, your job’s still not done. The ‘ongoing recovery phase’ refers to the time period at the end of your inpatient stay as well as the duration of the rest of your life. First, you will make a plan with your counselors for leaving rehab, and avoiding triggers and bad influences. Additionally, you will make plans to maintain and protect your recovery in the long-term future. Your options might include regular support group meetings, or commitments to occasional drug screenings.
The goal of ongoing recovery is to maintain strong motivation, and to stay accountable to the promises you’ve made to yourself and your loved ones.