What Is Drug Rehab?

When you are addicted to drugs, alcohol, or both, getting clean and sober can be almost impossible to do on your own. It can also be dangerous, especially if you are an alcoholic or have been using large amounts of drugs for an extended period of time. Addicts should seek out the nearest drug rehab center to treat their chronic disorder. For many addicts, treatment involves multiple rehab stays and regular monitoring from professionals.

If you are an addict and wondering what exactly drug rehab is, let us help you understand what you’ll be in for.

What does rehab consist of?

While every program is different, most rehab facilities offer the same type of program. A typical day will consist of the following:

• Detox
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Meals
• Holistic activities
• Volunteering
• Downtime

What to expect in the beginning

If you come into the center while in active addiction, your first step will be to go through the detox portion of the program. During the intake process, be as open and honest about your drug use as possible. This includes how long you have been using, what you have been taking, and how often you use every day. This will allow the doctors to come up with a personal treatment plan for you during your stay.

If you need medication to help you through the withdrawals, your doctor will prescribe what works best for you. For example, individuals addicted to opioids may be given methadone, naltrexone, or buprenorphine. For alcohol addiction, naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are three medications you may be prescribed. Your treatment plan may include one or more of these medications, dispensed every day by your doctor or nurse.

Understanding drug use and addiction

You’ll begin therapy sessions almost immediately once you become a patient of a drug rehab. This is a time for you to learn what triggers your drug use and what you can do to change your reactions to certain triggers. Many patients come to drug rehab centers suffering from various mental health disorders, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, and more. You may be given a dual diagnosis if this is the case. This means that your counselor and therapist will address your mental health issue separately from your addictive behaviors.

During private therapy sessions, you and your therapist will have the chance to talk extensively about your mental health problems and how they relate to your drug use. They will help you learn how to deal with your everyday triggers in a more healthy and constructive way during your daily therapy sessions. Understanding why you want to use drugs as a coping method is the first step to overcoming your addiction.

Activities you’ll take part in

Drug rehab is centered around various therapy sessions. Besides private therapy, you will also take part in group and family therapy during your stay. Group therapy sessions and 12-step meetings generally occur daily. It’s important for addicts to deal with their feelings head-on every day, especially in the beginning of the program. Group therapy allows patients to bond with one another over similar trauma and circumstances, a big part of the healing process.

Many drug rehab facilities offer holistic treatments as part of their services. This could include a variety of activities, such as:

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Acupuncture
• Acupressure
• Nutrition therapy
• Massage therapy
• Equine therapy
• Nature and outdoor time
• Volunteering
• Journaling
• Exercise

Your therapist will help you decide on what activities, if any, to participate in while you are in drug rehab. It’s important to stay busy during your time in rehab as you learn how to live without the crutch of drugs.

What happens after drug rehab?

Your therapist will help you set up an aftercare plan when your portion of rehab is over. This may include a stay in a sober living home if you aren’t quite ready to go back to your normal lifestyle. He or she will also help you find 12-step meetings or other support groups in your area that will help you stay on track. Remember, many addicts often relapse after leaving the facility. It’s very crucial to your sobriety to continue to attend meetings and therapy sessions as many days as possible.

Call our drug rehab today to learn more

Once you have decided to attend drug rehab, you will need to find the best center to attend. We’re here to help! Call and talk to one of our friendly representatives today. You can reach us at 833-610-1174. We’re hoping to hear from you soon!