Drug and alcohol rehab is a process of treatment and support that helps people overcome their addiction and regain control of their lives. Rehabilitation can take many forms and offer different levels of care, depending on each individual’s needs and preferences. In this guide, we will explain what drug and alcohol rehab is, how it works, what to expect, and how to find the most suitable rehab near me or my loved one.
What is Drug and Alcohol Rehab?
Drug and alcohol rehab refers to a variety of services and interventions that aim to help people with substance use problems. These services may include:
• Detoxification: The process of safely removing drugs or alcohol from the body, often with medication to ease withdrawal symptoms. Even though some discomfort is to be expected, detox is necessary to keep a person safe and comfortable.
• Counseling: The process of talking to a trained professional who can help you understand the causes and consequences of your addiction, cope with emotional issues, develop healthy coping skills, and prevent relapse.
• Behavioral therapy: The process of learning new ways of thinking and behaving that can help you change your relationship with drugs or alcohol, avoid triggers, manage cravings, and maintain sobriety.
• Medication: The use of prescribed drugs that can reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, or the effects of ecstasy and other substances on the brain.
• Support groups: Participation in peer-led groups that provide emotional support, encouragement, and guidance from people with similar experiences with addiction and recovery.
• Aftercare: The ongoing follow-up services that can help you stay on track with your recovery goals, such as counseling, therapy, support groups, or sober living.
Drug and alcohol rehab can be delivered in different settings and formats, such as:
• Inpatient rehab: A type of rehab where you stay in a residential facility for a period of time (usually 28 days or more) and receive intensive treatment and supervision around the clock.
• Outpatient rehab: A type of rehab where you visit a clinic or center for a few hours a day or a week. You receive treatment at home or in another supportive environment.
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP): A type of rehab where you attend treatment for several hours a day (usually 4 to 6 hours) at a hospital or clinic, but return home at night.
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP): A type of rehab where you attend treatment for several hours a day (usually 3 to 4 hours) at a clinic or center, but return home at night.
• Sober living: A type of housing where you live with other people who are in recovery and follow certain rules and expectations, such as abstaining from drugs or alcohol, attending meetings, and contributing to household chores.
How Does Drug and Alcohol Rehab Work?
Drug and alcohol rehab deals with addiction’s physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects. It helps you break free from the harmful effects of drugs or alcohol on your body and brain, heal from the underlying issues that contribute to your addiction, learn new skills and strategies to cope with stress and challenges, build a supportive network of people who can help you stay sober, and create a meaningful and fulfilling life without substances.
The exact steps and components of drug and alcohol rehab may vary depending on the program you choose, but generally they include:
Assessment
The first step in drug and alcohol rehab is to undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified professional. This evaluation will determine your level of addiction, identify any co-occurring disorders or medical issues, assess your readiness for change, and recommend the most appropriate type and level of care for you.
Detoxification
The next step in drug and alcohol rehab is to detoxify from drugs or alcohol under medical supervision. This may involve taking medication to ease withdrawal symptoms, monitoring vital signs, providing hydration and nutrition, and ensuring safety and comfort. Most detox centers provide a program that can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the substance used, the amount consumed, the frequency of use, and individual factors. Detoxification is not a treatment in itself, but a necessary step to prepare for further treatment.
Treatment
The main step in drug and alcohol rehab is to participate in various forms of treatment that can help you address the root causes of your addiction, change your thoughts and behaviors, and prevent relapse. Treatment may include individual counseling, group therapy, family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, contingency management, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma-focused therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and more. Treatment can last from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the program and your progress.
Recovery
The final step in drug and alcohol rehab is to transition to recovery, which is a lifelong process of maintaining sobriety and wellness. Recovery may involve continuing with aftercare services, such as counseling, therapy, support groups, or sober living. Recovery also involves developing a healthy lifestyle, engaging in positive activities, pursuing personal goals, and building meaningful relationships.
What to Expect from Drug and Alcohol Rehab?
Drug and alcohol rehab can be a challenging but rewarding experience that transforms your life for the better. However, it is normal to feel anxious, nervous, or uncertain about drug and alcohol rehab. Here are some common questions and answers that can help you prepare for your rehab journey.
• Will I be comfortable? Most drug and alcohol rehab centers strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for their clients. You will have access to basic amenities, such as a bed, a bathroom, a closet, a TV, and a phone. You will also have access to recreational facilities, such as a gym, a pool, a garden, or a library. You will be served nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day. You will be treated with respect and dignity by staff and your peers. You will have some privacy and personal space, but also some rules and expectations to follow.
• Will I be bored? No, you will not be bored in drug and alcohol rehab. You will have a structured schedule that keeps you busy and engaged throughout the day. You will participate in various activities that will help you learn, grow, heal, and have fun. You will attend educational sessions, therapy sessions, support groups, workshops, lectures, and more. You will also have some free time to relax, socialize, read, write, meditate, or do other
hobbies.
• Will I make friends? Yes, you will make friends in drug and alcohol rehab. You will meet others who are suffering from similar struggles and challenges as you are. You will share your stories, feelings, thoughts, and experiences with them. You will support each other, encourage each other, and learn from each other. You will form bonds that last beyond rehab.
• Will I be able to heal? No, you will not be treated in drug and alcohol rehab. Addiction is a chronic disease that can be managed but not cured. There is no quick fix or magic pill to cure your addiction. However, you can recover in drug and alcohol rehab. Recovery is a state of being where you can live a healthy, happy, and productive life without drugs or alcohol. Recovery is possible for anyone who is willing to work hard, follow a treatment plan, and seek ongoing support.
How to Find the Best Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center for You?
Finding the best drug and alcohol rehab center for you can be overwhelming and confusing..
Do your research
The first step is to research the different types of drug and alcohol rehab centers that exist. You can use online resources such as RehabPath Philippines, which provides information on various addiction treatment providers in the country. You can also ask for referrals from your doctor, therapist, family members, friends, or people who have been to rehab before.
Consider your needs
The next step is to consider your specific needs and preferences for drug and alcohol rehab. Think about what kind of substance you use, how severe your addiction is, what co-occurring disorders or medical issues you have (if any), what goals you have for recovery), what budget you have), what insurance coverage you have), what location you prefer), what level of care you need), what type of treatment approach you prefer), what amenities or facilities you want), what kind of staff or peers you want to interact with), etc.
Compare your options
The final step is to compare your options based on your research and needs assessment. Make a list of the pros and cons of each drug and alcohol rehab center that meets your criteria.
