Rehab is an addiction treatment programme that’s usually delivered in a residential setting. Abstinence-based, a rehab programme provides support and care to people who are unable to overcome their addiction in the community. Traditionally, rehab involves you taking a complete break from your current circumstances and staying away from your usual environment. However, newer models of rehab can be delivered on an outpatient basis. While the intensity and duration of programmes vary, the focus is consistently on therapeutic treatment, support and safeguarding sobriety.
The prospect of entering a rehab centre can be intimidating. However, if you are suffering from a substance use disorder, getting help is crucial. It’s important to realise that ultimately rehab is a positive experience and committing to treatment is a progressive step towards improving your life.
Therapy in a residential rehab setting provides a safe space for you to take an honest look at yourself, your addiction and its effects on your mental health. Although, this may be uncomfortable at times, speaking privately with a therapist can provide a powerful way to help you heal.
Many rehab facilities also offer family counselling. Family members are often deeply affected by the addicted behaviours of their loved ones. Family therapy provides a safe space for people to air their grievances and work through potentially painful emotions. Family members also have the opportunity to learn about the dynamics of addiction and how best to support you.
The goal of rehab is to stop addictive behaviour or substance misuse and to learn how to build a productive life. Staying in a rehab facility can provide the opportunity to break free from addiction and get your life back on track. Rehab can help you in a variety of ways.
If you suffer from an addiction, rehab provides a clean and sober environment where you will be held accountable for safeguarding your sobriety. Detox in a medically-monitored and supportive environment helps to make the withdrawal process more comfortable.
The clarity that comes with being alcohol or drug free allows you to educate yourself about your addiction. You can learn about the neuroscience behind addiction which can be empowering. Equally, you’ll be able to gain insight into the habits and experiences that trigger cravings so that you can avoid or manage them when rehab comes to an end.
Intensive therapy will enable you to understand why you are drawn to your substance of choice. It’s important to get to the underlying issues behind your substance misuse. Rehab therapists can help you make sense of your issues and enable you to build new coping mechanisms that don’t involve turning to drugs or alcohol.
Many people with a history of substance abuse have poor self-care habits. A critical part of recovery is setting self-care habits and accomplishing goals. It’s very easy to lose heart if you consistently fall short of your goals. The compulsive nature of addiction has a strong grip, so it’s important to approach goal-setting with the appropriate mindset. From emotional health to aspirations, rehab can help you set realistic goals that are crucial for recovery.
Rehab can help you understand relationship boundaries. Very often, addicts take too little responsibility for their life and behaviour and family members can take on too much. While this may seem to reduce stress, over time, it will only make matters worse as the underlying issue of addiction is never addressed. Rehab can help show you ways to keep boundaries healthy.
A common initial treatment option for someone with an alcohol or drug addiction is a rehabilitation programme. Rehab covers a spectrum of services that are tailored to an individual’s specific needs. The first phase of any rehab programme involves clearing alcohol or drugs out of your system. While withdrawal is an important first step, it is not an effective treatment by itself. You’ll need further treatment, therapy and support to ensure long-term sobriety and recovery.
Inpatient programmes vary in length but require commitment to residential care. As an inpatient, you remain on-site and receive treatment within the setting. If you’re physically dependent on alcohol or drugs, you may need to be medically monitored throughout the withdrawal process. Residential rehab can be particularly helpful if you need medical monitoring to withdraw, as you will receive consistent support to cope with the physical and emotional challenges of the process.
Following detox, residential rehab involves staying within the setting as an inpatient and undergoing intensive therapy to help you deal with the emotional and behavioural aspects of your addiction.
Outpatient programmes offer an alternative option. If you have a milder substance use disorder and a safe living environment, you may be able to detox while living at home. Outpatient detox often involves attending daily appointments to check in with your therapist. If you’re on a medication-assisted treatment programme for opioid use, you may receive medication, such as methadone, during the outpatient detox programme.
Outpatient therapy can incorporate both individual and group sessions to varying degrees of frequency. It can last indefinitely to help sustain sobriety.
