What Should I Expect From Drug & Alcohol Addiction Rehab?

If you are considering addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, you likely have a lot of questions about what the rehabilitation experience is like. While there are many mental health and addiction treatment centers to choose from, most facilities are highly structured and follow a similar framework.

Although treatment can be intimidating, knowing what to expect from rehab can put your mind at ease. Most treatment facilities have several factors in common, but certain factors might set one rehab experience apart from other facilities. Knowing these factors might make your decision to go to rehab easier and make your initial treatment experience more comfortable. 

Understanding Your Options

It may be helpful to know what options you have as a potential addiction recovery client. Consider the most important factors for you or your loved one, such as:

• Detoxification: Detox is the process of clearing harmful toxins and substances from the body and is typically recommended for people initially quitting addictive substances. Some facilities offer medically assisted treatment (MAT) which can make the detox process easier and, in some cases, safer.

• Choosing inpatient or outpatient treatment: Inpatient treatment is where you live at the facility for a given period, while outpatient treatment is where you live at home and receive treatment services part-time on a set schedule throughout the week.

• Choosing facility location: You might want to look for a facility that is close to your home location or pick a residential treatment center far away from your hometown depending on your preferences and needs.

• Potential treatment options: Every treatment center will offer unique therapy programs. Research different types of programs aside from traditional therapy, such as holistic options, group therapy options, experiential programs, or specialized approaches such as trauma-informed care. 

• Length of stay: Your length of stay will likely be determined after evaluation and may be adjusted based on your progress. Most commonly, rehab experiences offer 30, 60, or 90 day stays. 

Step 1: Intake Evaluation

Regardless of whether you are referred to a treatment facility or you walk in yourself, the first step that everyone goes through during treatment is the intake process. Staff members at any given facility will do an interview and evaluation to find out more about who you are, what you are struggling with, and what level of treatment you need.

The intake process is crucial because mental health professionals will be able to customize a treatment plan for you based on your evaluation. From there, you will likely start the detox process. 

Step 2: Detox

Detoxification is the process of removing drugs, alcohol, and associated withdrawals from the body. Detox may be the most difficult step in recovery for many, as it can be uncomfortable, even painful. In some cases, medication is given to ease harmful withdrawal symptoms caused by the use of drugs with high dependency rates.

Detox can take anywhere from 3-14 days, depending on several factors, such as the substance of choice, frequency of use, and intensity of use. 

Step 3: The Therapeutic Process

After detoxification, you will likely experience several different types of therapy options to find which ones will benefit your recovery process most. Therapy helps manage your triggers and cravings, learn important life skills that help you overcome addictive habits and lifestyles, and prevent relapse during your lifelong recovery journey. 

Individual and group therapy options are both available. Every therapy experience will bring a unique and valuable perspective to your treatment and recovery journey. 

Typical therapy options offered in addiction treatment programs include:

• Psychotherapy

• Dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT)

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EDMR)

• Specialized group therapy 

• Mindfulness-based interventions

• Experiential therapies

• Exercise programs

Treatment centers do allow free time, although most of your day will be scheduled around your treatment, classes, and meetings. Educational opportunities are also offered and encouraged throughout rehab to help you learn more about addiction and recovery and how it relates to your experience.  Step 4: Aftercare

Although your treatment experience will come to an end, recovery is a lifelong process that continues after you go back home. Your therapists at your treatment facility will help you outline an aftercare plan that can help you to keep up your recovery process and mitigate triggers and relapse. 

It is essential that you stay involved in long-term treatment, such as individual psychotherapy or group therapy. There are many resources available to help you sustain your recovery journey outside of treatment. Support groups can offer a sense of accountability and community, even when walking your recovery journey feels lonely. 

Every person's rehab experience will be different. You must know your personal needs and goals for treatment to experience a successful treatment journey. More important than anything, though, is your willingness to make the most of your treatment experience. Only then will you be able to take steps in the direction of lifelong recovery.

Recovery Is A Constant Process

The Edge Treatment Center is an addiction rehab center that offers flexible scheduling, options to continue handling work, school, and life obligations while in treatment, and 24/7 access to medical staff. We understand that recovery never stops, and we cater our treatment options and programs to meet the unique needs of the clients that we serve.

With us, you’ll work hand-in-hand with our caring staff as you free yourself from the harmful effects of substance use and addiction. For more information about our treatment options, or to learn more about what you can expect from rehab, call us today at (800) 778-1772.