For many addicts, the first step towards recovery is realising and acknowledging the struggle with alcohol or drug dependence. The next step after that is finding a good treatment centre that can help them get back to good health, happiness, and wellbeing.
There are many treatment options in rehab. Some people may have more severe of an addiction than others and, therefore, may need a different course of treatment. In rehab, your treatments and therapies will be tailored to suit your specific needs.
Below, we will take a look at the various treatment options available in rehab, as well as the aftercare and relapse prevention techniques that will be used to ensure you remain on track with your recovery after rehab.
Treatment Options for Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Treatment programs are different for everyone depending on your circumstances and will be customised to suit your needs. Below is an overview of what you can expect if you were to attend rehab for your addiction.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehabs provide a structured treatment program designed to address every aspect of an individual’s addiction. When in inpatient rehab, the patient resides within the facility and will receive around the clock support and medical care as needed. Inpatient rehabs are the best option for those suffering from chronic addictions and for those suffering from a dual diagnosis with mental health conditions alongside their addiction.
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehabs offer a different type of care. In these programs, the patient will often go through many of the same kinds of effective treatments as inpatient rehab, but the patient won’t reside within the facility. Instead, they will live at home and continue working or caring for their families while attending regularly scheduled treatments throughout the week.
Outpatient rehab is not as effective as inpatient rehab as it doesn’t take the person away from their usual triggers. This can make a recovery more difficult. Due to this, outpatient rehab is only really recommended to those with mild forms of addiction and a motivated and committed approach towards recovery.
Detoxification
Detoxing in rehab helps you to safely withdraw from the drugs or alcohol that you’re addicted to until the substances are no longer in your system. This is often the first step in the treatment program. In some cases, detoxing can lead to some severe side effects, and medication may be required to ease the withdrawal symptoms. Medications that are prescribed during the detox program are usually tapered down until the patient is no longer dependent on any substances.
Therapy Options for Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Therapies are one of the best ways for individuals to realise their problems with addiction and overcome them. There are several different types of therapies offered in rehab, and we will take a look at these options below.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is used to help people realise their problematic thoughts or feelings that may compromise their ability to remain sober or may contribute to relapsing. This form of therapy is also great for treating co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Experiential Therapy
In experiential therapy, patients undergo non-traditional treatment methods to help overcome repressed emotions and feelings that contribute to the addiction. Common examples of the therapy include outdoor recreational activities, such as rock climbing.
Holistic Therapy
Holistic therapies focus on the individual’s wellbeing. The physical symptoms of withdrawal are also treated here. Holistic therapies can include activities such as yoga, art therapy, acupuncture, and guided meditations.
Group Therapy
Group therapy is where patients will go through therapy sessions as a group with other recovering addicts. These types of therapies encourage you to make friends and motivate each other through your journey towards recovery. Group therapies are one of the most effective types of therapy as it allows you to converse with other addicts who are also going through the same things that you are.
Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
After finishing your treatment program, it may be difficult to think about going home to your normal life -especially as you’ll be surrounded by all of your old triggers. The good thing about rehab is that you’ll have access to the aftercare team who are there to help you continue with your recovery after you leave rehab.
The aftercare team can assist you with finding housing, finding a job, rebuilding your relationships, and finding additional support. Some examples of additional support include 12 step programmes, meetings with support workers, and group meetings such as alcoholics anonymous or narcotics anonymous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the detoxification process like in rehab?
Detoxing in rehab is the safest way for you to rid your body of substances. When you detox from drugs or alcohol, you will experience a range of negative side effects from withdrawal. During your detox in rehab, you will be monitored around the clock and will have access to medical assistance if your withdrawal symptoms are quite severe. Detoxing aims to rid your system of all substances.
How do I help a friend with their drug or alcohol addiction?
If you believe your friend is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, it's important to speak to them about it and listen to what they have to say. Let them know you're worried about them and try to encourage them to get help. They may be reluctant at first, and you should never try to force them. Listen to them, encourage them, and let them know that you are there for them.
What is a dual diagnosis?
A dual diagnosis refers to an addiction that is diagnosed alongside another mental health disorder. Most commonly, this is anxiety or depression. A person with a dual diagnosis will have a tailored treatment plan that aims to help them overcome their addiction problem as well as their mental health problem. Since most addictions come hand in hand with a mental health problem, this is a common type of diagnosis that is often treated within a rehab centre.