Addiction to drugs or alcohol isn’t something that just suddenly happens overnight. It can take years to develop. Once you realize that you have a problem, it can hit you like a ton of bricks. Whether you have an eye-opening experience all on your own or someone close to you has helped you see that you have a substance use disorder, you can then make a choice to get help.
Just as your addiction took time to develop, your recovery will also take time. It helps to know what you can expect once you enter an addiction treatment center.
The Intake Phase
When you have chosen a rehabilitation center where you want to undergo your treatment, the first phase involves the intake process. You will be admitted and assessed by a professional who will come up with a plan for your treatment that’s tailored specifically for you. Because no two people are exactly alike, it’s important to devise a plan that can help you based on your substance use history, health, family history of addiction and more. You will have a medical exam to assess your physical and psychological health. If you have any co-occurring disorders, the treatment plan will be tweaked to address that.
The Detox Process
Once your individualized treatment plan has been created, you will then undergo the detox process. This is the process that involves removing all traces of alcohol or drugs from your system. In many cases, maintenance medication is used to safely eliminate the substances and help ease your symptoms of withdrawal. You are constantly monitored by healthcare professionals who can provide assistance if you need it.
The Rehabilitation Process
There are two common options available to you for your rehab. You can choose inpatient or outpatient rehab. However, there is also partial hospitalization as well. Inpatient is the standard for most addiction treatment programs. If you have struggled with your substance use disorder for many years or the substance in question is something that’s extremely addictive, you might prefer inpatient rehab. It allows you to check into a facility where you can receive care from staff on a 24/7 basis.
Outpatient rehab is a good choice for individuals who have a milder addiction or one that is short-term. It’s ideal for those who want to continue performing their regular daily responsibilities such as work or school, caring for children or elderly parents or grandparents, and more. You are able to come in for treatment at certain times of day while going back home at night.
Partial hospitalization is a type of outpatient rehab that allows you to do your treatment in a hospital setting. You can choose it if your addiction is milder and you don’t have the same level of risk as those who opt for inpatient rehab.
You will attend therapy sessions that can help you gain some perspective on your situation and why you began using the substance in the first place. With individual, group or family therapy, you can learn how to recognize the triggers that lead you to temptation. You can also learn new ways to react to those triggers so that instead of losing your sobriety, you can make better choices that are physically and emotionally healthier for you.
While you are still going through the rehab process, you might find that group therapy is the best option for you for counseling sessions. Group therapy gives you the opportunity to discuss your situation with other people who are in the same situation as you. When you share your personal experiences, you all get to help each other and can find new ways to react to certain situations. Members can bond, gain strength from one another and find ways to overcome their addictions.
The Recovery and Aftercare Process
Finally, once you have completed your drug or alcohol rehabilitation program, you have the option of continuing on with aftercare during your recovery. Because recovery is a permanent process and you are never actually “cured,” you’re encouraged to attend therapy sessions that work for you. You can continue to come to the facility to attend therapy as needed. You also get the opportunity to meet with professionals who can determine the best aftercare plan for you.
Ready to take that very important step and get help? If you are ready, get started today so we can help you. Call us at 855-936-4435 to get started.
