If you’re curious about how addictions rehab or alcoholism treatment works then this FAQ may answer some of your questions.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab FAQ 1 – What happens in rehab?

The rehabilitation process is very similar for all the top rehabs.  Firstly the patient is medically assessed and detoxified from the substance they have been using.  This is done by doctors who monitor the process and administer any medication that may be needed.

It is essential for a person to be clear of the effects of the drug or alcohol for them to join the full drug addiction treatment program.  This program will employ various therapeutic interventions designed at exposing addiction/alcoholism and promoting recovery. 

By exposing the nature of the illness patients become more aware of the triggers that may lead to relapse.  Addiction recovery is promoted by teaching new life skills and using CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) to learn new behaviours.  Of course CBT is not the only way to change behaviour, but most addiction clinics use this approach as it has been shown to be effective.  Individual counselling is also offered to provide very personal interventions.  These sessions focus exclusively on one patient.

Sessions may be held with the family to allow them to express how their loved ones addiction/alcoholism has affected them, to establish rules for their loved one to adhere to after treatment, and to start healing past hurt.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab FAQ 2 – Who needs rehab?

Arguably any person classified as an addict or alcoholic probably needs to go to rehab.  One of the hallmarks of addiction and alcoholism is “dependence” which means that people with this illness suffer withdrawal symptoms if they discontinue using their substance. 

Because these withdrawal symptoms are so unpleasant most people will relapse before detoxifying no matter how genuinely they intended to stop.  In rehab patients are assisted with the detoxification by doctors who prescribe medication to reduce the effect of the symptoms.  Therefore people are far more likely to become abstinent if they completed rehab.

After becoming abstinent (drying out or quitting) the patient is helped through a process of growth that leads them to recovery.  Addiction recovery is seen as the patient being restored to full function in all areas of life.  It is more than simply stopping drinking or drugging – it is about transforming the addicts life to become a happier and more content person.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab FAQ 3 - What is aftercare?

Many facilities offer the opportunity for their ex-patients to come back to the centre for follow-up groups.  This is usually done on a regular basis for a set period of time after discharge.

These groups focus less on identifying addiction (the people attending already know the nature of their problem) and rather look at maintaining recovery and growing as a person.  Early recovery can be a difficult time and these groups provide support and advice.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab FAQ 4 – What if the addict/alcoholic doesn’t admit that they have a problem?

This is often the case, and the good news is that even if the patient doesn’t arrive at rehab acknowledging their problem it is still possible to have a positive treatment outcome.

You should therefore not be afraid to seek professional help in organizing an intervention to coerce the addict/alcoholic into treatment.  It is also possible to arrange a court order that compels them into treatment.  In either case there is a good chance that they will be able to find recovery and reclaim their life.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab FAQ 5 – How long is the treatment?

This can vary greatly on the facility and to some extent the patient. Some rehabilitation centres offer a short program of three or four weeks, others can last a few months.  Severe addictions Long term heroin or alcohol dependency) are recommended by European research to stay in treatment for up to a year.

Somebody who is not willing to adhere to the program may require a little extra time to “come around” and participate in their treatment process. Their outcome can be just as good as people who check themselves into treatment, but they may need a little extra time to become fully aware of the true nature and extent of their problem.

If you would like more information on drug or alcohol rehab please contact an addiction treatment consultant at We Do Recover for expert advice today!

South Africa: 082-74-REHAB (73422) Normal Cell rates apply

United Kingdom: 0808-26-REHAB (73422) Free phone helpline

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