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Everything You Need to Know About Addiction Rehab Process

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The addiction rehab process depends on individual experiences but in general, people who decide to complete an addiction rehabilitation program can expect to go through four phases of treatment:

  • Admission/assessment
  • Detox
  • Rehabilitation
  • Aftercare

Finding a Treatment Center

The first step of the rehabilitation process is finding a suitable treatment facility. When choosing the best place for you, it’s very important that you look for certified treatment facilities. All rehab centers must be licensed by their state, but only the best ones are certified by an independent organization like CARF.

However, the place you ultimately choose, as well as the type of treatment you’ll receive, will depend on a number of factors such as insurance coverage, waiting lists, and location. 

Different treatment centers offer different types of therapies. Some only offer detox, which might not be the best solution in the case of more severe addictions. Others are focused on providing treatment for certain addictions like alcohol or drug rehab. It’s best to look for facilities that offer full-range treatment for your addiction.

The Four Phases of an Addiction Treatment Process

Phase 1: Admission and Assessment

After you find a good quality rehabilitation facility, the next step is to get in touch with them. Make sure to collect all the necessary information before calling, such as your medical history, your insurance ID card, as well as a list of healthcare professionals or facilities that have treated you.

The admissions representative in the rehab facility will ask questions about the following: 

  • Drug or alcohol use
  • Current medical conditions or mental illnesses
  • Support system
  • Insurance and financial information
  • Living conditions

Next, the admissions representative will explain the treatments available at their rehab center and answer your questions.

When you arrive at the rehab center, you’ll be welcomed by a nurse, therapist, or admissions coordinator. Then, you will undergo a psychological and medical evaluation. 

The personnel will answer your questions and recommend the most suitable treatment plan. They will also inform you about the in-house rules and search your stuff for banned objects such as drugs or weapons. Some facilities may take away your mobile phone.

The first few days in the rehab center will be dedicated to medical supervision. Afterward, you’ll participate in intensive programming and therapy. The intensity and frequency of therapy will decrease as you progress through the different stages of treatment. 

Phase 2: Detox

Clearing drugs and/or alcohol out of your body in safe surroundings is the next stage of the rehab process. Depending on the severity and type of addiction, you may be given medication such as buprenorphine or methadone to help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms. The first few days are the hardest but you’ll probably feel a little better after a week or so.

If your substance disorder isn’t very severe, you may go through this stage at home (provided your living conditions are acceptable and safe). This is called outpatient detox. In that case, you’ll have to attend appointments every day and check-in with a therapist or physician.

However, residential or inpatient detox is a much better solution for people trying to recover from addiction. Rehab centers provide constant monitoring and can help with withdrawal symptoms or any complications the moment they occur.

 Phase 3: Rehabilitation

Residential Therapy

Once inpatient detox is completed, the next stage is residential therapy, also known as inpatient therapy. Most rehab centers offer 1-2 individual therapy sessions per week. In the meantime, you’ll attend supplemental therapy meetings, group therapy sessions, and educational classes.

Depending on your budget, the services available, and the severity of your addiction, inpatient therapy can last 1-2 weeks or 2-3 months.

Partial Hospitalization Program

A partial hospitalization program is usually offered to patients with mild withdrawal symptoms which aren’t considered dangerous and don’t require non-stop medical supervision.

 During PHP, you may receive therapy at the treatment center during the day but sleep at another, affiliated facility during the night (i.e. a sober living home). Some rehab centers offer a PHP and a sober living home at the same facility. The main difference between the PHP stage and inpatient treatment is the intensity and frequency of therapeutic programs.

 Outpatient Therapy

Once the partial hospitalization program is over, you’re getting into the next stage: outpatient therapy. This stage may involve one or more individual or group therapy sessions a week. Depending on your living conditions and support system, you may live at your home or a sober living home. Many patients also attend twelve-step meetings and other group meetings on a daily basis.

 How long outpatient therapy will last depends on the individual. Some people stop going to outpatient therapy after a few months, whereas others continue meeting their therapist or counselor for years.

 Phase 4: Aftercare

This term refers to the non-medical services offered by rehab centers. Housing, employment, and social support are some of the factors that are essential for relapse prevention. Aftercare can last for years and according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the longer the treatment lasts, the lower are the chances of relapse.

Final Thoughts

When looking for a rehab center, make sure to choose one that is licensed and accredited. In addition, ensure that you attend the right form of rehabilitation and that the treatment has an appropriate duration. If you’re determined and committed to the rehab process, you can fully recover from addiction.

 

 

 

 

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