Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Rehab

What is Drug Rehab?

A drug rehab is a treatment center that focuses on helping patients recover from the dangerous effects of drug use, abuse and addiction. This is usually accomplished in four parts:

• Drug addiction assessment
• Detoxification
• Drug Rehabilitation
• Aftercare

What is So Important About the Initial Assessment?

The initial drug addiction assessment is the process used by the treating physician to determine exactly what your treatment needs are. It is during this phase that the doctor learns about your medical history, your current health status and whether or not you have any co-existing addictions and / or disorders. By providing the doctor with honest answers, you will ensure that you will receive a treatment plan that is customized to promote the absolute best chance of recovery for your unique case.

Why Do I Have to Go to Rehab for Detox?

In cases of addiction, the toughest part in the recovery journey is usually faced in detox. This is when the body struggles without the daily administration of the patient's drug of choice. During detox, the patient will go through some uncomfortable times, some even painful. The inability to handle the discomfort and craving that is felt during withdrawal is what causes relapse if detox is attempted outside of a professional rehab center. But, if the detox process is monitored in a professional rehab setting, the patient can get through the  withdrawal symptoms  more comfortably and in a safer, more supportive environment.

What Can I Expect in Drug Rehabilitation?

Drug rehabilitation programs vary per treatment center, but some components of care are common. These can include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Individual or group therapy
• Counseling
• Relapse prevention
• Education
• Aftercare planning

Some treatment centers, like Stepping Stone Center for Recovery provide holistic services which promote whole body healing, meaning the body, mind and spirit. Some of these services include:

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Art therapy
• Recreational therapy
• Spiritual enlightenment classes
• Church services
• Nutritional education
• Exercise regimens

In drug rehab, counseling is one of the most important components. It is during your counseling sessions that the real reasons behind the development of your addiction will be uncovered. This discovery empowers the patient to face their issues and learn new ways to cope with their issues so recovery can occur.

If the patient is suffering from co-existing disorders or addictions, then it is during the rehab phase of the treatment that they will also be treated for the secondary condition. It is important for both diseases be treated simultaneously. If they are not, then the chance for relapse is increased.

What is Aftercare Planning?

Your stay in drug rehab will eventually end and once you venture back into the real world, you will have to face temptation each and every day. Aftercare planning sets you up with the resources you need to maintain your recovery. This can include attending 12-Step support groups, learning new life skills, finding local healthy support systems and much more.

What if I Am a Relapse Patient?

Maintaining recovery is a daily struggle for many people. This is because an addiction is a chronic condition that is not curable. It is, however, manageable. If you suffer from an unfortunate relapse, the rehab treatment professionals will find out what caused your setback and help you get through it and back on track. It may be that your true reason behind the addiction has not been uncovered or you may have not followed your aftercare plan as instructed. Whatever the case, you will not be looked at as a failure. Understand that relapse can be part of the healing process for some people. In fact, most people who go on to live a long-term recovery suffer a relapse somewhere along the way, and it's usually that relapse episode that is ultimately the catalyst for the long-term recovery in the end.

What if My Loved One Has an Addiction but They Won't Admit It?

Denial is a strong part of every addict's life. Most people who suffer from addiction do not believe that they have a problem. This is when an intervention can be beneficial. In an intervention, family and friends gather to help convince the individual that they need to go to rehab. This is usually a very emotional situation; therefore, it is very important for the intervention be managed by an intervention specialist. In most cases, after much denial and shed tears, the individual will usually break down and accept the fact that they need help. At that point, the intervention specialist will escort him or her to the rehab center that has been chosen for them.

How Can I Pay for Drug Rehab Services?

There are a number of ways one can pay for their drug rehab treatment, but it's best to check with your health care provider first to see if they offer any coverage for it. Not all plans provide rehab coverage, but some do. Look on the back of your health care insurance card to see if there is a 1-800 number for rehab services or call their customer service line to inquire about your plan. Most rehabs will also accept credit card payments and some will work with you to set up payment arrangements if your finances won't allow you to pay for the treatment in full.

How Long Will I Be in Drug Rehab?

A patient's stay in drug rehab is dependent upon a number of different factors. These include:

• The patient's motivation and willingness to recover
• The type of drug that the patient is addicted to
• The length of time the addiction has existed
• The method of drug use
• The severity of drug use
• The quality of the patient's support system
• The number of times the patient has been in rehab previously
• The quality of their living environment
• The severity of any co-existing disorders or addictions

Each patient's stay in rehab is different. However, research shows us that the longer one remains in rehab, the greater their chance is of experiencing a long-term recovery.