What is Drug Rehab?

Many people suffering from the disease of addiction do not seek the help they need because they don’t know what to expect at drug rehab. Despite the sometimes terrifying and devastating consequences of addiction, many drug addicts and alcoholics choose to continue to use and drink because it is familiar to them.  For them, the life they know is less scary than going to a drug rehab program and getting help. So what is drug rehab, exactly? What can you expect at drug rehab?

Drug rehab is a place to receive treatment for dependency on a mind or mood altering substance such as alcohol, cocaine, or narcotic pain medication. The purpose of drug rehab is to treat the physical addiction to drugs and alcohol and help you build the skills for a healthy and productive life.

Step 1- Medical Detox

The first part of drug rehab is usually a safe medical detox.  This portion of treatment aims to make you comfortable while your body recovers from being physically dependent on a substance. This is typically a 5-10 day process depending on your drug of choice. When you enter a detox facility, the staff will take a medical history and ask you about your drug use. Be honest! Medical professionals at a drug rehab detox have a lot of experience dealing with addiction, and they have likely heard it all before. They need to know the extent of your drug use so they can design a detox program that is right for you.  If they do not know exactly what you have been taking, how much, and how long you have been using a substance, they will not be able to prescribe the correct type and quantity of medication to make you comfortable during the process or be able to ensure that you are safe. Detox can be life-threatening with certain substances, so make sure you don’t leave anything out.

Step 2-Inpatient treatment

When people ask “What is drug rehab?” they are usually referring to this phase of treatment. After detox, you will likely be sent to and inpatient program that, on average, lasts 30-90 days. You will sleep at the drug rehab housing and attend treatment groups during the day. Drug rehabs vary widely in terms of the treatments they offer during inpatient treatment. Most offer traditional treatments like counseling, psychotherapy, group therapy, 12-step support groups and family therapy. Some drug rehabs also offer music therapy, art therapy, or drama. Holistic treatment centers usually incorporate practices that treat mind, body, and spirit such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, equine therapy, and Tai-Chi. Regardless of the type of drug rehab you attend, your days in inpatient treatment are likely to be highly structured. Most drug rehab programs provide three meals a day and down time for personal reflection and meditation.

Drug rehab can be an invaluable process for someone trying to overcome an addiction.  Those that attend drug rehab are more likely to achieve long-lasting recovery.

If you or someone you know needs drug rehab, call us at (877) 711-HOPE (4673) or visit us online at www.palmpartners.com.