Medically Reviewed By: Ashley Levin
Many people are facing drug addiction in the United States today. In many cases, there are underlying mental health problems that contribute to substance use addiction. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “[I]t is usually better to treat them at the same time rather than separately.”
Understandably, drug and alcohol addiction can cause a person to feel alone and stuck in a repeating cycle of addiction. However, drug and alcohol addictions are treatable. A drug rehab program can be very effective in getting a person’s life back on track. This drug rehab guide will explain treatment options for addiction as well as co-occurring mental health conditions.
How Long Does a Rehab Program Last?
The length of a rehab program can vary. The length of a rehab program typically depends on the amount of treatment and care needed. A detox program usually lasts between five to seven days. Residential and inpatient programs usually last between 30 and 90 days.
What is Rehab Like?
Life in rehab is typically very structured. For example, breakfast can occur at 8:00 a.m., followed by a therapy session, followed by yoga and/or meditation. A strict structure helps to keep the mind off of substance cravings. In addition, the activities replace the use of substances. These activities such as yoga, communal meals, and therapy are beneficial and usually make clients feel good. As a result, clients are not thinking about using drugs and alcohol.
Therapy is a big part of rehab. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be helpful in treating addiction. CBT helps clients understand the behaviors that led to their addiction. This is because cognitive behavioral therapy looks at the underlying thought patterns of addiction. This allows clients and therapists to understand and identify triggers that could cause a relapse during the recovery process. By doing this, clients can create strategies to combat these triggers and avoid a relapse.
A major benefit of CBT is that the progress made during sessions lasts well after rehab treatment. As a result, clients have skills that can help them maintain long-term recovery.
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Types of Treatment
There are a few different types of treatment that are beneficial in treating addiction. Some types of treatment require clients to be in a facility 24/7. Other types of treatment are more flexible and allow clients to remain at home while attending activities in a rehab facility.
Medical Detox
Medical detox is usually the first step in any treatment plan. A detox allows the body a chance to cleanse itself while it gets used to not having drugs in the system. Medical detox consists of medical supervision, as withdrawal side effects can be unpleasant and dangerous. In some cases, clients are given medication to help with the side effects and ease cravings.
Medical detox starts off with an assessment of addiction. Each person has different treatment needs. An assessment will help professionals know exactly how to treat a specific individual’s addiction. After the assessment, clients go through a stabilization process. During this period, clients receive medical supervision and psychological help for withdrawal symptoms.
In this phase, clients may receive medication to help ease symptoms as well. This is called medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT uses FDA-approved medication along with behavioral therapy. Those who have severe addictions to opioids and or alcohol usually use MAT.
Inpatient/Residential Treatment
Residential treatment allows clients to be fully immersed in their treatment program. Residential treatment is when clients are in a treatment facility 24/7. Inpatient addiction treatment aims to get to the root of the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of substance use. Inpatient addiction programs can last for weeks or months. This all depends on the individual’s treatment needs.
Detoxing in a residential treatment program allows a person to have access to medical support in case of an emergency. Furthermore, clients have access to medications to help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
One of the key benefits of an inpatient rehab program is that clients have the support of addiction treatment professionals as well as the support of other clients going through the same experience. As a result, clients are able to make lasting progress.
Individual Therapy
Therapy is one of the most important aspects of an addiction program. Therapy helps an individual understand the root causes of their addiction. This is important because understanding the root cause can help prevent a relapse. Further, it arms clients with the knowledge to develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Therapy allows clients to express their thoughts and emotions without any judgment. Open and honest communication is important so that the therapist can address each issue. The therapist uses this information to adjust the treatment approach to be more effective for the client.
Looking For Rehab Near You?
Drug and alcohol addiction can take over a person’s life quite quickly. We understand it is a huge step for someone struggling with addiction to reach out. Pacific Sands Recovery Center offers addiction treatment in Orange County, California. We provide residential treatment, therapy services, medication-assisted treatment, and 12-step recovery. Our supportive staff is committed to helping to guide you through drug rehab and recovery.
Contact us to start your addiction treatment journey.
