“They tried to make me go to rehab, I said, no, no, no” – Amy Winehouse.
We all know and sing along to these song lyrics. But can you avoid rehab and actually be successful?
In contrast to a 10 minute high from drugs or alcohol, recovery can take years. Can you really do it alone without the help from rehab?
Many hesitate to join a rehab program because they don’t know what to expect. They may become nervous about the various kinds of therapy used. Or they may be in fear of withdrawal symptoms or relapsing.
You may wonder: What are the different types of rehab? Which one is right for you? How long does rehab take?
Fear of the unknown could stop someone from getting the help they need. It’s vital to be fully informed. Knowledge is power, after all.
Keep reading to find out all the information you need to choose the right rehab center.
Understanding “Addiction”
Recovering from substance abuse is not a matter of “getting over it”. Addiction is a chronic mental health disorder. This illness causes a person to be mentally and physically dependent on a substance.
Substance abuse cannot actually be “cured”. There is no magic treatment that will make it disappear.
In many ways, it’s like a chronic physical illness, such as diabetes. There is no cure for diabetes, but there is treatment available to help those suffering to cope.
This is similar to the treatment for substance abuse and addiction. The treatment is the process of learning how to manage and control the addiction.
Just as someone who has a chronic physical illness will have relapses, so may someone who is recovering from substance abuse. A relapse is not a failure. It’s a sign that there may need to be an adjustment in the treatment plan.
But don’t worry! Substance abuse and addiction CAN be controlled. And lifetime recovery is definitely within your reach.
How Long is Rehab?
You may wonder – how long does rehab take? There are several options to think about when determining the length of your treatment. It all depends on your individual needs.
Most rehab programs are generally:
- 30 Days
- 60 Days
- 90 Days
- Extended periods of time (for example, halfway houses or sober living accommodation)
When deciding on which program length is right for you, you should consider what will give you the highest chance of success.
But one thing is for sure – the longer you stay clean, the better your chances are for freedom for the rest of your life.
Types of Rehab
Due to the vast number of rehab programs available, it can be hard to know which one to choose.
Before choosing a rehab center, you need to make sure they have licensed staff who have the necessary qualifications. They should also be registered with the state and have all the required licenses.
Other things to ask before making a decision:
- Do they have an aftercare program?
- Are there extra activities, such as sports and recreation, for the patients to take part in?
- What is the accommodation like?
- How is their quality of care?
There are four basic types of addiction treatment. Outpatient, intensive outpatient, inpatient, and partial hospitalization services. Let’s take a look at these options one by one.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment provides support for those who are transitioning back to their normal life. The patient will have direct access to friends and family. They will also have the chance to continue working or attending school during their care.
How Long is Rehab For Outpatients?
The program is usually fewer than 10 hours per week. The length of the rehab program will vary depending on the patient.
Who is Outpatient Treatment Recommended For?
Outpatient treatment is for those who have a lower risk of relapse. For instance, someone who is highly motivated to change their life and has a great deal of outside support. Or someone who has begun abusing substances but is not yet addicted.
This treatment may also be available for someone who has completed inpatient treatment. For instance, a low motivation to stay clean or long-term intensive addiction.
What is Included in Outpatient Treatment?
The main purpose of outpatient treatment is relapse prevention. There will be training in life skills and strategies that will help the patient to remain sober.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Intensive outpatient treatment does not require the patient to stay overnight. But they do require several hours of intensive treatment to help avoid a relapse. Individuals taking part in this treatment may also want to spend a few hours a day at work or school.
How Long is Rehab for Intensive Outpatients?
Intensive outpatient care lives up to its name. The services can take several hours each day, even on weekends. They offer more in-depth treatment than a usual outpatient program.
Who is Intensive Outpatient Care Recommended for?
This kind of treatment is best suited for those who have a stable home to go back to. It is also recommended for those who are not at risk of severe withdrawal symptoms and do not need a medically supervised detox.
Intensive outpatient care is also for individuals who have recently completed inpatient treatment.
What is Included in Intensive Outpatient Treatment?
Group therapy is a big part of intensive outpatient care. Patients are also required to meet with an individual therapist once a week.
Inpatient Care
Inpatient care allows the patient to stay at a treatment center overnight for an extended period of time. This safe and welcoming environment will allow the patient to focus fully on treatment without worrying about day to day life.
How Long is Rehab for Inpatients?
Rehab for inpatients can vary from 30 to 90 days. But longer periods of time may be organized if required.
Who is Inpatient Care Recommended For?
Inpatient treatment is especially beneficial for those who may be prone to relapsing. The enclosed environment will keep them away from triggers. It will also restrict them from getting ahold of any addictive substances.
Individuals who are recovering from heavy drug or alcohol abuse may benefit because of its intensity. During their time at the rehab center, they will also receive medical support. This may be for physical or mental health conditions that are associated with their addiction.
What Is Included in Inpatient Care?
The patient will receive 24/7 support and supervision from trained personnel. They will have opportunities to rebuild broken relationships with family and friends.
Many inpatient treatment centers also include several extra activities and programs. These programs can help a patient to develop the self-confidence and motivation necessary to keep clean permanently.
Partial Hospitalization
Partial hospitalization is similar to intensive outpatient care. But partial hospitalization is not required every day of the week.
A supportive and good home life is a requirement for this to be successful. Patients will be able to go about their day to day life as normal.
How Long Is Rehab for Partial Hospitalization?
Instead of an overnight stay, patients need to check in for 4-6 hours a day. The patient should visit the rehab center at least 3-5 times per week.
Who Is Partial Hospitalization Recommended For?
Partial hospitalization is best suited for those who have a safe home environment. Many who qualify for partial hospitalization suffer from additional medical conditions. This may also be the next step for patients who have completed inpatient treatment as an initial step in their treatment plan.
What Is Included in Partial Hospitalization?
Most programs will include educational sessions and group therapy. The patient will learn how to cope with stress without turning to harmful substances.
The Recovery Timeline
The length of an alcohol recovery timeline and a drug recovery timeline may differ. It all depends on the patient. But the order of events will be the same.
These next 5 steps are the basis for any type of rehab recovery.
1. Diagnosis
When a person enters into treatment, the severity of the addiction will be determined by a specialist. This will help them to find out which level of treatment is required. This diagnosis will give the patient the best chance of recovery.
Diagnosis not only involves drug testing, but it also includes learning about the individual’s drug or alcohol abuse, including which drugs were used and how often the drug was used.
Any physical symptoms, mental symptoms, and mental health disorders as well as how substance use affected their daily life will also be addressed.
After a complete analysis, the specialist will diagnose the treatment needed for the patient.
2. Detoxing
The first two weeks of the drug or alcohol recovery timeline will be the hardest. This is because a natural detox needs to take place. This must take place in a dedicated rehab center to ensure safety.
A detox is a natural process which cannot be sped up. Yet some medications may be administered in order to ease cravings and other symptoms if needed.
Detoxing the body will send the patient’s body and mind on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Any remaining drugs or alcohol in the body will flush out naturally. And this is when the cravings, anger, and irritability will kick in.
Patients will be observed carefully during this period of physical strain on the body. If detox were to be done at home, the process could be fatal. Medically trained staff will always be on hand during detoxing at a rehab center.
But remember, detox is only the first step on the road to recovery. It does not constitute as treatment alone.
3. Therapy
Once this detox period is over and the cravings subside, therapy can begin. But in some cases, therapy may actually begin during the detox process.
The various kinds of therapy may include:
- Cognitive behavioral (how to manage triggers and cravings)
- Community reinforcement (incentives in the community to make the drug less desirable)
- Motivational enhancement (resolutions and the desire for recovery)
- Contingency management (abstinence and relapse prevention)
- Education (how drugs affect the body and mind)
- Family (working with family members to resolve issues)
The kinds of therapy you receive will vary depending on which types of rehab treatment you’re involved in.
4. Additional Activities
Many rehab programs offer extra activities. These can help the patient to engage in healthy ways to stay clean. Most activities will be available in the inpatient treatment programs.
Some planned activities may include:
- Exercise and yoga
- Nutrition programs
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Animal therapy
- Journaling and writing
- Massage therapy and acupuncture
Taking part in these extra programs can help to ease the patient. These activities make the patient comfortable. They can also help the patient to channel cravings and remain abstinent.
5. Aftercare
One of the last steps on the recovery timeline will involve some kind of aftercare. This can allow the patient to return to their daily life but still benefit from extra support. Again, the kind of aftercare chosen will differ person to person.
Some may be recommended to live in a “Sober Living” accommodation. This is ideal for those who are not ready to go home or do not have a stable home life.
Most sober living homes have other recovering addicts living in them as well. Because everyone is in a similar situation, they can show support and learn from each other. This mutual support can help each patient to learn other ways to keep clean.
Some may return home. But they may go to regular meetings, therapy, alumni programs, and other recovery arrangements as well.
According to a study in 2014, aftercare is essential to success. Research indicates that only 45% of those who did not attend aftercare programs stayed clean, whereas those who participated in aftercare for a full year had a 90% success rate.
The Road to Recovery – It’s Up to You
Types of rehab and speed of progress will vary from person to person. But one thing is for sure: Going to rehab will help you on the road to recovery.
Rehab provides you with the tools you need to recover from your addiction, but the rest is up to you. Staying clean will be a day to day fight, but you CAN win with the right help.
If you or a loved one is looking for assistance in overcoming an addiction, you’ve come to the right place. We can match you with the best rehab center for your unique circumstances.
Contact us today find out more.
