Addiction Treatment | What is it Like in Drug Rehab?

What is it Like in Drug Rehab?

Filed Under Beating Addiction |

A lot of people are hesitant to go to a drug rehab, because they’re not sure what to expect there. It can feel like a pretty big step to check in to a place, or even to make that first call and set up an appointment to try and get help. Here’s what you need to know.

Relax: There’s no reason to be afraid

The thing about drug rehab facilities is that they are controlled environments, thus making them a relatively safe environment for recovering addicts. Not only do they take extra measures to keep drugs and alcohol off their grounds, they also do everything that they can to maintain a safe environment beyond the scope of substances. This means that most facilities do not tolerate violence or threatening behavior, and most have trained staff that know how to handle those types of situations.

Some people are nervous that they might be looked down upon or belittled by the staff at a treatment center…..this is extremely unlikely, as virtually all facilities employ a mix of recovering and non-recovering staff, so many of them have been in your shoes before. They know exactly what you’re going through and how scary it can be to get clean and sober, so they will only be kind and supportive–never demeaning.

Detox

Most drug rehabs have a detox area that is medically supervised. This is another big part of what makes treatment a safe place to be. Some withdrawal symptoms are potentially dangerous and can lead to seizures or even death, so being in a detox unit is really the best place you can be if you’re quitting drugs and alcohol. In most treatment centers, the only thing you have to do while you’re in detox is sleep, and the staff will do what they can to keep you as comfortable as possible. This will sometimes include certain medications, the majority of which will not be addictive or habit/forming pills. Under rare circumstances, a stronger medication might be needed if someone has become seriously unstable from withdrawal, but most patients will not experience this. Detox usually lasts about 3 to 5 days, depending on the drug or drugs that a person is coming off of.

Residential Treatment

Most drug rehabs have a residential unit that normally houses patients for short term stays. These might range anywhere from a few days to possibly 28 days. This is where the real recovery program takes place.

There are different philosophies at different rehabs, but a large percentage of all rehabs are 12-step based. This means that the foundation of their program is based on the 12 step programs of either Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. There are alternatives out there, but they are relatively scarce compared to 12 step treatment centers. Chances are good that if you are going to detox and short term treatment, it is probably 12 step based.

If you are put off or nervous about attending meetings, I would encourage you to “feel the fear and do it anyway.” Going to meetings gets easier after you go a few times and realize that the people there genuinely just want to help each other. I was terrified of meetings (and of treatment) but I eventually got desperate enough to give it a try anyway. I’m glad I did.

Residential treatment will also consist of therapy groups and maybe some informative lectures. Most rehabs will also connect you with a therapist or counselor that can work with you on a one-on-one basis. In other words, you don’t necessarily have to spill your guts or share your whole story with everyone. It is possible to connect with an individual and get a lot of relief by simple talking to them on a one-on-one basis.

Confidentiality

Some people are afraid to go to treatment because they think everyone will know and they will somehow be ostracized for their condition. This is almost never the case and drug rehabs are bound by law to protect your identity while you are there. It is unfortunate what has happened in the media when a celebrity checks into rehab and it gets plastered all over the news. Obviously, this doesn’t happen with regular people, so don’t let the negative exposure that has happened in the media deter you from getting clean and sober.

It takes guts

It takes guts to go to treatment. There are 2 major fears that you have to overcome: One is the fear of treatment and everything that it entails: is it like jail? Is it like a hospital ward? Will they strap me down? and so on. The other major fear is that of facing life without self-medicating. The fear of being clean and sober, period. The fear of facing life and actually feeling your emotions and not medicating them.

Treatment centers are set up to try to alleviate both of these fears. They do the best they can to welcome you and make you comfortable and teach you how to enjoy a sober life. There really is no reason to be afraid of checking in some where! Just gather up enough courage to give it a try, and you will be amazed at where recovery will take you, if you let it.

Good luck to everyone out there and God bless. Try recovery today…..what have you got to lose?

Comments

Leave a Reply