If you are wondering what drug and alcohol detox or rehab centers are, this is the article to read. Both types of facilities are different, yet equally valuable as there are many people in need of assistance when it comes to getting clean from alcohol and drugs.
There are some misconceptions when it comes to rehab centers. First, the doors are not locked, so you really can leave at any time if you choose. Even if the judge ordered you to go to rehab, you can still walk out and face your consequences at a later time. There is a good reason why you are free to go. If you are not serious about wanting to stop using drugs or alcohol, it really is a waste of time and money for you to attend rehab.
Detox
The first step is to detox from alcohol and drugs. You can do this at some detox centers, but some do not have in-house detox. This means that you will have to detox at a detox center that specializes in detox/withdrawal symptoms and then enter rehab. Most detox centers require you to stay 5 to 7 days to detox.
Rehab facilities
There are thousands of rehab facilities across the United States and they differ in appearance, settings, and cost. It is safe to say that all have the aim of helping addicts get clean and stay clean. Many times the type of facility that someone enters will depend on how much money they can afford to pay or what type of insurance they have.
The program
Rehab centers want to educate people on addiction and recovery. It is important that each person who enters honestly takes a look at his or her life and sees that it has become unmanageable due to alcohol or drugs. The staff present will teach about the dynamics of addiction and how the recovering addict can stay clean once out in the community. A 12-step recovery program may be introduced during treatment so that patients can hear testimonies of recovering addicts and get familiar with the program so they can attend the meetings once they are discharged.
Therapy
Most rehab centers will give out a good dose of counseling and group therapy. Addiction counselors will help you understand the disease of addiction better and teach some skills that will help the recovering addict once they leave the facility. It is easier to stay clean while in a controlled environment, but once patients get back out into the real world of their lives, they need new coping skills to help them get through hurdles without drugs or alcohol.
Family involvement
Many rehab centers include family members in the treatment process so that they can learn about addiction as well and learn how they can best serve their loved one upon discharge. They can also refer family members to Al-Anon for support.
After care treatment
Most residential rehab programs last around 28 days, which is a good amount of time to begin a great road to recovery, but after care treatment is essential for continued sobriety and growth. While in rehab, patients will receive an after care treatment plan with suggestions as to what he or she can do after treatment regarding continued support. It may include 12 step meetings, intensive outpatient treatment, a halfway house, and counseling. It is important to follow up with these suggestions, as doing so greatly increases the chance of staying clean and living a great life.
About the Author: Dominica Applegate is an author, writer, personal development and relationship expert. She has a deep passion for discovering and sharing authentic spiritual truth. She has been discovering herself under all sorts of odd layers and loves to share her stories and lessons learned with anyone that will listen. She loves reading, contemplating, nature, family time, and traveling. Connect with Dominica at her website and Facebook.