What should people know before going into rehab or treatment?

A big part of getting addiction sufferers comfortable with the idea of seeking treatment is getting them comfortable with the addiction treatment process itself. In a state when their lives are likely in complete disarray, addiction sufferers tend to be wary of anything that is going to take them away from the comfort of their addiction. That’s the life they have been living, and the drug or alcohol dependence makes it difficult for them to walk away in favor of the unknown.

What is clear is addiction treatment in a viable and reputable rehab center is the only real chance any addiction sufferer is going to have for recovery. Of course, the treatment process needs to start with the addiction sufferer’s willingness to admit they have a problem. It’s only then that they might be willing to entertain the idea of getting treatment.

When someone is finally at the point they want to regain control over their life, that’s the point when addiction treatment becomes an approachable topic. If you have been suffering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol, good information about the addiction treatment process might be all that’s necessary to sway you to seek help. With that in mind, the section below will take you through an ordinary addiction treatment process. Hopefully, this will give you peace of mind.

What should people know before going into rehab or treatment? 

Getting treatment for addiction is one of the most important things someone will do during their lifetime. It signals a sense of care about the trajectory of one’s life. Given the importance of getting treatment, each addiction sufferer must do enough work to find a treatment center that will meet their needs.

Upon arriving on the doorstep of a rehab center, each client is put through an administrative interview process. The process plays a vital role in making sure each client’s treatment is appropriate based on their circumstances.

Since most people don’t seek treatment until their addiction has taken hold, a detox program is usually necessary. For the best results, clients need to be able to fully focus on the treatment process. That means having clarity after the mind and body have had a chance to detox from the longterm effects of the drugs or alcohol.

Assuming a client has been dealing with a significant addiction issue, a medically monitored detox program would likely be the best way to start treatment. Under the constant monitoring of the rehab’s medical staff, the client will be allowed to go through the detox process as naturally as possible. Should the withdrawal symptoms become overwhelming, a doctor would be standing by to offer relief medications to keep the client comfortable. If you are wondering why a doctor would prescribe drugs to someone with who is suffering from drug addiction, take a look at these common withdrawals symptoms that follow opiate abuse:

  • Respiratory and circulatory problems
  • Hallucinations and nightmares
  • Loss of body function and the ability to concentrate
  • Tremors and body convulsions
  • Severe stomach cramping
  • Nausea and vomiting

After getting safely through their withdrawal symptoms, the client begins working with therapists. The main objective of therapy is to help each client learn as much as possible about the nature and causes of their addiction. Is this important? Yes. If a client can get some insight into the root causes of their addiction, they can begin developing targeted coping and life skills that will help them work past their issues in the future. If a client can manage their triggers and any temptation that might come along, it increases the likelihood they can avoid relapses.

Once treatment is over, the client will have an opportunity to get involved with aftercare programs. The addiction treatment community has designed these aftercare programs to make sure people in recovery have resources to help them stay in recovery. FYI: Here are a few viable aftercare options:

  • Participation in 12 Step programs (AA, NA)
  • Additional outpatient counseling
  • Alumni events
  • Having access to sober living programs

With knowledge from the information we have provided above, we hope you now understand enough about the addiction treatment process to want treatment. That’s what we do. We are here to help you deal with your addiction as you establish what will hopefully be a lifelong recovery. For more information about our services, please contact us at 833-820-2922.