What Should You Expect When Starting an Addiction Treatment Program?

Rehabilitation, just like drug addiction, does not happen overnight. It takes a long period. If you are in a critical condition, you may have to go for in-patient treatment. This means you have to spend nights and days in the rehabilitation center, just like a regular sick person. So, what should you expect when starting an addiction treatment program?

1. Assessment

When you first arrive at the rehabilitation center, the professionals will examine and assess your condition. They need to come up with a report on your mental and physical condition in order to determine the perfect way to approach the treatment. If you are mentally stable, you may be able to undergo treatment as an outpatient. Otherwise, you will stay within the facilities until you are deemed healthy enough to leave the hospital.
Assessment of your condition will also give the professionals a hint as to what caused your addiction, and this information will be useful in designing the treatment program.

2. Detoxification

All rehabilitation programs start with a detoxification process. Some places will require you to undergo detoxification before getting admitted while others will handle the procedure themselves. It usually takes 24 hours or longer, and in the entire period, you will be supervised by a medical professional.

3. Individual Therapy

The rehabilitation process will be full of therapy sessions. Individual therapy is important since it allows the therapist to discover your triggers and help you respond better to the said triggers. This particular form of therapy will be carried out one-on-one in a private place. This way, you will be able to open up to the therapist with no fear of judgment.

4. Group Therapy

In group therapy, the recovering drug addicts will sit in a circle as they share their experiences and struggles with substance abuse. This form of therapy helps you develop a sense of community. You’ll realize that you’re not alone in your struggle, and that will give you the strength to fight the urge to abuse drugs further. These therapy sessions are usually held in the afternoon.

5. Family Meetings

Family meetings can be held from the start of the rehabilitation process. In these meetings, the members of your family will show their support and encourage you to stay healthy. In some cases, family members will attend these meetings to heal their own wounds since your addiction may have affected other people at home.

6. After Rehab

Usually, patients are discharged after 28 days. Aftercare starts immediately after you are released, and that means you have to stay in a place with no access to alcohol and drugs. Also, a counselor will stop by periodically to check on you. It is important to keep attending group therapy sessions since they can be a source of encouragement.

Conclusion

Drug addiction is dangerous to your health and can even lead you down a financial hole. Rehab will help you get through your addiction. The process will not be easy, but you will appreciate the results after you are discharged.