Category: Rehab Centers

Addiction, and addiction recovery, can sometimes be a lonely experience. Digital apps are helping to close that gap, providing a sense of community, a source of accountability, and support on virtually every aspect of recovery. But there are hundreds of apps out there —  where do you start? Whatever you’re looking for in your journey, here are 9 of the best smartphone apps for recovery,

9 Must-Have Mobile Apps for Addiction Recovery

Most addiction recovery apps fall into these general categories, and many offer more than one feature:

• 12 Steps resources
• Directories
• Habit or sobriety tracker
• Information
• Peer support
• Relapse prevention assistance

The apps we selected are all free mobile apps, though some may require in-app purchases to unlock the full features. 

12-Step Meditation Daily Reflections for AA, NA, Al-Anon 

A great option for members of 12 Step groups. This app makes it easy (and pleasant) to work the Twelve Steps outside of group meetings. There are hundreds of guided meditations, soothing music and sounds, and audio recordings of the twelve steps and prayers that you can layer to create personalized audio tracks. You can also make a playlist with all your creations, making it the perfect app when you’re traveling or just need to create a calm, quiet space for yourself.

AA Big Book Free — For Alcoholics Anonymous

An essential app for anyone involved in AA. This app is chock full of useful features with full access to the Big Book and the ability to make notes, mark passages, and search the text. It also has AA prayers, podcasts, a meeting finder and a sobriety tracker. 

I Am Sober

There’s no shortage of sobriety trackers apps out there, which I Am Sober is. Besides being one of the most user friendly apps and thorough (it counts sobriety down to the second), our favorite standout feature is that the tracker also tells you how much money you’ve saved since quitting drinking. The practical nature of this side function makes it a great form of positive reinforcement when motivation is running low. 

I Am

I Am allows users to customize their phones with aesthetic and soothing images paired with positive affirmations.  You can also have pretty and empowering messages delivered as push notifications throughout the day. While not specifically an addiction treatment app, a big part of treatment is undoing the negative thought patterns. This does that in a user-friendly way while being cute to boot.

Recovery Path: Addiction Recovery & Addiction Help

This app does it all, offering CBT-based motivations and reminders, posting abilities, and even a directory. What we love most is the related support app for loved ones and even clinicians, providing a rounded-out community that offers encouragement and accountability in all forms.

Sober Grid

Imagine a Facebook that was exclusively for people who are sober or in recovery. Well no need to imagine, it exists! Sober Grid is a full-fledged social networking app that allows you to make posts, connect with others, and message people. Joining is completely free, and so is the app! It also features 24/7 live coaching available, making this one of the best apps for finding social support. 

SoberTool

This app is backed by science, as it was created by a licensed counselor. It offers the usual features you’d expect in a recovery app, but what makes it stand out is its craving analyzer which helps you recognize and work through triggers when they strike. There’s also a built-in community forum feature where you can speak to other people who are in recovery.

Nomo — Sobriety Clocks

Nomo keeps things simple, making it the perfect recovery app for people who want no-frills recovery support. It’s a sobriety tracker that lets you set as many clocks as you want, allowing you to celebrate both big and small addiction recovery milestones. Plus, collect virtual chips when you do! Nomo also has minigames to serve as a distraction when cravings strike.

WEconnect

Spoke to your sponsor recently? Went to an AA meeting? With WEconnect, you can earn gift cards and other tangible rewards for completing small and large tasks in your recovery program. This app can only be used by a person enrolled in a substance abuse treatment program at a facility that has partnered with the app — so this one isn’t for everyone. Those who are able to get an access code will find this a powerful complement to their recovery program that offers great incentives for creating good habits.

Did we miss your favorite apps for addiction recovery? Let us know in the comments! If you’re ready to go offline and get IRL support, find an AA meeting or NA meeting near you, today. 

Addiction and mental illness are treatable conditions. Have you ever wondered what happens if addiction and mental illness are developed at the same time? This phenomenon is called co-occurring disorders. 

Co-occurring disorders, or the circumstance in which a person has at least one substance addiction disorder and at least one mental health disorder, have advanced in understanding, and we now know much more about them. Now it is evident that treating only a portion of the issue results in treatment failures whereas treating all substance addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously as part of a holistic strategy has a much higher chance of success. Integrated treatment essentially means that both mental health and substance use therapy are provided by the same provider (or team of providers). 

What Is Integrated Treatment?

Mental illnesses are brain disorders that frequently result in a decreased ability to cope with the everyday demands of life, much like diabetes is a sickness of the pancreas. While addiction is a medical illness, substance abuse is a behavioral issue. Alcohol and other drug use habits that are harmful as a result of substance addiction and dependence cause severe impairment and distress. 

When mental illness and addiction go hand in hand it means that a person is suffering from a co-occurring disorder. This is when Integrated Treatment comes in. Integrated treatment refers to the employment of several treatments, such as the blending of medication like Suboxone and Subutex, and therapy like CBT and DBT. Integrated Treatment’s primary focus is to address both mental and physical aspects of addiction and how it is leading to mental health disorders.  

Why Mental Illness and Addiction Often Go Together

Sometimes it might be challenging to distinguish between an addiction and a mental illness. How can one tell if depression is brought on by substance usage, withdrawal from substances, or a diagnosable depressive disorder? How can one distinguish between anxiety brought on by cocaine abuse and anxiety disorders? How can someone tell the difference between mood swings brought on by the overuse of depressants like alcohol and stimulants like cocaine and bipolar disorder? Yes, it might be challenging to detect the difference. It can be unexpected to learn that a sizable percentage of people seeking treatment for addiction also have a mental health condition.

A person may be more likely to struggle with addiction if they have depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, trauma, or ADHD. Because they are unaware they have a mental illness, the problem has gone misdiagnosed, or they don’t like the medication recommended for their condition and how it makes them feel, many people who are experiencing emotional problems turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. However, experts and people in recovery can attest that while these drugs may reduce symptoms temporarily, they ultimately worsen mental health problems. They are never cured. 

Is Integrated Treatment Impactful?

Yes. Integrated treatment is impactful because:

• It offers simultaneous treatment of a mental health condition and an addiction
• It uses the same expert team for the treatment of both illnesses
• It creates a solid network of social support while receiving therapy
• It utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities to address each person’s goals and issues
• It offers flexible treatment options that take into account the unique requirements of each patient

Benefits of Integrated Treatment

Addiction treatment programs that offer dual diagnosis can help a person who is suffering from addiction and mental health disorders. Here are a few benefits of Integrated Treatment:

• Help patients understand the part that drugs and alcohol play in their lives. 
• Approach to both the mental health condition and the substance abuse
• Gives patients the chance to learn about the interactions between drugs, the symptoms of mental illness, and other medications
• Utilize these problems as a backdrop for investigating their own substance use
• Offer counseling that is provided in the form of individual, group, family, or a combination of these sessions 
• Offers therapy that is specifically tailored to the special requirements of people with co-occurring illnesses
• Encompasses support services, such as employment assistance, and may aid patients in their recovery
• Helps patients to determine personal recovery objectives and understand how each sickness will be recovered from

The Bottom Line…

Integrated treatment reduces symptoms and enhances the capacity for healthy functioning since it treats co-occurring illnesses concurrently. Abusing drugs or alcohol makes mental health issues worse.

Integrated treatment may help a person to develop healthy coping mechanisms and more effective ways to manage the symptoms of a mental health condition by treating substance addiction as well as the underlying mental health disorder.

There are more than 40 million Americans that are 12 or older, who meet the criteria of having a substance use disorder, a situation that the government has dubbed a crisis. Fortunately, more and more institutions are rising to meet this challenge and curb this public health issue. There are now over 14,000 addiction treatment facilities throughout the country in every state. The hard part is not figuring out how to get help, but deciding where to go. If you’re in this boat and trying to determine where to go to rehab, here’s why you might want to consider a Florida addiction and recovery center.

4 Benefits of Rehabs in Florida

A change of scenery is always a great idea for a person struggling with substance use disorder. In addition to taking you out of the environment where your drug abuse took place, going to rehab in a different state can be beneficial for your motivation and focus on recovery. Florida is a natural choice, it is repeatedly ranked as one of the most popular destinations in the United States. 

Boasting top-notch entertainment, nature, and cuisine, there’s something for everyone in the Sunshine State. However, being a tourist’s top pick isn’t a reason to consider rehabs in Florida, nor is it why it’s considered the rehab capital of the world. Proven experts in the addiction treatment industry, Florida has the facilities, experienced staff, and auxiliary support services to help anyone struggling with addiction. 

Reputation for effectiveness

Florida leads the addiction treatment industry in cutting-edge technology and innovative treatment options. There’s even an addiction treatment model named after the state, which has gone on to be adopted throughout the country. 

The pinnacle of the Florida model involves having separate treatment facilities for addiction treatment and housing. Patients attend therapy and counseling in a facility during the day but reside at non-facility-owned establishments which can feel more comfortable and welcoming. 

The Florida model also differs from the traditional rehab approach which houses patients for 28 days and then returns them back to their “real” lives. With a greater emphasis on peer support and community involvement, many patients who complete their programs eventually become peer leaders in the addiction treatment space.  

Lots of options to choose from 

With a high capita of treatment centers, you can find all sorts of different addiction treatment facilities in Florida. There’s no shortage of options with rehabs that accommodate different budgets and lifestyles. There are luxury rehabs that offer five-star amenities that more closely resemble a resort than a medical facility. There are those that specialize in serving LGBTQ+ patients, and others that are faith-based and cater to a specific religious group. Whatever niche you can imagine, there is probably one in Florida.

Another benefit of the aforementioned Florida model is that various institutions offer varying levels of care, which make it easy to create a bespoke addiction treatment program that best suits your unique needs. The close geographical proximity to so many other drug rehabs can make it possible to cherry-pick different facilities for inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient care. 

Supportive recovery community

One of the greatest benefits of choosing rehabs in Florida is the expansive recovery community. Sober living communities, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous groups are abundant. Many of those who come to Florida for treatment chose to remain here, adding to an understanding and open-arm population contributing to the recovery oasis as dubbed by the New York Times. 

Attractive location

One of the biggest obstacles to helping addicted persons get the help they need is motivation. However, Florida’s adjacency to gorgeous beaches, water sports, and palm trees can go a long way to overcoming a person’s resistance to going to rehab. A desirable location can convince a person to see their treatment through, or agree to get help in the first place.

Another major draw is that Florida is home to several popular destinations including Miami and Orlando. There’s a plentitude of activities on any given day, which can provide a much-needed distraction to someone in recovery. 

Addiction Recovery Options for Florida Residents

If you currently reside in Florida and aren’t sure which drug rehab to go to, you have a great resource in your neighborhood. Attend your local AA or NA meetings to connect with individuals who have been in your shoes and can share their addiction treatment experiences with you. Odds are that some of them have been to a drug rehab in-state and can help narrow your search.  

Odds are you’ve heard the term quitting cold turkey before, which means abruptly stopping something instead of slowly tapering off. It is unanimously advised against in addiction recovery circles as being both dangerous (this is how you end up with nasty withdrawal symptoms) and oftentimes ineffective. 

A similar and equally ill-advised approach for addiction recovery is something called “white knuckling”, meaning that a person tries to overcome addiction alone and solely through willpower. You can imagine someone metaphorically strapping in for a rough ride and holding on for dear life, resulting in the ‘white knuckles’ that the term is named after. Here’s why white knuckling sobriety is almost guaranteed to fail (and what you should do instead):

Why White Knuckling Doesn’t Work

White knuckling solely relies on the person’s willpower to help them overcome addiction. If you follow the 12 Steps, you’ll recall that Alcoholics Anonymous specifically addresses that willpower is not enough for a recovering alcoholic to achieve sobriety. That same willpower is the one that got the person into their problems in the first place and is clearly flawed when it comes to regulating alcohol control (learn more about Step 1 of AA). 

It’s not a matter of willpower

The glaring problem with this approach, whether you are a follower of AA or not, is that ultimately, addiction is not a disease of willpower. Addiction is a chronic medical condition that is just as valid as anything else you’d find in a medical textbook. No one would reasonably expect anyone to try and power through diabetes or cancer, which are also chronic diseases. The rationale behind white knuckling is more in line with the (now outdated) model of addiction from the early 1900s which viewed substance abuse as a moral failure. 

The Dangers of White Knuckling Sobriety

White knuckling is dangerous as well as ineffective, here’s why:

Unsupervised withdrawal

White knuckling means that a person is also going through withdrawal without assistance, some side effects of which can be deadly. Even if you’re not willing to enroll in an addiction treatment facility just yet, at least consider going through detox, where medical staff offers round-the-clock supervision to help you safely pass through withdrawal.

Higher odds of relapse

When a person goes to an addiction treatment facility, their program will include seeing a mental health professional that will help them uncover the root cause of their addiction, identify triggers, and teach healthy new coping mechanisms. Without that emotional support, white knucklers are ill-prepared to deal with the realities of life after addiction and are essentially walking a tightrope without a safety net.

Relapsing itself can be extremely dangerous because during the period a person abstained from drug use, their tolerance may have decreased considerably. If they consume drugs in the quantities they’re used to, they put themselves at significant risk of overdose. 

Alternatives to White Knuckling

Failing to address the psychological causes behind addiction can put a person at an increased risk of relapse. Here are a few ways to get that support for those who are reluctant to commit to going to drug rehab:

Taper off drug use

White knuckling and quitting cold turkey aren’t synonymous, but it’s not unusual for them to coincide. As such, do not abruptly stop using drugs in your effort to get sober. Purposefully taper your dosage to a smaller amount over a period of weeks to allow your body to gracefully adjust. This will reduce the likelihood of withdrawal effects and ease the severity of any symptoms you end up experiencing–in turn, minimizing your need for professional medical intervention. When you eventually get to the point of stopping use altogether, it’s strongly recommended to do so in a detox rehab anyways for your safety

See a therapist

You don’t need to be a patient of a formal addiction treatment facility to receive the benefits of therapy or counseling. There are many mental health professionals that specialize in helping those who struggle with substance abuse. They can help undo the psychological dependence you’ve developed on our drug of choice and teach you the skills you need to masterfully navigate the temptations or cravings you will inevitably experience.

Find a support group

Numerous studies have shown the importance of a support network in the addiction recovery process. It provides motivation, accountability, and distraction. Whether or not you are open about your substance use, you can find confidential, judgment-free support by attending AA meetings or NA meetings. Find one near you today to connect with others who have been in your shoes.

Addiction treatment can be life-saving, both in the figurative and literal sense. It can put a stop to the compulsive drug use that destroys marriages and other important relationships, makes it impossible to hold a job, and leaves your finances in tatters. The behavioral and medical interventions of treatment can give your body a much-needed break from the ongoing abuse, preventing often fatal conditions such as cirrhosis, kidney failure, or cancer that would otherwise shave years off your lifespan. Yet despite how universally beneficial (and in many cases, desperately needed) drug rehab can be, many who struggle with addiction struggle even more with taking that leap and enrolling in treatment.

An Epidemic Within An Epidemic

According to the most recent data from SAMHSA’s annual substance abuse survey, in 2019 there were 21 million people who needed substance abuse treatment but little more than 4 million individuals sought or received treatment. These drastic numbers beg the question: Why do so many drug users fail to get help?

The reasons why so few individuals ever step foot into some sort of substance abuse treatment facility are as varied and multifaceted as the reasons why people use drugs in the first place. Some of these barriers to treatment are fairly obvious and understandable. Rehab can be costly in terms of time and money and a logistical nightmare that requires arranging for childcare, time off work, and transportation. These factors can be incredibly discouraging and no doubt contributed to why only 1% of those who recognized that they need treatment actually made an effort to seek it out.  

The theme of the other main group of objections is a bit more shocking. A significant number of treatment barriers can be attributed to a simple lack of willingness. The vast majority of individuals with a substance abuse disorder either fail to recognize that they have a drug use problem (in 2019, 95.7% of individuals felt that they did not need treatment) or are reluctant to attend for fear of judgment from friends and family.

How 12 Step Programs Help Overcome Treatment Barriers

Twelve step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and the dozens upon dozens of similarly structured groups modeled after it are uniquely positioned to help bridge the gap between treatment barriers. Narcotics Anonymous, Dual Diagnosis Anonymous, Al-Anon, and the like are peer-based groups that offer a low-stakes means for treatment-hesitant individuals to get a peek at what life on the other side is like.

In 2019 these self-help groups were the most common source of substance abuse treatment amongst Americans aged 12 and older. 

This is far from coincidence. There are a number of crucial factors that have led to 12 step programs being an attractive option to those who aren’t ready to commit to formal treatment at a specialty facility, these are the four biggest ones:

1. They’re Free

Arguably the largest barrier to receiving treatment is paying for it and is where 12 step programs shine. The majority of these types of recovery groups are free to attend, and many of the organizations that host these programs are often non-profits. That means there are never any fees to participate in Alcoholics Anonymous, whether you’re an established group member or otherwise.

2. They’re Confidential

Privacy is cited as another major concern by those who are reluctant to seek drug treatment. Many individuals express deep discomfort at the thought of being made to speak in front of others or being asked personal questions. 

At 12 step meetings, there are no such obligations and you can instead simply listen to others. Should you choose to share, there is a strict emphasis on confidentiality to the degree that any admissions to crimes or other tales of questionable legality are safe to speak of without risk of persecution. Groups like AA also ensure your privacy is protected by purposefully prohibiting signup sheets or any other trace of your attendance, and welcoming the use of aliases to avoid using your real name.

3. There’s No Commitment

The thought of being away from home, from loved ones, the workplace, or in many cases, drugs, can be a major source of anxiety. As such, the thought of enrolling in rehab, which would likely involve restrictions on where you can go, who you can see, and access to drugs, is largely avoided. Twelve step programs, however, have no such commitments. These peer-based groups are structured around a walk-in policy where participants are welcome to come and go as they please, as frequently or infrequently as suits them. 

4. They’re Everywhere 

No matter how accommodating (or free) these programs might be, they won’t do much good if they’re difficult to access. Fortunately, peer-based groups also excel at accessibility, with many of these organizations having thousands of chapters all over the world. There are plenty of directories available to find nearby AA and other meetings, as well as online-hosted meetings that can circumvent any transportation challenges. 

Taking Small Steps Towards Recovery

The nature of how 12 step programs are structured bypasses many of the most commonly cited reasons for avoiding treatment including financial limitations, time restrictions, and accessibility. More importantly, they do so in a manner that is minimally disruptive to the individual’s current lifestyle, promises anonymity, and requires zero commitment. 

If you or a loved one is hesitant about making the leap, joining AA, NA, or other targeted substance abuse self-help group can help you find the motivation to eventually move on to formal treatment. And this isn’t an endeavor that addicted persons have to go through alone. These meetings are open to all, both drug users and non-drug users. They are the epitome of safe spaces that allow you to pursue recovery at your own pace and on your own terms. 

Even as knowledge and acceptance of addiction treatment have become more widespread, exactly how the process works is still one shrouded with fallacies and misconceptions. ‘Detox’ and ‘rehab’ are two of the most commonly used terms of addiction treatment jargon –and perhaps the most misunderstood. In this article, we’ll go beyond the difference between detox and rehab and get into the nitty-gritty of when these steps occur, how they complement each other, and what you can expect from each. 

What Is Detox?

There’s a very good chance that even if you had never touched a single drug in your life, you would’ve heard this term. Detox, short for detoxification, is the act of purging the body of toxic substances. One of the reasons there is so much confusion around the term is that it has become co-opted by the wellness movement. It has since been adopted into the mainstream and its mention evokes thoughts of questionable green juices, liquid diets, and stock photos of women smiling while holding various types of produce. While the efficacy of these types of “cleanses” is dubious at best, the principle behind them is similar to that of a drug or alcohol detox. 

In the scope of drug addiction treatment, detox is a medical procedure. Medicine and other equipment are used to facilitate the removal of substances from the body. Because drugs can severely alter brain chemistry, the resulting removal can cause unpleasant, and sometimes life-threatening, side effects are known as withdrawal. For this reason, drug and alcohol detoxes are almost always conducted in a clinical setting, with constant monitoring from medical personnel.  

In certain cases, detox programs will incorporate holistic therapies such as yoga, meditation, or massage. Medication can also be used to assist with the psychological effects of withdrawal as well.  

What Is Rehab?

The shortened version of the word is commonplace. While the use of the word is still related to its original context, it’s turned the act of rehabilitation into a place, a location, a destination. As such, the term can hold a lot of mystery and is why detox and rehab are often seen as different types of treatment, rather than different aspects of overall recovery. 

Rehabilitation can be necessitated by things other than drug use, such as physical injury or disease treatment. In the case of drug addiction, rehabilitation is a process of restoring individuals both physically and mentally, enabling them to once again function normally within society. This is done primarily by addressing the psychological aspect of addiction, although medical treatment can be involved in this stage as well.

Long-term, chronic substance use can literally rewire the brain which makes it difficult for individuals to function in its absence. This results in the compulsive behavior that defines addiction and can make it impossible for someone to kick this habit on their own. Rehab is able to help deprogram the addict’s mind by providing a controlled environment designed to be free of triggers or other negative influences. Rehab is not just a safe space for drug addicts to get clean, but a personalized curriculum of therapy, counseling, and treatment.

Detox vs. Rehab: What Are the Differences?

Detox and rehab are two sides of the same coin. The primary difference between the two is that medical detox focuses on the first days and weeks of recovery while rehab focuses on long-term recovery. Because of their different focuses, there are a number of key differences between the two–here are the biggest ones:

Which Comes First? 

Medical detox is the first step of the recovery process. Most, if not all, addiction treatment centers will require patients to have undergone detox. It is only when all traces of the drug have been removed from the body can it re-learn to function without it. Detox, however, can be done independently of rehab and does not require individuals to be enrolled in a drug rehab program. Keep in mind that although it is not required, simply going to detox is not enough to overcome addiction. Individuals are still just as likely to continue abusing drugs if the root of this behavior is not corrected.

Length of Treatment

Medical detox is the shorter of the two, typically lasting a few days to a week. The exact timeframe can vary depending on the substance and the severity of addiction, among other factors. Drug addiction rehab is much longer, with treatment ranging from 30 days to a full year. As is the case with detox, how long treatment will take will vary based on the individual. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends seeking treatment for a minimum of 90 days.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient

Both detox and rehab are available as either inpatient or outpatient programs. Naturally, inpatient programs are much more intense but can warrant the most effective results. Outpatient is typically used for those with minor addictions. Both options are readily available for drug rehab, but less so for detoxification. Outpatient detoxification is less common, mainly because it lacks the support of going through withdrawal that the usual “detox” provides. This arrangement allows clients to go to treatment during the day but resides at their own residence at night. 

Finding The Right Addiction Treatment Program For You

Both detox and rehab are essential aspects of overcoming drug addiction. While many think of it as detox vs rehab, the truth is that these are merely different stages of the same process. Neither is a marker of guaranteed success but is an important step in the right direction. Have patience in the process, and bear in mind that it may take a couple of tries for sobriety to stick. To give yourself the best odds, it’s important to do your research and find the best rehab for you–and it might not be the one that’s closest.

So you’ve made it through the first week of alcohol rehab.  Likely, those first seven days were tough–perhaps even some of the toughest you will experience during treatment. But with the physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal mostly subsided, the mental aspect of your recovery journey can truly begin. You now are on track to accomplish another major milestone: the first 30 days of treatment. Curious as to what this next stage has in store for you? Here’s what to expect in the first month of alcohol rehab:

How You’ll Feel

The first few days of rehab are usually the hardest. Not just because you are dealing with the last legs of withdrawal symptoms, but because of the sudden restrictions on who you can see, where you can go, and your access to the outside world. Change is stressful, and the blackout period that most rehab facilities enforce for the first days can put you lightyears away from your comfort zone. 

After surviving a few days of zero contact with the outside world, having those stringent rules lifted can immediately make the rest of your time seem much easier to bear. Hopefully, you are now feeling more comfortable, less unsure, and, with the physical discomfort of alcohol withdrawal nearly over, much more in control. 

By the end of your first month in rehab, you should experience a noticeable improvement in your sleep, mental clarity, and physical well-being. Cravings might persist, but they’re not nearly as strong as they used to be. In this stage, you might experience unpleasant feelings such as:

• Irritability and mood swings
• Fatigue
• Anxiety

This first month is certainly challenging for both body and mind and you might still feel a long way from “normal”. Just keep in mind that these side effects are temporary and will eventually subside.

The Transition from Physical to Psychological

With the distraction of physical pain mostly gone, you will move on from managing your symptoms to counseling and therapy. It is here in the realm of psychological healing and growth that your treatment will address long-standing issues that contribute to your addiction. Some of which being the very ones that caused you to turn to alcohol in the first place. This is easily the biggest difference between the first week and the first month of alcohol rehab. 

The first few days of therapy most likely centered around getting you to understand the scope of your addiction, address any feelings of denial, consider how it’s negatively impacted your life, and ultimately, motivate you to want to get sober. Another major aspect of these sessions will be to break down the walls of isolation that alcoholism can put up. Peer-based sessions add a social element that drives home the message: you are not alone. Your rehab curriculum will be a mixture of all of these types of sessions to give you the best of all worlds.

What Happens In Therapy?

Overcoming addiction is a lifelong journey that never really ends. One of the cornerstones of rehab is giving patients the tools to succeed long after they’ve left the facility. The key to doing this is uncovering what makes you tick and giving you the means to recognize and overcome your destructive tendencies. The first 30 days of rehab mark the beginning of this important introspection. Once in group and individual counseling and therapy sessions, you will focus on topics such as:

• Identifying your triggers (people, places, or situations that cause you to drink)
• Understanding behavior patterns
• Developing healthier coping mechanisms

Depending on the length of your alcohol rehab treatment, your curriculum might also include practical educational sessions that can give you skills to reenter the workforce or society as a whole. Holistic therapy options might be made available to you, to give you non-traditional means of working through your past, learning about yourself, or finding positive new hobbies to provide structure and motivation. Although medically assisted treatment (MAT) may still be occurring during the first month, the emphasis of the next few weeks will focus heavily on learning more about yourself. 

30 Days of Alcohol Rehab: Done–What Next?

Once you’ve successfully made it through your first month of alcohol rehab, you’ll have laid the groundwork for the rest of a successful future. You’ve learned the value of having structure and a defined schedule, the difference that a proper night’s rest can make, and most importantly, that alcoholism is something you had, not who you are. On top of the lessons you are currently learning, you will continue to learn about proper nutrition, physical fitness, and other pragmatic life knowledge that can help restore body, mind, and soul.

Navigating your new life and outlook is bound to be rocky, so don’t shy away from feelings of discomfort or the occasional setback. The next few months will be pivotal to your success, and it is then that you might finally begin to feel like yourself again. 

While we hope this guide of what to expect in the first month of alcohol rehab was helpful, the best way to get a feel of what rehab will be like is to ask the facility directly. You can find thousands of drug and alcohol rehabs near you, many of which have personnel dedicated to walking you through the experience and process so that there are no unpleasant surprises. 

Enrolling in an alcohol rehab center is a major step that can help an alcoholic regaining control over their life. Unfortunately, it’s also one that alcoholics regularly shy away from. Getting clean will come at the cost of your comfort zone–something people are reluctant to give up even in the best of circumstances. It’s quite normal to have reservations about going to an addiction treatment center. But knowing what you’re in for can go a long way towards alleviating your fears and finally convince you to take the plunge. Here’s an honest look at what to expect in the first week of alcohol rehab; the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The First Week at Rehab: An Almost Universal Experience

An alcohol rehab program can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Regardless of how long your treatment is, however (the National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends at least 90 days), virtually all types of substance abuse addiction programs begin the same way. Keep in mind that there are a lot of treatment facilities out there (over 14,000 in the U.S. alone) and naturally, there’s bound to be variations on how those facilities operate. 

The Check-In Process

Once you have arrived on-site, a number of things will take place. First, will be paperwork and other administrative tasks, similar to that of going to a doctor’s office. Keep in mind that you may need to provide ID and your insurance card. Many alcohol rehabs use the first day to allow new patients to get acquainted with the facility and to settle in. Others aim to get you included in the action and will encourage you to participate in a group therapy session.  

You’ll likely know how things work well before you take your first step inside the facility. You’ll know about the housing situation, whether food is provided, how visitation works, if communication to the outside world is restricted, and so on. Their goal is to make you feel as comfortable as possible while in recovery. That involves not springing surprises on you at the last minute. 

If you have enrolled in an inpatient alcohol treatment program, the exact timing of when you are shown to your room can vary greatly between facilities. However, you can rest assured that you will be given a thorough tour of the facilities, as well as the rules (like “lights out at 10”), the policy for breaking rules, along with any expectations. Be forewarned that your belongings may be searched to ensure that you don’t have anything that could cause harm to you or your fellow patients such as drugs, alcohol, weapons, or any other items marked as prohibited.

Medical Examinations

The first day of your arrival will also typically include a number of assessments. Don’t worry, these aren’t tests you’ll need to study for. These are simply questionnaires and interviews meant to give a better idea of your mental and emotional state. This is a crucial aspect of treatment as it’s what your personalized treatment plan will be built around. Be prepared to answer questions such as:

• How long have you been a heavy drinker?
• How much and how often do you drink?
• What caused you to start drinking?
• Does alcoholism run in your family?

It’s of the utmost importance to be completely honest so that the facility can properly gauge the scope of your addiction. Trying to downplay your addiction only does you, your loved ones, and your hard-earned dollars, a disservice. 

Medical examinations are often conducted in this initial intake stage to get an idea of your physical health as well. You’ll receive a screening of things like your temperature and blood pressure (think: a routine doctor’s visit), and be asked if you are on any medications. The examinations can also include more in-depth testing such as blood tests to check liver and kidney health, hepatitis, or other diseases. 

Depending on whether a facility offers alcohol detox or not, they may require a drug screening prior to commencing the program to confirm that you have alcohol and any other drugs, out of your system. 

Alcohol Detox

If you have enrolled at an alcohol rehab that includes a detox program, you will likely spend the majority of your first week of alcohol rehab in this stage.  Here, you will be monitored to ensure you don’t experience any life-threatening complications as you get alcohol out of your system. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms should subside by day 7, but depending on the severity of your addiction, can take even longer. 

Many facilities employ random drug testing to ensure a patient is complying with policy. Failing a drug test or breaking rules can result in disciplinary action, removal from the program, or even a complete ban on returning.

Daily Schedule: Getting Into A Routine

Once you’ve gotten settled, you will usually begin your personalized plan the next day (Alert for the night owls: rehab activities tend to start early). You’ll have a daily schedule provided to you which will include things such as:

• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• 12 Step meetings
• Alternative therapy
• Group discussions
• Free time
• Meals
• Physical fitness workout

Evening tends to be much more flexible, allowing patients time for recreational activities. Some facilities even allow patients to go off-site (usually to get food) or prepare their own evening meals. What you can do in your “off-time” can vary greatly depending on the individual treatment center.

Therapy

There are dozens of different types of therapy modalities out there (including holistic therapy), some of which you may have the freedom to try, like picking your electives in school. However, cognitive behavioral therapy is a guarantee. In the first week of alcohol rehab, CBT will aim to uncover why you began drinking in the first place and what your triggers might be. Later on in your recovery journey, cognitive behavioral therapy may have a focus on relapse prevention. 

Limited External Communication

In most cases, inpatient facilities restrict external communication in some shape and form, and particularly so in the early stages of treatment. Upon entering a program, you will likely have to give up your phone and other electronics. Most clients are allowed to make a call on the first day, but may not be able to do so regularly (at least, during the first week) or for an extended period of time. The purpose is not to make you feel isolated from loved ones, but to encourage that you focus on recovery.

However, you won’t be completely cut off from the world. Facilities often encourage family participation so you may get a visit from your family during that first week.

Ready To Find An Alcohol Rehab?

New situations can be daunting, especially the ones involving a major lifestyle, identity, and mentality overhaul. Your chronic drinking habit has likely become such a part of you that the majority of your thoughts and schedule revolves around it. Alcohol, and being intoxicated, have become your comfort zone and the thought of changing that can be scary. But ask anyone who’s gone to alcohol rehab and they’ll tell you that the benefits of kicking a chronic drinking habit far outweigh the temporary discomfort you’ll experience from a drink. If you’re ready to join them and make the first step towards beating your alcohol addiction, this handy drug and alcohol rehab directory can help you get started.