Category: Rehab Centers

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. 

Beating your drug or alcohol addiction is not easy, but choosing the right facility can make all the difference. The question then becomes: how do you pick one? There are over 14,000 addiction treatment centers in the United States which can vary by the types of treatments, programs, or facilities they offer. There’s so much at stake that deciding which rehab to go to is not something that should be done lightly. Here are 3 important factors to consider when choosing between addiction treatment centers. 

Location

Your first thought may be to search for an addiction treatment center near you. You’re ready to get clean ASAP so you look for rehab facilities that are close by. There are certainly benefits to staying local – being close to loved ones, saving on travel costs, you might even be able to continue going to work – however, these conveniences might actually hinder your recovery. 

Local vs Going Away

Just as you have the freedom to choose to check yourself into rehab, you have the freedom to leave even if your program is incomplete. Anxiety, cravings, or a false sense of recovery can cause patients to leave rehab early. Being in a city you know with plenty of resources at your disposal (your own car, knowledge of public transport, or nearby friends that could pick you up) makes giving into temptation easy, and the option to abandon their treatment easily accessible. 

Urban vs Rural Setting

For this reason, many addicts opt to travel out-of-state for treatment. But don’t simply sign on for scenic views or exotic locations. It’s important to consider what environment you’re going into. Swapping one fast-paced city for another may still be familiar enough to tempt you astray making a peaceful, remote location a better choice. On the other hand, if boredom in a small town is what drove you to abuse drugs in the first place, perhaps a bustling metropolis with lots of options of sober activities to partake in might prove more helpful to your recovery. 

Types of Treatment Available

Once you’ve narrowed down the setting and place where you’d like to undergo addiction treatment, there’s the matter of finding the type of treatment that’s best for you. Inpatient, outpatient, or perhaps as a mix of both? This will depend on the severity of your addiction. You may require intensive care or be just fine with only a few weeks of therapy. In addition, you may need or want medical intervention to mitigate detox or withdrawal side effects, which not all facilities offer. It can be impossible to self-diagnose how serious your own addiction is. Fortunately, most addiction treatment centers conduct an evaluation to determine the level of care you need.

Detox

This is the most intensive type of addiction treatment available. In detox, patients receive 24/7 care tailored to the specific needs of the first days of recovery. Detox facilities often incorporate some form of medically assisted treatment to help manage symptoms and others also incorporate alternative therapies. Detox may last anywhere from a few days to 2 weeks depending on the patient’s needs.

Inpatient/Residential Treatment

After detox, the patient may move to a long term residential program where they live on the premises and receive 24-hour care which often includes medical treatment such as detoxing, along with therapy-based counseling. The length of these types of programs can vary greatly, ranging from 6 months to a year or a shorter-term stay of 3 to 6 weeks. Naturally, this is the most expensive type of addiction treatment which will also influence whether intensive inpatient treatment is a viable option.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Partial hospitalization provides comparable levels of attentive care as inpatient treatment would. The primary difference is that in PHP the patient does not live on the premises. They will likely live in a sober home or halfway house during this stage of treatment. Other than that there is still a considerable amount of psychiatric support in addition to behavioral therapy. This is often the next step in the recovery journey as a patient transitions from 24-hour inpatient care to outpatient. Many of the support in this stage focus on addressing causes of addiction developing healthy coping mechanisms.

Outpatient Treatment

Designed to help recovering addicts transition back to their normal life, fully outpatient treatment is the least intense. This is for individuals who are ready to transition back to normal life, while still finding time to reflect on their recovery. It typically entails a few hours of therapy each week but allows the person a significant level of freedom, allowing them to return to work as normal or simply pursue other activities. This is often the final stage of the recovery process but is also sometimes used for those who cannot commit to higher levels of care.

Your Mental Health

If you have a pre-existing mental health disorder, you should seek addiction treatment centers that specialize in the simultaneous treatment of psychological and substance abuse disorders. These types of programs are called Dual Diagnosis Treatment. They have become much more prevalent in modern addiction treatment as more and more research has shown that mental disorders play a significant role in addiction. 

No matter which came first, if some sort of psychiatric illness is present alongside substance abuse, it falls under this diagnosis. Depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are a few of the most common disorders that frequently coincide with drug abuse. One often influences the other and can be so intertwined that it’s impossible to effectively treat addiction without addressing the role the mental illness has played. 

Learn More About Addiction Treatment Centers

Not all addiction treatment centers are equal – in fact, they can be the difference between life and death. The facility you choose will be responsible for both your physical and mental well-being in addition to the overarching goal of long-term addiction recovery. The facility you choose may need to attend to your immediate health risks via medical detox, be able to get you through the initial unpleasantness of withdrawal, and stay by your side to help you manage any remaining cravings.