Finding the right support for drug addiction recovery can be difficult. Often, people don’t know where to start treatment and feel ashamed for needing help. 

Thankfully, drug rehab facilities know all about the obstacles people face to overcome addiction and have treatment set up to support people in conquering those obstacles. Participating in drug rehab can accelerate your recovery and provide you with the support you need.

What is drug rehab?

A drug rehabilitation program is a mode of treatment for people struggling with substance abuse. Different rehab centers offer either inpatient or outpatient treatment, or both. A rehab program is designed to remove a person from environments that may trigger substance use in order to support recovery. 

Because the first few days or weeks of rehab are often the most difficult, rehab facilities are staffed with medical and mental health professionals to make enduring withdrawal easier. In addition to immediate aid in recovery, rehab centers also have resources to help with long-term sobriety, like job skills training and housing assistance.

How do I know when I should start rehab?

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance addiction and unsure when to start rehab, there are some signs to look for. The first is a need for increasing amounts of a substance in order to feel the same effects.

Another sign to start rehab is drug use interfering with relationships, work or normal life activities. Stashing a supply of the substance or anxiety over obtaining the substance is also indicative that the addiction requires intervention.

There is no single answer for when or how to send someone to drug rehab, but if you feel that you or a loved one cannot live without a substance, now’s the time to take steps toward connecting with a rehab program.

How long is drug rehab?

If you’ve wondered how long drug rehab programs last, they each differ in length and intensity. Some inpatient programs last around 10 days, and outpatient programs may occur over the span of several months. The duration of treatment will differ depending on the severity of the addiction and the substance used.

Although there isn’t a one-size-fits-all rehab time frame, the most effective rehab will be the one that continues through regular outpatient treatment. A rehab center will offer resources for continued treatment after the initial intervention, most likely with an addiction counselor or a support group.

The best way to prevent relapse is to engage in the extended treatment, and continue to seek support and build on skills gained in rehab. You can find out more by calling a rehab center and asking about follow-up services.

What happens in a drug rehab program?

There are several components to a drug rehab program that make it effective. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, successful rehab treatment can include behavior therapy (both in groups and individual sessions) and medication. Programs should also offer support for any potential co-occurring mental disorders.

Behavioral therapy will vary in application, however, most often therapy will include learning strategies to avoid and manage triggers to drug use, social reinforcement to prevent relapse and improving life skills like communication.

A rehab center may provide inpatient treatment (where clients stay overnight) or outpatient treatment (where clients participate during the day but do not stay at the facility). Depending on the treatment schedule, different activities and classes may be a part of treatment, such as a resume writing course or a meditation class.

What are the benefits of a drug rehab program?

The time you dedicate to your recovery in a drug rehab program will be well worth it. You can expect to feel healing as you process your experiences with substances, from where your drug use started to your toughest triggers. You will also feel confident exploring your past in a safe and sympathetic environment as rehab staff operates from a trauma-informed lens.

Many rehabs also offer medication-assisted treatment to prevent dangerous side effects of withdrawal or offer pain relief. While participating in a rehab program you can also anticipate the benefit of regular psychotherapy where you’ll unlearn addictive behaviors and learn healthy lifestyle habits.

A major benefit of rehab is the other resources that you’ll have access to. Whether it’s resume writing, help with transportation or learning skills like cooking, rehab centers use a holistic approach to best serve individuals on their journey back to a life of independence.

Starting rehab

Struggling with drug addiction is a scary and lonely experience. In a drug rehab program, you’ll find the support you need from caring professionals and the skills to overcome addiction. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction, rehab is the first step to healing and living a drug-free and satisfying life. Pyramid Healthcare can help you in your recovery journey. Pyramid Healthcare offers numerous treatment options, including inpatient and outpatient rehab to empower long-term sobriety. Call 301-997-1300 to learn more and start living a life of freedom.