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If you’ve struggled with the overuse of drugs or alcohol, you may have wondered whether a rehab program is for you. There are many such programs, and perhaps one of them might benefit you. You may not know what to expect if you involve yourself with one, though.
We’ll discuss that in detail right now. Before you contact the nearest rehab center, you should know about some of the basics.
Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs: The Basics
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Programs
First, you should know that there are two basic kinds of drug and alcohol rehab programs, inpatient vs. outpatient. With an inpatient program, you have to stay at the facility, and you’re not able to leave. With the outpatient variety, you’re able to visit a facility where meetings take place, but you can stay at home while you’re undergoing treatment.
The inpatient variety of drug or alcohol rehab programs is usually considered to be a little more intense. You’re meant to stay there under observation to ensure you don’t relapse.
With outpatient programs, you’re being trusted more not to use while undergoing treatment. If you’re struggling with severe addiction or dependency issues, an inpatient treatment program might be better. This way, the staff can keep an eye on you and make sure a relapse is difficult or impossible.
Group vs. Individual Counseling
Counselling is almost always a part of drug or alcohol rehab programs. Depending on the program, you might expect some one-on-one counselling if the individuals in charge determine that is the best thing for you.
They also might feel like group therapy is the better option. This way, you can hear the stories of fellow substance users who are going through situations that are similar to your own.
Counselling can be intense, whether you’re doing it one-on-one with a mental health professional or in a group. Ideally, though, you will be able to figure out the root causes of why you use substances in these settings.
The Details Vary
Apart from these similarities, the details of each alcohol or drug rehab program you enter will often vary dramatically. You might be in a program that has a religious aspect to it. Alcoholics Anonymous, for instance, demands that you acknowledge a higher power than yourself that supposedly can help you with your substance abuse problems.
Other programs don’t have a religious aspect. Some tackle the problem more from a psychological standpoint. In these programs, you and a mental health professional will probably talk about your childhood, traumatic experiences, stress or pressure, or anything else you feel contributes to your using drugs or alcohol.
It’s often best for you to do some research regarding the programs available to you before you enrol in one. You should be able to find one that makes the most sense for you.
Of course, if a court has mandated that you must take part in a specific alcohol or drug rehab program as part of your sentencing, then you will not have the freedom to choose one on your own.
