To get the most out of your professional rehab treatment, you need to first examine how you feel inside. Larger internal obstacles, such as mental illness, need to be identified before you can expect to succeed in treatment. Similarly, negative views that you might have toward rehab, such as associating it with failure or shame could hinder your progress. If any of these seem relevant, then you might need to work past fears of a tarnished reputation, so you can think positively about seeking help.
What is more, you may have to weigh the pros and cons of seeking recovery in a program guided by trained staff instead of fighting against addiction by yourself. Once you move past all the fears associated with needing help, you will begin to make the most of what rehab can offer you.
What to Expect from Rehab
The unique steps that you take during a professional treatment program [1] demonstrate the value of rehab centers. Depending on your individual needs, you may experience one or more of the following during the recovery process.
- Detoxification – The amount of time the detox process takes depends on what types of substances you have recently used and how long you have been taking them. Sometimes detox takes a few days, but it could last as long as a few weeks. However long it takes you, staff will monitor you carefully throughout this process. During this time, you may also receive treatment for anxiety, depression, tremors and other detox symptoms.
- Diagnosis – For instance, a therapist working with you might determine if you have any post-traumatic feelings from childhood abuse. Additionally, you might find out you struggle with depression, bipolar disorder or another condition that affects the way you handle stress. During this time, you may also find out if medications or psychiatric treatment will help you. By identifying these problems, doctors can create a specialized treatment plan that you might not have been able to accomplish alone.
- Support – This may come by way of 12-step groups and connecting you with peers who have similar life experiences as you. It also might include finding someone else at rehab or a counselor who used to struggle with addiction. During this time, you likewise may learn how family members and friends can encourage you to move forward onto a life without using drugs or alcohol. What is more, therapy sessions with loved ones might be scheduled while in rehab.
- Safety – The structured setting of a rehab is intended to help you feel safe either from unhealthy people or from temptation. The other objective is to help you feel more relaxed while seeking treatment in an environment that will support you. This time in a professional setting can also give you a break from your daily life, and it can provide you a boost during the early days of recovery.
- Structure –When in rehab, you will begin a new routine. For example, you may start to wake up early to eat breakfast and start to participate in scheduled recreational activities. You also may have less opportunity for isolation, which means less time to allow negativity to enter your mind.
Seeking Help
Achieving the goal of living drug and alcohol free begins with one small, courageous step. For you, perhaps reading this right now is the beginning of your treatment journey. Whether you make a phone call to speak to someone in person now or later, remember it is never too late to seek help.
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