What To Expect During Rehab

You've been on a downward spiral with drugs or alcohol for years now, but now it's time for you to get your life in order. If you feel the need to detox and get a fresh start, or are compelled by family or even a judge, rehab is a great place to start. Many of us have heard of rehab before but don't quite understand what goes in behind closed doors. No one who has never been to rehab can truly understand the experience. But knowing what to expect beforehand will give you hope and assurance that you're doing the right thing. 

What Rehab is NOT

Contrary to popular belief, rehab is not like jail. While you may be ordered by the court to attend rehab if you've been arrested, you are not contained in locked cells. Rehabilitation is not even like a youth detention center. You're not locked within rooms or even the facility. A major belief in rehabilitation services is that rehab only truly works if you want it bad enough. No outside force can make you change. 

An Inside Look at Rehab

Detox 

The first step of any drug or alcohol treatment program (besides the choice to attend) is detoxification. You need to rid your body of all addictive substances before you can begin your journey to wellness. Some programs may require you to detox before you step foot on the premises, but others facilitate patient detoxing in-house. There, professionals can monitor your withdrawal symptoms and help you cope. 

The Learning Process

It's scary to think that many people who abuse drugs or alcohol don't really understand the nature of their addiction. Rehabilitation services aim to teach patients about the science of addiction, the toll addiction takes on your body, and what can happen if you continue this abusive behavior. Staff will also work with you on an emotional level to get to the root of your addiction and help you stay committed to a life without drugs or alcohol.

Counseling 

Next, you will go through a series of appointments with trained counselors. Some of these therapy sessions will be one-on-one, where you can really go in-depth about your specific situation. But you will also attend group therapy meetings, where you will learn to rely on the support of others and bond over shared experiences. You will talk about events or places that trigger abusive behaviors and how to deal with problems in a healthy way. You will also attend family meetings aimed to build your support network and educate them about your situation. 

Deciding to send yourself to rehab might not be an easy decision, but you will start on a path towards a healthy life. Know what to expect and you will feel less nervous about the decision.

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