How Does Drug Rehab Work: All Your Questions Answered

If you are here reading this blog, you’re probably asking yourself – how does drug rehab work? It may sound intimidating, but we promise it’s not as nerve-racking as it seems! Drug rehab works by helping you build the tools and habits to live a substance-free lifestyle. It’s important to realize that this is a process that will take time, but it is completely possible for you! Whether you are here to explore how drug rehab works or are ready to begin your journey, Centered Recovery has all the answers you need right here.

What is Drug Rehab?

Drug rehab sounds really daunting – we get it! But, there are so many things that encompass what drug rehab means from the level of care, the treatment philosophy, and the length of treatment. Don’t worry – we will go over all of that, too! 

Overall, drug rehab is a process! It’s the process of receiving care and support for those looking to improve their quality of life by removing substances from their bodies and behaviors. Drug rehab treatment provides a safe, supportive way to have accountability while building lasting habits for a new, healthy lifestyle. Drug rehab works by combining a mix of therapies to maximize success such as group therapy, individual therapy, medication management, life skills, and much more. The goal is to safely come off any substances, address the issues underlying substance use, and build healthier habits over time. 

Levels of Care for Drug Rehab

Whatever level of care you may be considering, there are plenty of drug rehab treatment options! Each level of care is designed to support individuals in overcoming substance abuse based on their needs. Whether you need detox or outpatient support, there are diverse recovery paths tailored to meet each individual. So, how does drug rehab work for the level of care you need? Let’s explore!

Detoxification

Detox is usually the first step in drug rehab treatment. It involves the process of clearing drugs or alcohol from the body and managing withdrawal symptoms. Detox options include inpatient or outpatient programs, depending on the severity of the addiction and medical recommendations.

Residential/Inpatient

Residential/inpatient treatment programs offer 24-hour care in a structured, safe environment. Typically lasting from 28 days to several months, inpatient treatment offers intensive therapy, medical supervision, and peer support. This is an important step to help individuals overcome addiction, develop coping skills, build connections, and practice routines before returning home.

Partial Hospitalization (PHP)

Partial hospitalization programs provide treatment during the day, but patients return home or to a sober living environment in the evenings. Think of it as your work day or school commitment! PHPs typically offer a combination of therapy, education, and support services. This level of care allows individuals to receive intensive treatment while maintaining some level of independence.

Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs like Centered recovery are a step-down level of care for individuals who have completed residential or partial hospitalization treatment. IOPs typically involve several hours of therapy and support services per day, several days a week. This flexibility allows individuals to continue working or fulfilling other responsibilities while receiving treatment and accountability.

Outpatient (OP)

Outpatient treatment allows individuals to attend therapy and support sessions while living at home or in a sober living environment. Generally, outpatient treatment includes individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and other support services tailored to the individual’s needs at a less intensive level than an IOP.

Common Questions about Drug Rehab

How do I choose a drug rehab?

Choosing a drug rehab program has a lot of factors to consider to ensure it is the right choice for you! First, it can be helpful to narrow down the level of care that you need from the list above. Research facilities in your area or treatment programs that may be available online. Take time to understand the therapies that they use and feel free to call them and ask questions! Reading reviews from clients and other members of the community may help understand their experience at a certain treatment center. We know that there is a lot to understand about choosing the right treatment center and it can be overwhelming when you first seek help. If you are interested in a more in-depth guide on how to choose the right drug rehab for you, check out our guide on all the steps to take to make your decision!

How do I get started at drug rehab?

To get started at a drug rehab, go ahead and reach out to treatment centers! Calling staff and admissions teams at the treatment centers you are considering is a great way to get more information and get started on your recovery journey. Generally, admissions staff will assess you to make sure you are a good fit for their program level and help you choose the best program. Once you are all packed and ready to go to the treatment, they will complete your admission which may involve consent forms, medical checks, meeting with a therapist, and much more to make sure you have the best care. Don’t be worried – you will have support and care throughout every step when you get started!

How long will I stay?

Honestly, the longer, the better! Remember – it took time for your addiction to form and it will take time for it to change into new behaviors. We will dive deeper into that in just a second! However, several factors will determine how long you stay in a program. The biggest factor is the level of care that you start with! Typically, detox programs will be shorter and last for a few days whereas residential treatment can range from 30 to 90 days, depending on individual needs. Outpatient programs have more flexibility in their lengths due to the nature of being able to be home and incorporate treatment into your daily routine. Some people may stay in outpatient programs for several months to several years! This really will depend on the stage of recovery you are in and what your needs are.

How much does drug rehab cost?

This is another question that is going to depend on your level of care. Factors that influence the cost of drug rehab are the level of care, location, length of stay, and insurance coverage. Inpatient treatment can be more expensive than outpatient treatment because of the round-the-clock care. However, insurance and scholarship programs can help make your drug rehab treatment more affordable for you! We recommend asking your choice of treatment center directly how they can assist you in covering treatment costs.

What does a day in drug rehab look like?

Structure, routine, and acountablity! Drug rehab is designed to help maximize these areas to help you stay focused on your recovery goals. Inpatient treatment programs offer daily meals, support groups, educational classes, movement, individual counseling, and time for relaxation. Sleep is a critical factor in recovering your mind and body, so sleep schedules are implemented for your well-being. Outpatient programs offer the same elements in your day, however, they are also helpful in learning stress management skills while at home. 

What happens after I leave drug rehab?

Completing drug rehab is such a huge milestone! Whether you navigated detox, graduated from residential treatment, or finished an outpatient program, the journey continues. Aftercare is the most important part of leaving any drug rehab at any level. Maintaining your recovery is a continuous journey that takes time and attention, so making aftercare a part of your plan is critical! If you are leaving detox or inpatient treatment, aftercare may involve an outpatient program. If you are leaving an outpatient program, maybe you will find community support groups near you or join a program’s alumni path. Sometimes people will move into a sober living community! Whatever aftercare looks like for you, the goal is to continue your habits and recovery in the most meaningful way. 

Benefits of Aftercare Following Drug Rehab

It’s important to remember that each person is different, so the duration of treatment will vary from person to person. In general, however, longer treatment duration helps people have a better chance of recovering by giving them the tools, support, and time they need to get better physically, emotionally, and mentally. Again, you may be here reading this because truly, how does rehab work? Well, rehab works the way you make it work! This includes continuing an outpatient program tailored to be flexible to your daily life, but still provide accountability and support for your recovery.

Dealing with Feelings and Actions

Addiction doesn’t just affect the body; it also affects your thoughts and behaviors. Many people with addiction also have other problems like feeling sad, scared, or having experienced something bad in the past. To help with these things and learn new ways of coping, therapy and counseling are important. It takes time to work through these issues and learn new coping skills!

Avoiding Going Back

One of the hardest parts of recovery is staying away from drugs or alcohol once you’ve stopped using them. Research shows that the longer someone stays in treatment, the less likely they are to start using again. Addiction changes the wiring of the brain and makes it hard to make good choices. Longer treatment gives people a chance to learn how to avoid going back to their old habits and build a strong support system.

Learning Life Skills

Overcoming addiction isn’t just about stopping drug or alcohol use. It also means learning new skills for a healthy and happy life. Some treatment programs help with finding a job, going back to school, and managing money. These skills take time to learn and practice, so longer treatment is helpful.

Building a Support System

Recovery is an ongoing process that doesn’t end when treatment is over. Longer treatment gives people a chance to learn healthy habits, make new friends who understand what they’re going through, and stay connected to people who can help them. Having support from others is important for staying on track and avoiding relapse.

Feeling Better Overall

Recovery is about more than just not using drugs or alcohol. It’s also about improving your overall well-being and having a good life. Longer treatment gives people a chance to work on their physical health, improve relationships with family and friends, and become a better version of themselves. It takes time to make these changes and have a happy, healthy life, but it is completely possible!

Drug Rehab Outpatient Treatment at Centered Recovery Programs

So, how does drug rehab work? Now you know! When choosing the best treatment program for you, keeping all these aspects in mind is essential. Your treatment plan should be tailored to your needs and wants for the future, and we are here to help! Centered Recovery Programs, located in the heart of Roswell, Georgia, is a mindfulness-based outpatient drug and alcohol rehab treatment program.

Whether you prefer to attend treatment in person or need virtual services, we can help! Centered Recovery has been providing meaningful, quality care to Georgia residents since 2017, and we have the most Google Reviews of any treatment provider in the state–all five stars!

If you have been considering alcohol or substance use addiction rehab treatment options and would like to reap the benefits of aftercare treatment following drug rehab, please give us a call at 800-556-2966 to speak to one of our Admissions Team counselors today!

Written by Jennifer Lopes, BS Psy