Drug Rehab Programs: A Comprehensive Guide

A quick google search for drug rehabs yields thousands of different results, all claiming to offer the best services. It’s truly an overload of information, and nearly impossible to sort through it all.

For those with little to no background in the substance abuse treatment world, the enormous variety of rehab options has proven to be overwhelming and often leads to poor and regrettable choices. This is why we’ve created a comprehensive guide on the different drug addiction treatment services currently on the market. We hope this guide will prepare you for the rehab search, and provide the necessary tools for you to make an informed decision about which program will best meet your needs.

We’ll go over:

1. Inpatient vs. outpatient programs
2. Detox programs
3. Treatment Duration
4. Local vs. Destination rehab
5. Treatment perspective
6. Rehab for specific needs: teens, co-occurring mental illness, etc.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient programs

Choosing an inpatient or outpatient style is perhaps the most important decision you will have to make in your rehab search. There are 3 main categories to look for: Inpatient, Outpatient, or combination style programs.

By far, the most effective and intensive rehab option is an inpatient program, also known as a residential program. This type of rehab will require you to move into the facilities for a pre-specified amount of time, usually 30-90 days. Inpatient rehab is special because you’ll be immersed in treatment 24/7, separated from the stressors of normal everyday life, and you’ll have monitoring and support available to you at all times.

Although outpatient programs can’t offer the same degree of immersion as inpatient programs, they may be a better match for those who have important outside obligations. The main benefit of an outpatient program is that you don’t have to drop out of school, quit work, or leave your kids in the care of someone else. If you choose to enroll in an outpatient program, you will continue to live at home while participating in treatment for set hours during the day.

In some cases, inpatient programs aren’t feasible, and outpatient programs don’t offer enough support. When this happens, a combination program might be the solution. Based on your individual needs and the obligations you would like to maintain, your treatment providers will come up with an inpatient/outpatient schedule that works for you.

Detox Programs

For some drugs, addiction leads to severe and potentially lethal withdrawal symptoms when we suddenly quit using. For this reason, a medically supervised detox phase is an indispensable part of addiction treatment. Some rehab facilities offer this service, others don’t.

If the rehab program you’ve chosen does not offer a supervised detox, you may have to enroll in a separate detox program. These programs will require you to move into the facilities for a short time while your body purifies itself of drugs and alcohol. Medical professionals will be on hand 24/7 so they can intervene if your withdrawal symptoms become severe or life-threatening. In a detox program, you may even receive medication to help lessen the discomfort of withdrawal.

Treatment Duration

In general, drug rehab programs tend to last 30, 60, or 90 days with some exceptions. Research shows that the longer the program you choose, the better your odds are at achieving and maintaining sobriety. However, in less severe cases of drug addiction, programs that last 30 days may be perfectly suitable.

We can assess your individual case and help you decide on an appropriate length of time to stay in treatment.

Keep in mind that rehab may last only 1-3 months, but ongoing recovery is a lifetime commitment. We will discuss maintenance programs in more detail below.

Local vs. Destination Rehab

Have you ever felt the need to get away from your everyday stressors and bad influences? Well, you’re not alone. Many of us who are struggling with addiction report similar feelings. For this reason, destination rehab is a popular and effective treatment option. If you decide to travel for treatment, you can select attractive facilities across the nation or choose a program which offers services abroad.

Local rehab is a great option for those of us who don’t want to leave our homes and families. One of the main benefits of choosing a program in your area is that you will have a chance to work on unhealthy family and friend relationships in group therapy. This is something that’s not always possible when you choose a destination program.

Treatment Perspectives

The options are truly limitless when it comes to treatment style and perspective, as every rehab center is staffed and run by uniquely talented individuals. For a start, here are some of the most popular addiction treatment perspectives:

1. Christian/Faith-based – Rehab centers based on christian values, or other faith systems are quite popular and effective.
2. Luxury – This style of rehab means that you will be participating in a cutting edge treatment program designed by leaders in the field. Luxury style rehab centers cost more because they incorporate the latest psychological and medical advances into their treatment, and have a higher staff/patient ratio.
3. State-Funded – These centers may be more simple, and you may have to wait for an opening, but the state will help cover your bills.
4. Holistic – Being healthy is more than just living addiction-free. Holistic rehabs recognize this fact, and incorporate physical, spiritual, and emotional exercises into their treatment models.

Rehab for those with Specific Needs

Addiction happens to all sorts of people, not just able-bodied adults. Rehab facilities exist for every type of individual with their own unique needs. Let us know what makes your case unique, and we can help you search for the perfect fit. Some specialty programs out there include:

• Rehab for teenagers
• Dual-Diagnosis treatment: for those who struggle with both addiction and mental illness
• Rehab for those with handicaps: for people who struggle with addiction as well as physical handicaps, developmental delays, or learning disabilities.