Fear of the unknown is a common reason people resist seeking treatment. Most people do not understand what happens in rehab. Friends and family may offer advice or tell stories they have heard about other people who went to rehab, but many times, the accounts are not entirely true. Education is the best way to understand what happens in rehab centers. The internet offers plenty of information, but speaking with the staff of treatment centers is essential in understanding what kinds of programs will meet individual specific needs.
Initial Assessment
The addiction treatment process begins with a medical professional’s initial assessment or evaluation. A series of questions reveals important factors the medical professional uses to determine a treatment plan. Screening tests typically determine the severity of the SUD. Finally, the medical professional can determine the treatment plan, and admissions can qualify for the cost of the treatment program.
The initial assessment gathers information regarding the patient’s personal information, such as:
- Medical and mental health history
- Family history
- Specific addiction length and type of substance(s)
- Available support system
Develop an Individualized Treatment Plan
There are many common factors when seeking treatment for a substance use disorder, but each person has a personal diagnosis and needs. Understanding what happens in rehab centers helps alleviate fears and anxiety for everyone. Medical, mental health and treatment professionals consult to produce the most comprehensive treatment plan for each patient. An individual treatment plan provides the patient’s exact physical and psychological recovery needs for the most successful results.
Medical Detoxification and Withdrawal Management
The medical detox and withdrawal management program initiates the detoxification of the body and mind from whatever substances are in use. Detoxing from alcohol and drugs can be a dangerous process that requires continual monitoring by medical professionals. The patient must know what to expect from drug rehab processes to reduce fear and anxieties that could lead to relapse. The treatment team works closely with patients during detox and initiates medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when necessary to minimize discomfort during withdrawal.
Therapeutic Counseling Sessions
When learning what happens in rehab, it is crucial to understand the types of therapeutic counseling available. Evidence-based therapies are generally successful in behavior modification and learning new positive coping mechanisms. However, a combination of therapies often produces the most successful treatment plan for the prevention of relapse and longevity in sobriety. Holistic therapies, group therapy for peer support, and family therapy are options.
Group Therapy and Peer Support
Twelve-step programs have proven to be highly effective in addiction recovery, demonstrating the power of group therapy and peer support. Sharing experiences, successes, and failures with others who are facing similar challenges can foster a strong sense of trust, community, and understanding. By connecting with people who have walked a similar path, individuals can gain invaluable insights, encouragement, and support on their journey to recovery.
Family Therapy and Involvement
Family therapy plays a crucial role in addiction recovery. It offers a safe space for families to address the challenges and complexities of addiction, repair broken relationships, and foster understanding. Many families are unaware of how their behaviors and attitudes can impact their loved one’s recovery journey. By participating in family therapy, families can learn effective communication skills, gain a deeper understanding of addiction, and provide the support their loved ones need to stay on the path to recovery.
Education
The Centers for Disease Control states that 1 in 6 Americans older than 12 years of age experience a substance use disorder in 2022. What most people do not understand is that addiction is a treatable disease. There is a negative stigma about addiction and treatment that education can end. How does rehab work when so many people have negative thoughts of addiction and recovery? Treatment centers start by educating the clients and their families about how addiction occurs without blame and judgment.
Learn About Addiction and Recovery
Building trust is essential to a successful recovery journey. At Lovett Center, we prioritize transparency and open communication. We believe that understanding the rehabilitation process can help you feel more confident and prepared. We encourage you to ask questions, seek clarification, and share your concerns openly. Our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where you feel comfortable exploring your recovery journey.
Learn About Relapse Prevention Strategies
Relapse is a common challenge in the recovery process, particularly during the early stages of treatment. Understanding the risks of relapse can help you stay vigilant and proactive in your recovery efforts. Learning effective relapse prevention strategies is a crucial step in maintaining sobriety and achieving long-term success. By developing coping mechanisms, identifying triggers, and building a strong support system, you can equip yourself to navigate challenges and avoid potential pitfalls.
Life Skills and Coping Mechanisms Training
Knowing what to expect in rehab reduces fear and anxiety while allowing individuals to focus on learning and practicing new coping mechanisms to replace the reliance on substances for the relief of stress. Making such massive changes in lifestyle can be challenging, frustrating, and bewildering. The treatment team understands this and works hard to assist with practicing new life skills that will become second nature in the future. Therapists utilize cognitive and dialectical-behavior therapies, which are evidence-based methods of establishing new coping mechanisms.
Wellness Programs
What happens in rehab centers more often today than in the past is teaching whole-person recovery. Research proves the importance of good eating habits, exercise, and proper sleep schedules for well-being. Gaining strength with physical health lays a foundation for the mind to follow. The production of beneficial hormones depends on these three factors.
Physical Fitness
A crucial component of many rehab programs, physical fitness plays a vital role in maintaining sobriety. Regular exercise can help boost mood, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Many centers offer a variety of fitness activities, such as yoga, group exercise classes, or gym time. Additionally, relaxation techniques like mindfulness, breathing exercises, and meditation can help individuals manage stress and anxiety, which are common challenges in recovery. By incorporating physical fitness and relaxation into their daily routine, individuals in rehab can develop healthy coping mechanisms and improve their overall quality of life.
Nutritional Guidance and Meal Planning
A balanced diet is a cornerstone of recovery. Understanding nutritional guidelines is essential for maintaining a sober lifestyle. For many individuals, this may involve making new dietary choices, such as avoiding sugary and processed foods and incorporating more fruits and vegetables. Rehab centers often provide personalized meal plans and nutritional counseling to help clients develop healthy eating habits and support their overall well-being.
Find the Answers to Your Questions about Rehab in Texas
Deciding to seek treatment for a substance use disorder is challenging and frightening. The Lovett House in Texas answers your questions that may be a stumbling block in moving forward toward recovery. The professional staff is at your disposal at any time to offer information on the programs that may benefit your needs. Contact The Lovett House today to find the programs to meet your treatment needs.
Robert is deeply committed to serving others and is passionate about hope and despair in clinical treatment. With over 20 years in addiction and mental health, he has experience in private practice, clinical supervision, and program management, co-founding The Lovett Center and Ethos. He earned a Master’s degree from the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work, which honored him as a 50 for 50 Alumni in 2019. His education includes fellowships at the Center for Psychoanalytic Studies and The Menninger Clinic, where he held leadership roles and received the Menninger Clinic Pillar Award for Integrity. The Houston Business Journal recognized him as a 40 Under 40 Class of 2018 Honoree.