Drug Rehab: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Recognizing that you need help for substance addiction is the first step toward recovery. So if you're looking into rehab for yourself, congratulations on making it this far.
But regardless of whether you are seeking help for yourself or for a loved one, you probably have questions about the logistics and requirements of addiction treatment programs. Not sure where to begin? Here are ten frequently asked questions about drug rehab to help you take the next step on your road to a cleaner, healthier lifestyle.
1. What Is Outpatient Treatment?
There are two types of addiction treatment — inpatient and outpatient. Inpatient treatment generally involves overnight stays in the short or long term, while outpatient treatment involves daytime visits.
The details of an outpatient program can vary, but they all allow patients to attend the facility for treatment, therapy, and group activities and then return home without spending the night. Some programs involve all-day sessions, while others may only be for a few hours at a time.
Outpatient treatment does not provide constant supervision and is best suited to patients in certain situations. For example:
- Those with less severe or shorter-term addictions
- People with solid support systems
- Individuals with inflexible responsibilities at work or home
2. Who Needs Inpatient Treatment?
In contrast to outpatient treatment, inpatient facilities are typically for those with severe, long-term addictions, addictions to multiple substances, or who have co-existing medical or mental health issues. If a patient has made previous attempts at sobriety, this treatment style is also ideal for addressing relapses.
Inpatient treatment is the more intensive of the two offerings. It provides an immersive treatment environment that focuses on the patient and their commitment to recovery with 24-hour care and supervision. Patients live at the facility for 30, 60, or 90 days at a time. While there, they may benefit from medical detox, individual or group therapy, outdoor activities, and the camaraderie and support of living with other patients going through the same process.Â
3. How Do I Plan Ahead?
Going to any treatment program can be daunting, especially when thinking about everything that needs to be taken care of while you're gone. Attending an outpatient program can make some of these issues easier to deal with, such as pet or childcare, work, and bills. However, if you are going away for inpatient care, you may feel stressed about how you will handle these things in your absence.
- Pet and Childcare: If you have a partner or spouse, they may be able to help in this aspect, but if not, try asking family and friends for assistance. You can also arrange to pay someone for pet boarding. Knowing your loved ones are in safe hands will put your mind at ease so you can focus on your recovery.Â
- Work: You might be nervous about telling your employer that you need extended time off for addiction treatment, but you have the Family and Medical Leave Act on your side. This legislation entitles you to 12 weeks of medical leave, protecting your job while you get the help you need.
- Bills and Finances: Even if you attend an inpatient program for a minimal amount of time (30 days), you will likely have bills or financial obligations that need to be taken care of while you are away. Sign up for automatic payments or talk to a trustworthy friend or family member about making sure your bills are paid on time while you're away.
4. What Happens in Rehab?
Most addiction rehab programs are tailored to the patient's individual needs, taking into account their particular addictions, mental wellness, and previous treatments, if any. Rehab usually involves detox, individual and group therapy sessions, developing healthy habits and hobbies, relapse prevention, and aftercare planning.
Behavioral therapies are also a large part of the process, teaching patients strategies for coping with drug cravings, avoiding drugs, preventing relapse, and dealing with relapse should one occur. They can also help patients learn skills to improve their communication, relationships, parenting, and family dynamics.
5. What Is Detox?
Detox is an essential step to cleansing the body of substances and toxins associated with drugs and alcohol. Getting rid of the physical dependency is the first step before working on the psychological aspects.Â
How detox is handled depends on the substances, frequency, and longevity of the addiction. Some substances can be dangerous or even deadly to withdraw from without the help and supervision of medical professionals. A few common withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Shakiness or seizures
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
- Body pain or tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Sweating and shivering
- Cravings
- Sleeplessness or sleepiness
- Anxiety
- Heart attacks
By undergoing the detox process in rehab, persons facing withdrawal have the opportunity to do so in a safe environment with emotional and medical support.
6. How Long Should Rehab Take?
Rehab for drug addiction isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Every person is unique, with different circumstances and levels of physical and psychological dependencies. Some facilities offer 30, 60, and 90-day programs. The history and severity of the addiction — including the specific substances being abused, any previous treatment, and any co-occurring medical, mental, or behavioral health conditions — will determine the recommended length of time. Research shows that for the most effective results, treatment needs to be at least three months. Sober living and aftercare are also essential.
Keep in mind that the relapse rate for substance abuse disorders is between 40-60%, and it can take multiple attempts at rehab before the journey to recovery is complete. That said, addiction is considered a highly treatable disease, and recovery is an attainable goal.
7. How Much Does Rehab Cost?
Cost is one of the main factors to consider when deciding which rehab to attend. Available programs run the gamut from low-cost state-run programs to high-end luxury facilities. On average, the longer you enter a treatment program, the less the cost is per day. Inpatient care can cost anywhere from $250-800/day. Detox is an additional cost, depending on the severity of the addiction, level of care needed, and length of time. On average, this can cost $600-1000/day.
Don't let the price deter you from getting the help you need. Your state may offer free treatment programs, and you might be able to get free or low-cost support from Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other support groups. Ask about sliding scale fees, payment arrangements, financing, or discounts. Some higher-end facilities may even offer scholarships.Â
Some factors that can affect the cost at each facility include:
- Length of Program: Treatment costs are typically associated with the length of your stay.
- Type of Program: Inpatient programs tend to cost more due to the patients residing at the facility. These costs will include room and board, food, and 24-hour medical and treatment professionals.
- Amenities: This can include various extras such as gourmet food, private chefs, acupuncture, massage, yoga, the seclusion of the location, and private rooms.
8. Do Rehabs Accept Insurance?
Insurance is usually accepted, but coverage will vary depending on your insurance details and the facility itself. It's essential to check your insurance plan before enrolling.Â
9. What Is Aftercare?
As the end of a rehab treatment program nears, staff will work with patients to develop an aftercare plan. This can include ongoing therapy, support groups, sober living arrangements, or a combination of these.
10. How Can Countrywide Testing Help?
Countrywide Testing is an online retailer of drug and alcohol testing devices and lab services. Our tools can help individuals and facilities determine if a loved one or patient is under the influence of drugs and alcohol and maintaining their sobriety.
At Countrywide Testing, we offer you access to FDA-approved testing devices and our SAMHSA-accredited laboratory testing services, giving you quick, advanced, effective, and reliable results when they matter most.
Contact us via our website, email, or by calling (619) 292-8734, and let us see how we can help you with your drug testing needs today.
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