What Should I Expect When Going to Rehab?

Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Patricia Sullivan, MD MPH on 05/09/2022
Are you or a loved one suffering from addiction or substance abuse? Have you decided that it is time to find a drug rehab? Then you have come to the right place. Learn about what to expect during drug and alcohol rehab.
The prospect of going to rehab and not knowing what to expect can be scary. Don’t let your fears deter you from making changes that will save your life. If you feel like this is the right step for you, you should be ready to take that step. Learn everything you need to know about rehab right here.
If you or a loved one is ready to check into rehab, please call (385) 327-7418. A specialist will be happy to assist you in finding the right rehab plan for you.
Find Answers
Quickly find the answers you need on what to expect during rehab.
Types of Programs Available in Rehab
When you start looking into rehab facilities, you will notice a couple of different programs available. If you are ready to start detoxification, you have come to the right place. Two basic programs help with breaking an addiction and detoxing. That is to say; these programs are designed to help people like you.
For example, these programs can be:
- Inpatient care
- Outpatient care
- Inpatient treatment
- Residential rehab
- Counseling
- Education lectures
- Focus groups
However, not every program is for every patient. Make sure you talk to your doctor about which one is right for you. It is also good to keep in mind you will complete your treatment on your own time. Everyone moves at different rates. Do not feel embarrassed to need more time. Get better for yourself and no one else. Call us today, and we can help you start your journey.
Inpatient Care
Inpatient care is where you live at the hospital. But, these can also be detox clinics or rehab centers. These facilities will provide you with around-the-clock care. Most of the time, patients are admitted by their doctors. This type of care lasts a minimum of one night’s stay. Inpatient usually offers more services. However, they cost more. Often, inpatient services are either a pay per stay or per day. It depends on the type of facility.
However, be careful not to confuse inpatient care with medical observation. Medical observation is when you are in the hospital, and the doctor asks you to stay for an overnight medical observation. This is not the same as inpatient care. Inpatient care is usually geared towards serious diseases and suffering. You must know the difference because health insurance will require you to be previously in a hospital.
In short, talk to your care provider if you are unsure which care you are receiving.
Outpatient Care
This type of care can be a few different things. You can get treatment but still live at home. You can receive help and then leave the clinic once you are done. You will be free to go as long as you have no serious complications. There is no need for overnight observation. There are a few advantages to receiving outpatient care.
First, if you experience some trauma, you can recuperate in your own home. This is a major plus for many people. Many people do not like uncomfortable hospital beds, couches, or rooms. Patients also like that they can enjoy their food and not hospital food.
Second, the cost of outpatient care is always less. Staying in a hospital room overnight is not a cheap venture. So, if you are already struggling to pay bills, then this is appealing to you. Many of the time, the monetary difference is thousands of dollars.
However, you should always do what is best for you. If inpatient care is what you need, then choose that. Always choose what is best for you.
Do not stress what someone else is doing even if they are in a similar situation to yours. You are your person. Which means you need your treatment. Never let the amount of treatment or length of treatment you need keep you from getting help.
If you would like more information about the treatment plans available to you, please call us today. Our professionalists are happy to help guide you in the right direction for your situation. Let us help you start your new journey to a happier and healthier life.
Inpatient Treatment
If you decide to do inpatient treatment, you probably wonder what that entails. Treatments will often help evaluate a patient’s mental, physical, and medical health. There are a few different professionals you can work with during your stay. Depending on your needs, you could see:
- Physicians
- Nurses
- Nutritionists
- Psychiatrists
- Addiction therapists
- Psychologists
- Marriage and family counselor
- Money management counselor
- Case managers
- Wellness specialist
- Fitness coach
Getting treatment that is fit for your needs is the first step. If you are receiving treatment that will not help you, you will not get better. You want to talk to the rehab facility specialist. Make sure that the path you are on is the right path for you. If you have any uncertainties, remember to bring this up. Getting more help than you think you need is not a bad thing. But getting the right help for you is everything. Call us today and talk to our specialists about your needs.
Residential Rehabilitation
This type of facilitation is when you stay at the center for a couple of months. Usually lasts one to three months. This is the type of rehab for you if you have a serious problem. It is also great if you are struggling to stay sober.
Counseling
Counseling services are available at many facilities; Most facilities recommend you take individual counseling sessions. Some sessions will co-occur with others. It would be best if you also listened to what your doctor said. If something does not feel right, then tell them. But make sure you fully listen to their recommendations as well. There are two main types of counseling when it comes to counseling: individual and group.
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling is you sitting down one-on-one with a therapist. You will focus on your substance abuse. However, while in this program, you will also talk about what else is going on in your life. This can include employment, any illegal activity, or family relations. You will also discuss the best recovery program fit for you. During this counseling, you will also help find appropriate coping methods. Moreover, your counselor will encourage a 12-step program, medical referrals, psychiatric referrals, employment help, and other services you may need.
Group Counseling
Group counseling is often you and a group of individuals talking together, but the individuals will often be going through similar struggles as you.
This type of counseling will help you re-socialize. You will often discuss how to live drug-free lifestyles. Much of the time, group therapy is completed coinciding with individual therapy. It has been found that when patients complete both, there are positive outcomes.
If you feel like counseling is what you need, then find a center nearest you. Having extra help is never a shame. You should never feel embarrassed about needing people to talk to. Get the help you need.
If none of the above-listed programs seems appealing to you, do not stress out. There are plenty of other treatment services out there. So, you need to reach out and figure out what is best for you. Talk to a local rehab center soon. See what services they offer and find what is right for you.
Do you have more questions about the different types of rehabs available to you? Do you need help picking the right one? Our experts are here to help you pick the best option for you and your needs. Get a jump start on your recovery. Call us today.
What Happens During Drug and Alcohol Rehab
What is Actually Happening Inside Rehab
Detox
Once you are admitted into a facility, you may experience a detox. A detox is the first step to healing your mind and body from your addiction. When you are being detoxed, you will have doctors around you to see if you need any other medical assistance.
Detox is meant to push the chemicals of the addiction from one’s body. This is an uncomfortable experience. However, when properly treated can help with addiction cravings. For example, some of the symptoms of detox withdrawal include:
- Uneasiness
- Sadness
- Weariness
- Irritability
- Feeling jittery
- Mood swings
- Nightmares
- Unclear thinking
- Excessive sweating
- Clammy skin
- Headaches
- Dilated pupils
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sickness
- Loss of hunger
- Paleness
- Increased heart rate
This list may seem scary. But, put yourself in the right situation with the right doctors, and they will make this as easy a transition as possible. Do not let detox steer you away from going to rehab. Doctors and nurses will prepare you for the worst. If you have any concerns about detoxing, talk to your physician, they will be able to help you to the fullest extent.
Evaluations
When you check into rehab, you may experience an evaluation. For instance, your physician will look over your:
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Type of substance abuse
- Family history
- Any other variables that may contribute to your addiction
The assessments are meant to help you. The doctors want to give you the best care possible. Above all, the doctors in these facilities want only to better your life.
How Long Will I Stay in Rehab?
The length of your stay will determine you. Your needs will determine the length of your stay. Just because you need a longer stay does not mean that it is bad. The duration of your stay in a hospital is only for your benefit.
If you find yourself struggling, your doctor may have you stay longer. For example, they will address the following issues:
- Unique issues to your situation
- Mental health concerns
- Prevention of relapsing
- How to live sober
In short, if your physician feels that you are struggling with these, they may suggest further help. This is only going to increase your chances of staying sober and healthy.
Lastly, it is important to remember that your old “normal” will not be your new normal. You will need to relearn everything that you used to know. The longer you battle your addiction and stay sober, the less uncomfortable your new normal will be.
The way you are feeling will also change. You must re-train your negative thoughts and learn how to reduce stress properly. Negative thoughts and stress are the two main causes of relapses.
If you are experiencing long periods of sadness, anxiety, or helplessness, you should reach out to your physician. Generally, the clinic will be able to offer solutions on how to help.
Substance abuse rehabs are designed to help you get better and stay better. Follow-through care is very important. Take care of yourself, and remember you can do this.
Post-Rehabilitation
Getting the Help That is Right for You
To summarize, if you have decided that it is time for you to go to rehab: Congrats! You are taking the first step into a new life. Know that you are not alone in this situation. You are ready for a better today, which is all that matters.
Deciding that you need help is the first step. But reaching out is the next. Call us today, and our experts will help you get the proper treatment. Do not wait. Let’s get started on your road to recovery now.
Sources
[1] https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/alcohol-detox-programs#1
[2]https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/drug-addiction-treatment-in-united-states/types-treatment-programs
[3]https://ufhealth.org/alcohol-withdrawal
[4]https://www.heroin.org/articles/timeline-of-opioid-withdrawal-symptoms.html
[5]https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-questions/how-long-does-drug-addiction-treatment-usually-last
Find Help Now with
Better Help Addiction Care
Your road to addiction treatment recovery starts Here. 24/7 Treatment Monitoring.