Understanding Drug Rehab Programs

Drug addiction is a drug use disorder that affects brain functions in those who abuse illicit or prescription drugs. Highly addictive drugs that often lead to addiction are the illegal drugs cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Prescription drugs include opioids such as oxycodone, codeine, and fentanyl, stimulants such as Adderall, and depressants such as benzodiazepines. Frequent or long-term use increases the risk of addiction caused by these or other drugs.

Once you’re “hooked” on drugs, professional treatment is usually necessary to effectively treat the disorder. If you, or a loved one, want to check into a drug rehabilitation facility for addiction treatment, you may have many questions about the process.

You may want to know “What really is drug rehabilitation?” “How to find the right rehab center?” “What is treatment like? Which treatment option is right for me?” or “How long do I have to stay in rehab?” Here are some important things you need to know about drug rehab and what to expect.

What is Drug Rehab?

Drug rehabilitation is the process of professional treatment for drug abuse or addiction. Rehab facilities are located all across the US to help men and women seeking sobriety. These treatment centers use a variety of therapy modalities to get to the root of drug addiction.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) describes drug addiction as a habit of compulsive seeking and using drugs despite the negative effects. It causes you to be physically and psychologically dependent on drugs and unable to control the use or quit altogether. Rehab treatments and therapies are designed to help you lose your dependence on drugs.

What to Look For in a Drug Rehab Treatment Center

Effective drug treatment can be delivered in an inpatient or outpatient setting. The main difference is inpatient or residential rehab requires you to live in during treatment. With outpatient programs, you get to go home at the end of the day. When looking for a center, you can consider other important factors by asking these questions:

Does The Center Offer Optional Programs?

It’s important to look for one that provides programs to meet your recovery needs. This includes offering flexible and affordable treatment programs to suit your level of addiction, lifestyle, and ability to pay. For example, professionals or those who cannot get time off from work are better matched to an outpatient program that does not interrupt their daily routines. Others needing medically-assisted therapy (MAT) may be better treated in a residential setting.

Does The Center Have A Professional And Experienced Staff?

Getting treatment for addiction to drugs can be a very challenging period for those seeking the help they need. The more support you get from the rehab staff, family, and loved ones, the better your chances of recovering. You should consider checking into a facility that has a team of trained and experienced medical and psychiatric professionals who deliver services in a safe, structured, and compassionate environment.

How Extensive Is The Treatment?

Both inpatient and outpatient rehabs offer detoxification and psychological therapy. But these are core treatments. You should find out if the center offers supplemental programs. These could include group therapy, family therapy, holistic therapy, occupational therapy, educational training, relapse prevention planning, 12-step programs, and post-care services. Some centers will even refer you to sober living homes or community recovery groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA). At The Detox Center of L.A., we do all of the above. We believe in the ideology of building acceptance, safety, and self-awareness through the incorporation of solution-focused therapy modalities.

Detox for Addiction to Drugs

Long-term use and abuse of drugs cause a build-up of drugs, chemicals, and toxins in your system. Detoxification is a process to purge these substances from your body. It helps reduce or stop cravings and can be done at an outpatient detox clinic or in an inpatient setting.

Inpatient Program

Inpatient/Residential Rehab is primarily suitable for persons with chronic or long-term addiction whose health or life may be at risk due to severe withdrawal symptoms, e.g., suicidal thoughts, high blood pressure, insomnia or depression. They often require 24-hour supervision by medical and mental health professionals in a safe and supportive environment.

Prescription medications may be used to taper you off the drug and help prevent or reduce the effects of withdrawal symptoms. The average inpatient program is 28 days but could last 60-90 days or longer for those needing long-term care.

Outpatient Addiction Treatment Program

Outpatient treatment programs are designed to meet the needs of clients with mild addiction or who already went through detox and core therapy at an inpatient facility. Outpatient treatment is also beneficial if you have to maintain your job, attend school, care for family members, cannot afford residential treatment, or have a low risk of relapse.

Some people use it as a stepping stone to inpatient treatment. This program type usually runs for 30-60 days and may require you to attend 3-5 times a week depending on the intensity of the treatment approach. While at The Detox Center of L.A., clients are simultaneously able to uphold personal responsibilities and receive intensive outpatient therapy. The Detox Center of L.A.’s treatment program is beneficial to individuals who require structure and support in their own personal recovery. Whether living at home or sober living they are able to meet daily obligations such as work or school.

Therapy for Addiction to Drugs

Therapy is the second stage of addiction treatment and usually follows after detox. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy seeks to treat underlying disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder or depression associated with addiction. Here, you’ll get a chance to meet and talk with your therapist. You’ll learn what triggers your drug abuse and how to cultivate healthy thoughts and positive behaviors to help you cope and support drug abstinence.

How Long Will I Have To Stay In Rehab?

The length of time it takes to complete rehab varies from person to person. Factors such as the severity of the addiction, the presence of co-occurring disorders, e.g., depression, the type of drug involved, personal commitment to ending addiction, and your own biological makeup influence the treatment duration. However, recovery is a lifelong process that requires you to manage drug use triggers every day to stay sober.

Attending A Drug Rehabilitation Program At The Detox Center of L.A.

The Detox Center of L.A. provides a safe and private place for you to overcome drug addiction. We offer a wide range of programs in an inpatient or outpatient setting to meet your needs. A complete assessment will be performed before designing an addiction treatment plan that is ideal for you.

Our professional team includes doctors, nurses, therapists, counselors, and case managers who will attempt to meet your needs throughout the recovery process. Take the first step toward a drug-free life by giving us a call today.