When deciding whether or not to check into rehab, many people are held back by the lack of knowledge regarding what to expect. While rehab can seem scary, the benefits far outweigh any hesitation you may have about checking in to drug rehab Massachusetts.
Rehab is a great opportunity for those who are struggling with addiction to get on track again and learn how they can live sober lives without substances controlling their every move. Rehab provides many opportunities within an environment that is safe and comfortable. In this article, we will go over the basics of what to expect in rehab, as well as some helpful tips for those who are going through it.
What is rehab?
Rehab is a place where anyone who struggles with addiction can go to be evaluated, detoxed if necessary, and learn how they can live their lives without substances. Those in rehab are taught coping mechanisms that will help them deal with cravings or urges for drugs or alcohol upon leaving the facility. They also have access to support groups that provide additional tools for sobriety.
What to expect in rehab
For most, the first step once you check yourself in is detoxification. Detoxification is the process of removing drugs or alcohol from your body to reduce or eliminate any withdrawal symptoms. If you have been using a substance for an extended period of time, it can take days before detoxing has taken its full effect.
This is an important step because many users’ bodies develop a dependency if they abuse substances for weeks, months or even years. Sometimes, withdrawal symptoms can be very dangerous and even deadly, so it’s important to have medical supervision during this process.
Detoxification is most often done in a medical setting to ensure that the process goes smoothly and without complications. For some rehabs, detox can last up to seven days depending on how long it takes your body to rid itself of any harmful toxins.
Next, depending on the severity of your situation, you will either be admitted to an inpatient or outpatient program. Inpatient programs are for those who have a very serious addiction and may not be able to function on their own. Outpatient programs, which can last weeks or months depending on the severity of your situation, will allow you to return home during certain hours each day to tend to any personal needs that must be met before returning later in the evening.
During treatment, you can also expect to have attention from therapists and doctors to help you through the process and provide guidance. This can include meetings and different types of treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you recognize and manage cravings as well as triggers.
Also, those who are in rehab will have the opportunity to talk with counselors about how they can create a new life without substances that are rewarding and fulfilling. This includes developing hobbies or other interests that keep your mind busy so it doesn’t wander back to drugs or alcohol. When addicts are engaged in activities that provide them with a sense of joy, they are less likely to turn back to substances.
Upon completion of the program, those in rehab will begin to learn how they can live sober lives and avoid substances that may tempt them. Since addiction is a disease, it doesn’t just go away with treatment; rather, those who have completed the program must work towards sobriety daily.
For many addicts and alcoholics, this means attending support groups such as Alcoholic Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous where they can share experiences with others who are in similar situations. These groups often include people recovering from the same addiction, so it’s easier for them to relate and provide encouragement on your journey to sobriety.
Many rehabs also have aftercare programs that offer additional support once you leave the facility in order to ensure long-term sobriety.
Tips for staying sober
Once you have completed a program, it’s important to remember that addiction is a disease and relapse can happen. However, with the proper tools, those in rehab may be able to avoid relapsing as long as they’re willing to work for it.
First of all, there are many different types of support groups available once you leave treatment. These include Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, which can provide addicts with a place to share their experiences without judgment. In addition, these groups allow individuals who have been in similar situations the opportunity to help others struggling through recovery.
These types of groups aren’t for everyone, however. Some people may feel more comfortable participating in individual or group therapy sessions to work through their addiction. There are also many different support groups that you can access through online directories, Facebook, Reddit, and other online platforms.
In order to stay sober after rehab, it’s important that you continue therapy or counseling sessions once treatment has ended. These sessions can include individual or family therapy, which is also beneficial for those who have other issues such as depression and anxiety.
You may want to avoid certain places and people that remind you of your addiction. This includes avoiding friends who use drugs or alcohol in order to prevent temptations from resurfacing. If possible, it’s also a good idea to stay away from bars and clubs since these areas are often associated with drug and alcohol abuse. This can be tough to do, especially if some of these people were close friends or family members, but it can help you avoid slipping back into using.
If temptation does arise, those in recovery may want to try mindfulness strategies as a way of coping with cravings. This includes being aware of your surroundings and emotions, so you don’t do anything or go somewhere unsafe while giving into urges. You should also be prepared to cope with these cravings by building up your own self-care toolbox so you have strategies to turn to if cravings arise.
Most importantly, make sure to be open about your situation; the more others know, the less likely you are to slip back into a relapse. While it isn’t worth sharing or updating with everyone, don’t be ashamed about addiction and don’t feel as though it’s something that needs to be hidden from those around you. This can create an unhealthy dynamic where your friends want to help but also don’t understand what is going on or how they can help because you aren’t being open about it.
Conclusion
There are many different things to consider when looking into rehab. From figuring out where you want to go, what type of treatment will work best for you, and how long your stay should be, there is a lot that goes into planning the right program for substance abuse issues. However, once these details are out of the way, you can start to prepare for what is ahead and continue on your path to sobriety.
While rehab is certainly a life-changing experience that requires time and dedication, it doesn’t have to be as scary or overwhelming when you know just what’s in store during treatment. By understanding the basics such as where people live-in treatment, what they do on a typical day, and how long the process typically lasts, you can start to ease your mind about rehab.
All in all, addiction isn’t something that just goes away overnight. It takes time and hard work to recover from substance abuse but it is possible with the right tools and support system at your side.
With so much on the line, it is important to do your research and choose a treatment facility that not only meets all of your needs but also fits within an affordable budget. When this has been accomplished, you can feel confident about entering rehab knowing what’s in store for you during recovery.
