How Do Drug Rehab Centres Help Addicts Recover?
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How Do Drug Rehab Centres Help Addicts Recover?
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How Do Drug Rehab Centres Help Addicts Recover?

How Do Drug Rehab Centres Help Addicts Recover?
Written by Seth Fletcher on October 15, 2015
Medical editor Dr. Karina Kowal
Last update: September 29, 2024

Rehabilitation centres are dedicated facilities where individuals can seek help to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. The best rehab centres provide a supportive environment that is crucial for overcoming substance abuse. They offer a range of services aimed at long-term recovery, including therapy, medical assistance, and life skills development, extending beyond mere detoxification.

Key Takeaways

  • Comprehensive recovery support: Rehab centres offer therapy, medical care, and life skills training for long-term recovery beyond detox.
  • Inpatient vs. Outpatient care: Ontario provides inpatient centres for severe cases and flexible outpatient options for less intensive treatment.
  • Holistic treatment: Therapies include CBT, group sessions, and holistic methods like yoga to address all aspects of addiction.
  • Detox as a first step: Detox is a medically supervised process that prepares individuals for further recovery work.
  • Aftercare for sobriety: Ongoing support like counseling, family therapy, and relapse prevention helps maintain sobriety post-rehab.

Addiction treatment facilities often help patients with life skills training, which is a key part of their recovery journey. Luxury rehab centres also provide aftercare programs, offering ongoing support through counseling, support groups, and outpatient services. These programs ensure that individuals continue to receive the help they need even after leaving the facility.

behavioral therapy

Below, we will explore the different types and features of top rehab centres. 

What Is a Drug Rehab Centre?

First, let’s briefly discuss why people need rehabilitation. Individuals with existing mental illnesses are twice as likely as the general population to develop a drug addiction. At least 20% of all people with a mental disorder also suffer from some form of co-existing  drug abuse problem. Additionally, over 15% of individuals with substance abuse issues have a co-existing  mental disorder.

Another factor that can lead to serious problems in the future if precautionary measures are not taken  by undergoing alcohol abuse treatment or attending a  drug rehab centre, is the age of the addict. People who are aged anywhere between 15 and 24, are far more likely to experience a mental illness or a substance abuse disorder than any other age group. When addictions begin at such an early age, heavy use can make rehabilitation in the future that much more difficult, as well as preventing the individuals from establishing themselves in their life and career.

aftercare programs

A drug rehab centre is specifically designed to help individuals overcome substance addiction through structured treatment programs and professional care. These facilities offer a safe and supportive environment where people can focus on recovery without the distractions or triggers of daily life.

There are two main types of drug rehab centres in Ontario:

  • Inpatient drug rehab centres require full-time overnight stays, usually lasting 30 to 90 days or longer, depending on the severity of the addiction. This type of treatment provides consistent support and 24/7 medical monitoring, making it ideal for patients with severe addictions or those needing a controlled environment to prevent relapse.
  • Outpatient rehabilitation centres allow patients to live at home while attending scheduled treatments. This option is flexible and effective for less severe addictions or for those balancing work, school, or family commitments alongside their recovery.

Both types address the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of addiction. Common treatment approaches include detoxification, individual and group therapy, medication management, and life-skills training. The goal is not only to help patients overcome addiction but also to equip them with the tools and coping mechanisms necessary to remain sober for the long term.

What Therapies Do Rehab Centres Use?

Rehabilitation centres use various therapeutic approaches to address the root causes of addiction, helping individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms. These therapies treat the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction, providing a well-rounded approach to recovery.

Individual Counseling

Individualized counseling is the foundation of many rehab therapies. Patients meet privately with a therapist to explore personal triggers and deeper issues contributing to their addiction, gaining personalized advice and strategies for recovery.

Group Therapy

Group therapy offers a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences with others under the guidance of a therapist. It fosters a sense of community and teaches essential skills for building and maintaining healthy relationships, which are critical for long-term recovery.

group therapy for addiction

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

One of the most effective therapies in rehab, CBT helps patients recognize and change destructive thoughts and behaviors that fuel addiction. By learning to manage triggers and develop positive coping strategies, patients gain better control over their actions.

Holistic Approaches

Many inpatient rehab centres incorporate holistic treatments such as meditation, yoga, art therapy, and mindfulness. These practices address both body and mind, promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and enhancing recovery for long-term sobriety.

What Is the Detoxification Process in Drug Rehab Centres?

Detoxification is often the first stage of drug rehabilitation and is essential for safely withdrawing from harmful substances. Detox addresses the physical addiction of the body to drugs, preparing patients for the emotional and psychological work that follows in the treatment process.

The severity of detox symptoms varies depending on the substance used, the duration of abuse, and the patient's overall health. Common symptoms include nausea, sweating, anxiety, seizures, and more serious complications, which makes medical supervision during detox critical. 

So, how does rehab work? In a rehab facility, detox is closely monitored by medical professionals who provide round-the-clock care. Medications may be used to ease withdrawal symptoms and ensure the process is as safe and comfortable as possible. Detox typically lasts from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the substance involved.

While detox is essential for removing the physical addiction, it is just the beginning of the recovery process. After detox, patients move on to therapy and counseling to address the root causes of their addiction and develop coping strategies for long-term sobriety. Detox lays the foundation for the rest of the recovery journey.

What Support and Aftercare Do Rehabs Offer?

Aftercare support is crucial for maintaining long-term sobriety. Rehabilitation centres create follow-up programs to help individuals tackle the emotional, psychological, and social challenges that come with living a drug-free life. Here are some common aftercare services.

Group Therapy and Peer Support

Most rehabilitation facilities stress group therapy, which provides ongoing support. After the stay in rehabilitation is over, the individuals continue with peer support groups by sharing personal experiences and discussing problems with others going through recovery. The philosophy of 12-step meetings, such as AA or NA, builds relationships among members, along with other similar peer-support groups, infusing a sense of responsibility that enables the individual to keep up sobriety.

Family Involvement

Family therapy often accompanies the drug rehab process both in and after rehab. Addiction is a path on which the addict travels not alone but together with family members, and works on rebuilding broken trust with the family. Rehab facilities encourage family members to join counseling to enhance effective communication, establish healthy boundaries, and support their loved one on his/her journey towards recovery.

long-term addiction recovery

Aftercare Counseling

Aftercare programs would typically provide the same continuity in individual counseling to make life outside the rehab less cumbersome. Sessions with the therapist would provide ample avenues for discussion over emotional triggers, daily challenges, and strategies for the prevention of relapse. These extended therapeutic services are quite indispensable in solving the underlying problems that may arise in the post-treatment phase.

Relapse Prevention Programs

One of the main concerns is relapse after rehabilitation, though many centres have specific relapse prevention programs that provide the necessary means not to return to old habits. Relapse prevention programs teach awareness of warning signs, stress management, and how to develop action plans when one is in a high-risk situation. Appropriate support enables one to learn how to cope with life's challenges without substance use.

Rehabilitation centres provide the resources necessary for people to stay committed to their sobriety through group therapy, family involvement, counseling, and relapse prevention even after they may be long gone from the facility. It is these ongoing support systems that play a major role in sustaining a healthy and drug-free lifestyle for the ultimate long-term recovery success of a person.

In fact, it is a terrible circumstance when one must suffer from either a substance abuse disorder, be it alcohol abuse or drug addiction, or a mental illness separately. However, simultaneously dealing with both must be overwhelmingly taxing to the body and mind. Professional drug rehab centres can offer programs and treatments meant to relieve individuals of their drug habits, as well as assist with their mental health needs in order to get them back on their feet to function in the real world.

FAQs

What is the main focus of drug treatment centers?

Drug treatment centres help individuals detoxify both their body and mind from drug consumption, helping them overcome addiction and maintain sobriety for the long term. These centres not only address the physical addiction to drugs but also the deeper emotional or psychological issues that drive the addiction. Rehabilitation centres provide a safe, structured environment for detoxification, therapy, and skill-building to help individuals regain control of their lives and develop healthier ways of dealing with life’s challenges.

What can I expect in drug rehab?

A typical day in drug rehab follows a structured schedule, including individual and group therapy sessions, educational workshops, and time for reflection or recreational activities. The first stage is usually detoxification, during which patients are medically monitored for withdrawal symptoms. Once detox is complete, various forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), help individuals explore the underlying causes of their addiction and learn how to avoid relapse. Group therapy provides opportunities to share experiences with peers and build a support system, while educational sessions help individuals understand addiction and develop appropriate coping mechanisms.

What is a rehabilitation center?

A rehabilitation centre is a facility that offers intensive treatment for individuals struggling with substance abuse or other behavioral health issues. These centres offer both inpatient and outpatient programs, depending on the severity of the addiction. Inpatient rehab requires individuals to live at the facility, where they receive around-the-clock support and treatment. Outpatient care allows individuals to continue living at home while attending scheduled therapy and counseling sessions. Both types of programs promote detoxification, therapy, and counseling, and often provide aftercare support services to help individuals maintain their sobriety after treatment.

What happens in rehab?

Rehabilitation typically involves several stages. It begins with detoxification, where medical professionals monitor patients as they experience withdrawal symptoms while their body clears the substances. After detox, the focus shifts to therapy – both individual and group sessions – where individuals explore the root causes of their addiction and learn new healthy coping mechanisms. Many rehab programs also include family involvement, encouraging loved ones to participate in counseling to rebuild relationships and create a support system. Finally, relapse prevention strategies are introduced to give individuals the tools they need to avoid falling back into old habits after leaving the facility.

Certified Addiction Counsellor

Seth brings many years of professional experience working the front lines of addiction in both the government and privatized sectors.

Medicolegal Litigation Strategist/ Mediator

Dr. Karina Kowal is a Board Certified Physician specializing in insurance medicine and medicolegal expertise, holding certifications from the American Medical Association as a Certified Independent Medical Examiner. 

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