What Is Drug Rehab

Unless you have a long history of experience with addiction (personally or through a loved one who has struggled), you may or may not have a thorough understanding of what drug treatment really is.

What is drug rehab? Although philosophies and methods of treatment can vary greatly, drug and alcohol rehab is a place for substance abusers to take time for themselves to undergo individualized programs and therapies geared towards sober living. 

The goal of treatment is to improve the overall living situation of the person who is under the influence of drugs and alcohol. This includes not only abstinence from drugs but the ability to stay free from crime and have employment. To help a person to become a productive member of society who is contributing to it, instead of someone who may be trying to take away from it.

Strategies Can Vary

In the United States alone, there are hundreds of different types of rehab programs and strategies. To find the one which is best for you (or your loved one), it’s probably best to understand what isn’t going to work for an addict and then determine what is. Drug rehab should be as individual as the addiction itself.

Short-Term Drug Rehab vs. Long Term Treatment

Longer-termed programs (usually 4-6 months or so) generally are able to deliver more effective results by the sheer virtue of how much time is afforded to the participant. It can be extremely difficult to undo months or years of bad decisions in a matter of a few weeks.

Group and Individualized Programs

Some programs deliver group-based therapies (where counseling is done in a group setting), while others employ the method of one-on-one sessions or individualized programs. While this is largely an issue of preference, individualized programs which give the addict personal attention to his/her issues has proven out to be more effective, statistically speaking.

Outpatient Facilities and Residential Settings

Drug rehab can be performed both in an outpatient setting, during which time the addict goes home after his/her treatment sessions or exercises. Residential drug treatment is a live-in situation wherein the addict lives at the treatment facility in private housing or dormitory-style rooms.

Many treatment experts agree that the benefits of residential drug rehab far outweigh those of an outpatient program, but again, this is a matter of personal preference and what is feasible for the addict and his/her family at the time of admission.

Family Involvement

In learning what drug rehab is and what it has to offer, remember that family involvement is valued highly by addiction specialists. By offering support and positive encouragement, families of substance abusers can make the treatment process much smoother.

A few suggestions for family involvement during drug rehab are:

• Periodic visits
• Correspondence (messages or phone calls)
• Care packages
• Coordination with counselors regarding progress
• Acceptance of amends
• Gestures of support

In addition to this most effective programs will also work out remedying and bettering relationships with family members, friends and other supporters of a sober life.

Drug Rehab Purposes and Objectives

Answering the question, “What is drug rehab?” requires personal research. Although there are too many treatment philosophies to list in one short article, remember that the purpose of drug rehab is to return an individual to a happy and drug free life. Further, and as stated, a drug rehab program effectively executed will restore a former drug abuser to a functioning and contributing member of society.

This should be kept in mind when choosing a facility for yourself or a loved one. The ultimate goal is longstanding and even permanent improvement in the overall quality of living for the former drug user.