Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Rehab Centres

Updated on February 20, 2021
Man making confession during support group meeting

Addiction is not only emotionally and physically debilitating but also socially humbling and financially taxing. Addicts are often ostracized in social circles, sometimes by their friends and family. Breaking free of addiction requires a lot of support, understanding, and commitment. 

Rehabs are a good way to try and shake off the addiction. It is helpful to be surrounded by caring and experienced professionals, especially when you are enduring distressful times. Before getting admitted to an outpatient rehab Columbus Ohio, there are some questions you must have in mind. You can read the following to get a better idea of what rehab entails:

When should I go to rehab?

If you are wondering if you should go to rehab, that is usually a pretty strong indicator that you do. Getting an occasional glass of wine with dinner is fine. However, if your small indulgences start becoming more meaningful and frequent, you have a problem. Using a substance alone, using it frequently, not being able to find pleasure without it, allotting more money to spend on it — are all symptoms ofdeveloping addiction. 

Rehabs don’t treat addicts of different substances differently.  Although a nicotine addict will obviously be medicated and therapized differently from an opioid addict, the general approach towards sobriety will be the same. 

What will I be allowed to do in rehab?

Due to the highly sensitive nature of the problem of Substance Abuse Disorder, the treatment must be personalized. The illness generally comes accompanied by a host of other mental illnesses. Depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, suicidal ideation, etc., are often underlying causes of addiction.

 Therefore, each rehab and each patient are allowed varying levels of activity. If you are fit enough to associate with other people, you might be allowed to participate in community and social activities.  

Will the treatment involve coercion?

Generally, no. Most people suffering from addiction get admitted to rehab centers themselves. That makes them feel more hopeful and in control of their life. Even if they do not admit themselves, they are not entirely against someone else doing it for them. 

Close friends and family are also usually welcome to get the admission process done, as long as the patient consents.  Rehabs do not accept patients that do not promise to follow the rules and regulations ardently. This makes sure that no coercion is involved in the admission or recovery process of a patient. 

Is the detox process painful?

To be short, yes. The physical pain felt during the detoxification process varies from person to person. Several factors are affecting this- the substance of addiction, the length of usage, the process of ingestion, etc. The pain is generally felt in the form of withdrawals. 

Although detox might be a little painful, rest assured that you will be guided through it slowly and with care. The purpose of a rehab center is not to judge you for your past but to help you for your future. Keeping this in mind, the process is made as gentle and painless as possible. It is better than trying to get clean alone.    

Who will be allowed to visit me?

The rules about visitation in rehab are generally strict. The reason is that it is common for recovering patients to be tempted to smuggle contraband in. A strict check is kept on the things visitors bring in if someone tries to provide drugs to a patient. 

Family and select friends are allowed inside rehab premises, but only at certain timings. Patients cannot go out even if visitors come. 

How long will I need to stay?

The longevity of your stay will depend on several factors. In private rehabs, you can stay as long as you need to get clean and learn aftercare. They do not give you a specific timeframe within which you need to leave. Government-sponsored rehabs are a little more stringent about this. While they do not restrict your recovery by giving you a time-frame, relapsing rules are harder. 

 Once you relapse, it is a little more difficult to get in again. Most patients choose anything from three months to a year in rehab to achieve their goal of sobriety. 

Does a rehab program actually work?

The efficiency and success rate of a rehab program completely depend on the patient’s willpower, tenacity, and devotion. No matter how expensive rehab is or how high its success rate is, the ultimate choice is in the hands of the patient.

 To give a general idea, yes, rehabs do work. They have helped thousands of people all across the world get clean. The road to recovery is strewn with a lot of obstacles. However, if you make up your mind that you are going to be sober, nothing can stop you. So, yes, rehab programs work if you want them to. 

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