What Can I Expect from Drug Rehab?

Whether you’re considering the first few days of rehab, or years down the road, starting drug rehab can be a scary thing. Most people have fears before engaging in treatment and that’s normal. In this article, we’ll look to address those fears so you can know what to expect when you begin drug rehab.

What is drug rehab?

The first thing you need to know about drug rehab is that there isn’t a single, one-size-fits-all way to detox. Drug rehabilitation is most effective when it is individualized to account for a person’s individual needs and preferences. Professional treatment will take into account the substance used, your medical history, the frequency and duration of use, co-occurring mental health disorders, age and much more.

Drug rehab programs exist to help individuals who are detoxing and recovering from substance use addiction. Treatment may include overnight stays or occur on an outpatient basis. The most appropriate level of care will be determined with an assessment and then you’ll be matched with a corresponding program. Residential, or inpatient programs are typically the best place to start because they reduce the impact of environmental and social triggers.

A drug rehab program will include the development of a personalized treatment, which is usually done by collaboration of a medical professional, addiction specialist and you. Often a psychiatrist will join your team to determine whether medications can assist you in recovery.

What are drug rehab benefits?

Drug rehab is not a single thing, but a combination of science-backed tools to make your recovery stick. Here are some of the aspects of treatment that you can expect when you participate in a drug rehabilitation program.

Therapy: Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, will compromise a key component of what you can expect in drug rehab. In therapy you’ll learn to identify the root of your drug use, process the progression of your addiction and how it has impacted your life. You’ll also cultivate skills to master your triggers.

Peer support: These services are led by non-professional peers who have experienced and recovered from addiction themselves. Peer support services can include group sessions or mentoring and can help you foster hope for your future.

Wraparound support: Additional services, like assistance with housing, childcare, finances and more will be included in most drug rehabilitation programs. These services can also provide aid if your drug use resulted in legal consequences.

Life skills and vocational support: Achieving sobriety means building up a life that supports recovery, and that often includes holding steady employment. Drug rehab typically involves setting up a job for when you leave the program.

Medication assisted treatment: There are FDA approved substances to help the detox process for some drugs. When you participate in a rehab program, you can take advantage of this perk, and it will make your recovery faster and smoother, and decrease the likelihood of relapse.

Medication management: One drug rehab benefit that many people glance over is medication management, but it could be key to securing your recovery. Whether you have mental or physical health issues, prescription medications may be interfering with your rehab. Having a psychiatrist help you to look over and organize your medications can improve your recovery process.

What can I expect from drug rehab?

The tangible benefits of drug rehab are clear. However, when you participate in drug rehab, what can you expect emotionally? Like treatment plans, the feelings that come with detox are different for everyone. However, here are some common experiences.

Initially, many people feel some trepidation, and that’s OK. Whether it’s your first time in rehab or your tenth, it can be intimidating to go somewhere new where everyone knows you’ve struggled with drug addiction. However, once you meet those in charge of your care, you’ll realize everyone has your best interests at heart.

The first days and weeks after your last use can be difficult, and detox is notoriously grueling. There’s no doubt you’ll struggle at some point during a drug rehab program, but the encouragement and support you receive can fuel you on your hardest days in recovery.

After the first day in a drug rehab program passes, you can expect to start feeling more comfortable. You’ll be familiar with the facility and the policies, and start to build relationships with the professionals and peers around you. You’ll also have a mind shift within the first few days. Being immersed in all things recovery-related, you’ll commit to the hard work and start to invest in your future.

Taking an active role in your recovery will have its ups and downs, and you’re likely to ride the waves of emotions throughout the process. Recovering feels difficult to achieve when it starts with pain and heavy emotions, but it’s important to remember that the good days are coming. Small victories and milestones will build up to big ones, and you’ll soon be watching the years of sobriety add up.

Getting started

The best day to start recovery is today, and only you can take the first step. When you reach out to October Road you can find the support you need in drug rehab to give yourself a bright future. Call 888-201-5086 now.