Are you or a loved one heading off to a rehabilitation program? It’s normal and understandable to feel some anxiety about it, especially if you have no idea what to expect. To help ease your worries, it helps to find out more about the kind of program and facility that you’re going into.
The rehabilitation process goes far beyond detoxification, although this is a crucial part of it. For a truly effective program, it has to be comprehensive in its coverage, from the moment the patient comes in, all the way to their release and reintegration into the outside world.
Here are some more details on the steps entailed in the rehabilitation process.
Intake
This is the very first phase of the rehabilitation process, and is a crucial one because this is where the foundations of the program are established. Patients need to have a customized plan or strategy to make the most out of the program. Because individuals have different personalities, needs, and responses to different situations, it is important to gather as much information about these first before laying down a plan for their treatment.
Detoxification
Once a treatment plan is established, the program can move onto the next phase, which is detoxification. In this part, the aim is to cut off the exposure of the patient from any and all substances, while at the same time facilitating the cleansing of their system.
Detoxification does not occur in one way. Depending on the severity of addiction or dependency, a medicated detox might be necessary. This will help flush out the remaining drugs in the system, which can be jarring for the body, thus leading to withdrawal symptoms.
Many would attest that this is one of the hardest parts of rehab. Not only are withdrawal symptoms physically draining, but it is also mentally taxing. The important thing is that the patient does not break under the pressure or effects of detoxing, and go back to taking the drug to ease their symptoms.
This is why it is very important that detoxification be conducted under strict supervision. It’s also important to ensure the safety of the patient in case the withdrawal becomes too severe or complicated.
Preparing for the Long-Term
Once detoxification is complete, the process of renewal begins. Now that they have the drugs out of their system, it’s time for the patient to work towards reestablishing their life. It is unfortunately common for relationships to break under the strain of addiction.
Whether the patient decides to rebuild those bridges burned or not, what’s crucial is their openness to acknowledge and take accountability for any transgressions they may have committed under the influence.
On the other hand, the family and friends of the patient also have very important roles to play in this part of the process. The support that they will lend to the patient can help them stay on the path to complete recovery, which is undoubtedly going to be a long and challenging one.
Continued Recovery for Long-Term
The fourth and final phase is the recovery and aftercare phase. Don’t be too quick to think it’s all over now, however. As they say, recovery does not end with getting out of rehab, but is instead a lifelong process. Knowing that they can rely on a solid support system can go a long way for the patient.
Joining support groups can help as well in keeping the patient in check once they graduate from the program. Rehabilitation facilities usually are able to provide or recommend partner programs that can assist the patients after rehab.
