Questions About Rehab

What Do I Need to Know?

Entering rehab is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. It’s a major commitment for both you and your loved ones. It’s understandable that you have many concerns and considerations that you need to take into account.

Luckily, you don’t need to be confused or intimidated. Millions of others have been through this process before. You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not the first one with questions. Here are answers to the most common questions we get asked about rehab.

How do I pay for treatment?

The cost of rehab is the single greatest deterrent for many seeking treatment, but the fact is that there are many different options available. The cost of treatment varies wildly depending on the type of treatment necessary, and there are many sources of funding and financing available.

"Depending on your unique circumstances, insurance, government programs, private funding and financing, selling items of value, and non-profit treatment centers might all be options for you."

In particular, many Americans have been able to pay for addiction treatment through the use of federal programs such as Medicaid and Medicare and the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).

What can I bring into treatment?

Each treatment center has its own list of permitted and prohibited items. You should definitely contact treatment center personnel to learn what can and cannot be brought into recovery.

A bag packed for rehab should contain appropriate clothing, hygiene products and toiletries, a journal or stationary, and an ID/passport.

Most treatment centers provide bed linens, three daily meals, snacks and beverages for you.

Commonly prohibited items include drugs and alcohol, electronic devices like cell phones, personal computers, weapons, inappropriate clothing (t-shirts depicting drug use, alcohol use or offensive language, etc.), any cosmetic products containing alcohol, and any aerosol products.

Movies, CDs, tapes, recording devices, video or card games, and any reading materials not related to self-help and recovery are typically prohibited, as well.

Is my addiction bad enough?

If you’re questioning whether you should enter rehab, then it may be time to look at treatment options.

"It’s a myth that someone needs to “hit rock bottom” (to lose their job, their family, and friends) before beginning addiction treatment."

You don’t need to lose everything for addiction to wreck your life and the people you love. The right time to enter treatment and begin beating addiction is as soon as you recognize a problem.

Can I do it on my own?

You should always have some sort of professional help when recovering from addiction. Medically supervised detox and rehab programs help reduce painful withdrawal symptoms. This is especially true in cases such as heroin addiction treatment, where withdrawal can be very difficult to get through alone.

In some cases, detoxing without medical assistance can be lethal.

While deciding to do an inpatient or outpatient drug detox is your choice, battling addiction takes more than desire and willpower. The support supervised recovery program provide greatly reduces the odds of relapse later on. Seeking professional help to overcome an addiction is always recommended.

Should I travel for rehab?

There are treatment centers in your area and across the country to help you beat addiction.

"That being said, leaving your immediate environment for rehab can provide a much-needed change of scenery to match your change in lifestyle."

Local treatment centers can provide great care, but traveling for rehab can help you get the most out of recovery.

What Will Happen to My Family?

One of the biggest concerns that many people have before attending rehab is how their family is going to deal with their absence. This is especially true when child and/or pet care must be arranged.

Luckily, there are many available options, including friends, family, and non-profit, government, and private pet and child care facilities. Always remember that the long-term impacts of your addiction are going to be far worse on your family than the short-term impacts of attending treatment.

How long does treatment take?

The length of a treatment program depends on a number of factors, including the facility, the severity and duration of the addiction, financial options available, and the nature of the addiction.

"While there are many different options, the most common are 30-day, 60-day, 90-day, and extended programs."

There are pros and cons to different treatment lengths. In general, the longer and more severe the addiction, the longer treatment will be necessary. This is especially true when detox is necessary.

How do I prepare for rehab?

Although programs vary wildly, rehab is generally a significant commitment of time and resources that will impact many aspects of your life and those of your loved ones.

It is important that you take the proper steps before you enter rehab to ensure that you can focus on recovery without worrying about what is going on at home.

You will need to consider such things as work and family obligations, financial and legal loose ends, having the essentials, enjoying the company of loved ones, and relaxing.

Why does rehab have a stigma?

The media and many individuals perpetuate a number of stereotypes about addiction and its treatment. Most of these stereotypes are wholly unfounded and tremendously unfair.

"A critical step for many who seek treatment is to overcome this stigma and proceed with getting the help they need to improve their lives and those of their loved ones."

Many who have taken this critical step actually become critical to others who are afraid of being labeled overcome their doubt and move forward with treatment.

What is a typical day like in rehab?

Although every program is different, inpatient rehab programs tend to adhere to a structured, organized schedule. Residents can expect to attend a number of different therapies, one-on-one meetings, and group activities throughout the course of a typical day. While most rehabs stick to a linear daily activity structure, a patient’s individual schedule may vary.

Between scheduled activities, there are usually a couple of hours of free time available. Some people choose to spend their free time writing in a journal, praying, meditating or participating in any amenities offered by the center.

What happens after rehab?

Recovery is a lifelong process – one that begins as soon as you step outside of your rehab center’s doors.

"As long as you continue to reinforce the lessons you learned in rehab and maintain a strong support system, you’ll have the confidence and motivation to always keep pushing forward."

There are many resources available to help guide you through getting your job back, regaining your loved ones’ trust, staying sober, dealing with changes to your social life, and potential relapses.

How do I choose a treatment center?

Many factors can impact which addiction treatment center you choose.

Cost, location, staff experience and social environment are all important to consider.

Not every recovery program accepts insurance or offers reduced payment plans; take this into consideration before enrolling in treatment. Finding a treatment center that specializes in treating your addiction is crucial as well.

If you’re looking for a treatment center, there are many resources available to help you.

Find the Right Fit for Recovery

Once you’ve learned everything you need in an addiction recovery program, the next step is contacting a treatment center. Inpatient and outpatient drug rehabs can help you get sober and avoid relapse.

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