If someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, drug addiction treatment centers can help. Even if a loved one wants to stop using drugs, sheer willpower is not enough to overcome addiction. Rehab programs are designed to help individuals stop abusing drugs or alcohol, to successfully remove these substances from their bodies, and to help individuals re-enter society and lead a self-sufficient, drug-free life. Here are some common drug rehab FAQs people ask when searching for help for themselves or a loved one.
Q. What is the primary goal of rehab?
Rehab programs are designed to help an individual overcome their struggles with substance abuse and lead a sober life. In addition to helping individuals withdraw from drugs, drug rehab programs also address the issues underlying addiction. Rehab programs work to resolve root problems and end the resulting behaviors, such as drug or alcohol addiction. A comprehensive drug rehabilitation program can prevent a loved one’s addiction from escalating to more serious health problems or death.
Q. How do the goals of outpatient and inpatient rehab differ?
The overarching goal for both outpatient and inpatient rehab is the same: to help individuals recover from substance abuse and achieve sobriety. However, the day-to-day goal for these programs may differ. Individuals in inpatient rehab may need a greater level of care as they attempt to recover from drugs or alcohol and address their addictions. In contrast, outpatient programs may be primarily focused on aftercare and relapse prevention.
Q. What are the different treatment goals for a rehab program?
The goal for any drug treatment program is to eliminate substance abuse. However, addiction professionals understand that in order to achieve this overarching goal, smaller goals must first be met. Drug rehab will create smaller goals for observable and measureable behavioral changes. As an individual makes progress during treatment, these goals will evolve to reflect this progress. For example, one of the most basic goals for any drug treatment program is for individuals to admit they have a problem and are unable to control their need to use.
Q. How does rehab help to prevent relapse?
Relapse prevention is a primary goal of rehab. By addressing both an individual’s immediate physical and psychological needs to use drugs, as well as the emotional and mental issues underlying an individual’s drug abuse, rehab helps confront addiction head on. The most successful rehab programs include strong outpatient and transitional care to help individuals readjust to sober living. Some individuals find that programs that include life skills courses are most successful at preventing relapse.
Q. Does an individual’s family need to be involved in rehab?
Family involvement can be an important part of the recovery process and crucial to achieving rehab’s primary goal: long-term sobriety. Most inpatient treatment centers have specific visitation periods for family members. In addition to visiting hours, treatment centers may also offer workshops for family members so they can better understand their loved one’s addiction, the factor that contributed to this addiction, and how they can help their loved one achieve sobriety. In some cases, an individual may have begun abusing drugs in response to a challenging family situation. In other cases, an individual’s substance abuse may have seriously affected the well-being of different family members. Consequently, addressing family dynamics and creating a safe space for communication and healing is an important goal for rehab programs.
