What to Expect from Rehab

Rehab isn’t one-size-fits-all, which makes sense because neither is the addiction. Some people struggle with alcohol addiction only. Others have to deal with alcohol addiction on top of a propensity to abuse painkillers. Still, others have to find a way to get past drug and alcohol addiction plus mental illness, as mental illness often exists right alongside major addiction issues.

It’s not the best idea to merely head to the first rehab clinic you see. Sure, you drove by it all the time on your way to the liquor store, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right place for you to heal and get better. Do some research before you dive in. You have a wealth of information right at your fingertips. All you have to do is open your phone or laptop’s Internet browser and start looking for information. Look for information on both inpatient centers and outpatient treatment, as they offer different advantages and disadvantages. Inpatient facilities offer round-the-clock care, but they’re more expensive because of that. Outpatient options generally aren’t as costly, but they may not provide enough structure for some recovering addicts.

You should expect to get what you put into rehab. It’s like a lot of things in that respect. Don’t go in and treat it like some big joke, or like something you’re doing only because your DUI lawyer told you it would make you look good when you appeared in front of the judge. You can’t go in and expect to just say a few platitudes and see a few doctors before returning to your old lifestyle. That’s an insult to the doctors and addiction experts who are treating you. It’s also disrespectful to the other patients who are trying their darndest to truly get better.

If it’s right for you, you should go to a luxury beachside facility like Beachway Therapy in Florida. But don’t treat it like a vacation. Remember rehab is something you do because you don’t want to continue down the current path of addiction. You can’t fix yourself overnight, but you have to start somewhere.

Expect rehab to start with detox. You’ll likely experience cravings that are both mental and physical during this step. You’re trying to rid your body of some nasty things, but that’s bound to confuse the body at first. The body has gotten used to the substances you’re using, and it wants more. You have to fight against those urges, and there will be highly trained addiction experts there to help you through it. You may be unable to sleep. You may even feel nauseated. Those are all normal sensations. Remember you can get through them, especially with professional support.

Many addicts find group therapy helpful during the rehab process, although one-on-one counseling and even family therapy will also be available in most cases. Some treatment programs even offer faith-based tracks for those who find comfort in religion and spirituality. You may have the opportunity to participate in things like music and equine therapy (that means horses) as a way of helping yourself heal even further. Its possible insurance will cover some or all of your stay, so don’t let financial worries keep you from getting help.

You’ll feel uncertain and vulnerable at times, but if you can push past the discomfort and truly commit to getting the assistance you need, it’s possible to emerge from rehab stronger than ever.