What is Drug Rehab?

Written By: Robert Castan | Edited By: Steve Laats | Last Updated: March 2, 2021

15 Min Read

Reviewed by a Medical Professional

Springboard Recovery provides effective treatment for substance use & mental health disorders.

TYPES OF DRUG REHAB TREATMENT
INPATIENT DRUG REHAB PROGRAMS
OUTPATIENT DRUG REHAB PROGRAMS
RESIDENTIAL DRUG REHAB: A TYPICAL DAY
MOST COMMON MEDICATIONS IN DRUG REHAB
DRUG REHAB: DIFFERENT TYPES OF THERAPY
DOES DRUG REHAB WORK?
HOW TO CHOOSE A DRUG REHAB

Medical Reviewer

Evan Leonard MS, MMS, PA-C

Dr. Leonard is a Doctor of Medical Science and a clinical anatomist. He has practiced in both internal and emergency medicine and has published several, peer-reviewed articles and a medical book chapter.

Drug rehab is the generic term for somewhere that provides treatment for substance addiction. Usually known as either a drug treatment center or facility, rehab provides an individualized blend of therapies to assist substance addicts in finding sobriety and long-term recovery. Drug rehab programs may be either on an inpatient or outpatient basis, and either short-term or long-term. For many substance addicts and alcoholics, it provides a professional, structured first step towards recovery, helping to improve their physical and mental health, and their overall wellbeing, which is vital in maintaining a successful long-term recovery from substance addiction.

Our outpatient drug treatment program allows you to keep work and family commitments while focusing on your sobriety.

in 2019

61.2 million Americans aged 18+ had a mental illness and/or substance use disorder (SUD)

Among those with a substance use disorder:

38.5%

Struggled with illicit drugs

73.1%

Struggled with alcohol use

11.5%

Struggled with illicit drugs
& alcohol

3.8%

Struggled with a
SUD and a
mental illness

TYPES OF DRUG REHAB TREATMENT

When it comes to drug rehab centers and the drug and alcohol addiction treatment they offer, there are many different options available, as well as many possible combinations of these individual options.

For example, if someone is suffering from a severe addiction to a potent drug, eg. heroin, they can undergo a detox program (cleaning the body of the drug’s toxins) prior to their transition into rehab.

Additionally, others can choose either an inpatient (residential) drug rehab program or an outpatient drug rehab program, where detox is included in the treatment. After the drug addiction treatment program is completed, it is recommended that individuals continue their recovery by attending support groups and therapy sessions.

INPATIENT DRUG REHAB PROGRAMS

Inpatient drug rehab programs offer drug addiction treatment in a residential center or facility, so the patient focuses 100% on their therapy and the beginning of their recovery, it removes the triggers or temptations of relapse that exist in the patient’s normal environment, and the patient receives 24/7 constant care (if required).

Inpatient drug rehabs can vary widely in the environment offered – from a 5-star hotel-type setting, with all the luxury facilities and amenities, to the minimalist and sterile surroundings of a typical hospital ward. However, the vast majority of drug rehabs are positioned halfway between these extremes, providing a homely, warm, and friendly environment so patients feel comfortable and relaxed while receiving their treatment.

Inpatient drug rehab programs offer a high chance at a successful and long-term recovery, as it allows the patient to fully engage with their treatment and improving health. Furthermore, patients can learn how to enjoy their free time in a way that does not involve the use of substances.

OUTPATIENT DRUG REHAB PROGRAMS

Outpatient drug rehab programs offer the same drug and alcohol addiction treatment as an inpatient program, but without the residential element. Instead, patients access their treatment by attending an outpatient drug rehab center or facility at specific times during the day – this can range from a full day to specific appointment times.

Outpatient programs for drug addiction treatment are also offered at differing levels of care, ranging from partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) to intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and down to outpatient programs. These different levels of care are determined by a combination of clinical patient assessment, and the number of hours per week someone can commit to their drug addiction treatment; for example, a mother with small children would not be able to commit to a higher level of treatment, whereas an unemployed person probably could do so.

In general, outpatient drug rehab programs take place several days a week, and for a few hours each day. Depending on the treatment center, treatment timetables can be highly flexible, enabling an outpatient to either continue working or attending school while still receiving treatment.

However, with an outpatient program, the individual may still live in an environment that allowed or enabled their substance use. Outpatient programs are at their most effective when they form part of an overall drug addiction treatment plan that provides a continuum of care for a recovering individual that begins with inpatient drug rehab.

Our outpatient program combined with sober living housing may be perfect for you. Contact our admissions team today!

The Principles of Effective Drug Addiction Treatment

Obviously, whether inpatient or outpatient drug and alcohol rehab is the most suitable form of addiction treatment depends extensively on an individual’s personal circumstances. However, any drug rehab program, either inpatient or outpatient, needs to address the following principles of effective drug addiction treatment (based on mid-1970s scientific research):

Addiction is a chronic and complex disease, primarily affecting brain function and an individual’s behavior, but it is TREATABLE
No single treatment is the correct treatment for everyone
People require quick and obstacle-free access to treatment
Effective treatment addresses 100% of the patient’s health needs – not just their drug use
Staying in treatment long enough is critical to recovery
Counseling and other behavioral therapies are the most commonly used forms of treatment
Medications are an important part of treatment (known as medically-assisted therapy or MAT), especially when used in conjunction with behavioral therapies Treatment plans must be reviewed, and modified, on a regular basis, to address the patient’s changing needs
Treatment should address other possible mental disorders if diagnosed or present (known as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder)
Medically- assisted detoxification is only the first stage of treatment
Treatment doesn’t have to be on a voluntary basis to prove effective
Any drug use during treatment must be monitored rigorously and continuously
Treatment programs should test patients for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases, as standard clinical practice, as well as to teach patients about steps they can take to reduce the high risk of these illnesses

TYPES OF DETOX

The type of detox a person requires depends on the substance(s) they are addicted to, the severity of their addiction, and how long they have been addicted

Inpatient Detox

Also know as medical detox, the person stays in a facility where they are constantly supervised by medical staff to avoid deadly withdrawal symptoms

Outpatient Detox

The person detoxes at home. Best suited for those with strong social support and less severe addictions that won’t trigger fatal withdrawal symptoms

OTHER FORMS AND ELEMENTS OF DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT

In addition to the drug addiction treatment provided in both inpatient and outpatient drug rehab programs, there are other forms of addiction treatment or services available, which normally form part of an individual’s continuum of care. These are:

Drug Detox

Before any addiction recovery can fully begin, it is imperative that the individual being treated is 100% free from the substance abused, as well as any toxins in the body that have been produced by drug use. Detox allows for a safe withdrawal from a substance, as some of the symptoms that can appear during the process can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening, depending on the initial health of the individual, and it is often the first step for anyone withdrawing from moderate to severe forms of addiction.

Depending on the substance, detox can require the use of specific medications* – known as “medically-assisted treatment” (MAT) – in order to reduce or negate the intensity of symptoms. A process of “tapering” is often used, where the medication is slowly reduced in dosage until the patient is no longer physically dependent.

Sober Living Homes

Sober living homes provide a direct link between an individual’s residency in an inpatient program and a return to normal life in their own home. These homes provide a safe, structured, and sober environment for those who require additional time adjusting to their new, sober way of living.

Medications Used in Drug Addiction Treatment (MAT)

During detox and throughout drug addiction treatment, patients are sometimes prescribed specific medications* to help with their recovery process. These medications are used for:

MAT does not replace comprehensive drug addiction treatment; it is only effective when used in conjunction with a treatment program.

* Medications used in MAT are discussed in more detail below.

Faith-Based Drug Addiction Treatment

For some people where religion plays an important role in their lives, and so would prefer a more spiritual approach to their drug addiction treatment, faith-based rehab centers provide more specialized programs and facilities that are faith-centric.

HOW DOES DRUG REHAB WORK?

It is important to remember that addiction is medically defined as “a chronic, relapsing brain disorder,” which, just like other chronic diseases in the same medical grouping, such as type I diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, requires ongoing treatment to control its symptoms.

Drug rehab works – there is clear proof it does – but it doesn’t cure. In fact, it will never cure the chronic disease of addiction – that is, until medical science develops a magical pill that does cure addiction, once and for all, a breakthrough that, certainly, isn’t even remotely on the horizon.

However, drug rehab works as far as it can, by:

Clinically assessing the patient’s needs – once contact with a drug rehab center has been made, usually by phone or online chat, individuals are invited to the facility to undergo a clinical assessment of their addiction; from this assessment, the level of care can be determined, eg. inpatient or outpatient
Providing a personalized plan of drug addiction treatment
Safely detoxing a substance-addicted patient
Providing medications (see below), as and when or if required
Providing a secure, drug-free environment enabling the patient to focus fully on recovery (residential drug rehab only)
Providing a range of therapies to improve a patient’s physical and mental health, including one-to-one counseling, specialized therapies, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and exercise and nutrition
Teaching the patient proven strategies and tools necessary to control cravings and relapse triggers
Recommending the next stage of addiction recovery, eg. an outpatient program, if required
Providing the patient with a relapse prevention plan on departure

Just like the other chronic diseases mentioned previously, patients with addiction can and do relapse. Being a relapsing brain disorder, addiction relapse should actually be more likely. However, for those who attend drug rehab, here’s how addiction stacks up statistically against these others:

Your health insurance plan may cover your
recovery at SpringBoard. Verifying your insurance is quick and easy!

When a patient leaves rehab from 7-14 days is when they’re most susceptible to overdosing and dying

LEAVING
REHAB EARLY
& RISK OF
OVERDOSE

THE RIGID STRUCTURE OF RESIDENTIAL DRUG REHAB: A TYPICAL DAY

One of the primary reasons why residential drug rehab is highly effective (and more effective than outpatient programs) is because it provides a secure, supportive drug-free environment – enabling the patient to focus fully on recovery, with no outside distractions, concerns, or temptations. Residential (inpatient) drug rehab centers are highly structured and organized, as this minimizes any additional stress and uncertainty for its patients. Obviously, all drug rehabs can differ, but a typical day as a resident in a drug addiction treatment facility follows similar scheduling:

Mornings: Breakfast and Early Meetings

Residential drug rehab programs begin the scheduled day early, starting with a nutritious breakfast. Often, there is a meditation or yoga class following this, ensuring patients begin their day in a relaxed and positive state of mind. The thinking here is to teach residents the importance of new and healthy habits, and to help them to develop a new routine for their new, substance-free life to come.

Following this, there is normally a daily group session led by a therapist to direct focus on aspects of recovery, such as the power of addiction, recovery tools, or the 12-Step program (or similar). These meetings help patients to understand their own behavior patterns or relapse triggers.

Afternoons: Daily Counseling & Therapy

After a healthy lunch, the majority of the day focuses on treatment therapies – these can include:

Counseling: One-to-one counseling sessions with a qualified counselor or psychotherapist
Individual Behavioral Therapy: Specific therapies designed to change addictive behavior, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Group Therapy: Group sessions provide a vehicle to create a mini-community, a kind of fellowship, with like-minded recovering addicts sharing their experiences and battles with addiction, and provides a safe, shared environment for personal emotional healing
Specialized Therapy Sessions: Specific therapy sessions designed to deal with a range of issues, such as anger management, grief counseling, and controlling stress
Family Therapy: The support of family is considered an essential element of successful recoveries, as addiction fundamentally affects the entire family, not just the addict. Issues such as codependency, anger and enabling create many problems, and need to be dealt with effectively in a safe environment where individual feelings can be fully addressed
Complementary Therapies: Individual drug rehabs can also offer other therapies to complement standard treatment, such as art, music, horticultural and equine therapyCounseling: One-to-one counseling sessions with a qualified counselor or psychotherapist

Free Time

Obviously, there is free time during a typical day in drug rehab. All patients are encouraged to exercise (if that is not formally included), and activities such as going to the rehab’s gym and playing basketball or soccer are encouraged. Some of the more expensive, hotel-type facilities even have swimming pools. Other ways to spend free time constructively are also encouraged, including reading, keeping a journal or meditation.

Evenings: 12-Step Meetings

During the evenings, it is common for a drug rehab to provide either a 12-step meeting or similar. These meetings again provide an environment which creates a sense of fellowship.

MEDICATIONS USED IN ADDICTION DETOX & TREATMENT (MAT)

Another primary reason that inpatient drug rehab programs are so effective is their safe and secure use of certain medications specifically for addiction detox and treatment – this is known as “medically-assisted treatment” or “medically-assisted therapy” (either abbreviates to MAT).

Their clinical use is highly dependent upon the substance that formed the addiction, and any other existing medical conditions affecting the patient; for example, a heroin addict with a co-occurring disorder, such as bipolar disorder, may require medication for the heroin withdrawal during detox, and medication for the bipolar disorder throughout treatment.

Note: It is important to understand that certain treatment medications may have some inherent risks of their own, but they can be effective in stabilizing those in detox and the early stages of recovery.

MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT (MAT)

It has proved to be clinically effective and to significantly reduce the need for inpatient detoxification services. This treatment approach has been shown to:

MAT is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a
“whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders

HOW DOES MAT WORK?

To understand how the medications, known as pharmacotherapeutics, provided by MAT actually work, and why they can be absolutely pivotal to a patient’s recovery from addiction, we first need to work out how addictive substances affect the brain when an addict uses them.

Addictive substances produce euphoric and other effects by manipulating both the brain’s pleasure and reward centers. Although different MAT medications work in slightly different ways, the majority of these pharmacotherapeutics are designed to restore the brains’ natural balance in both of these centers and stabilize the neurochemical processes, previously disrupted by a patient’s substance abuse, that occur in each.

Pharmacotherapeutics are only used as part of the drug addiction treatment of specific addictions. They are prescribed because they provide a particular benefit, such as:

Medications that offer one or more of these benefits include naltrexone (Vivitrol), buprenorphine (Probuphine, Suboxone), Modafinil (Provigil), mirtazapine (Remeron), and bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban).

MOST COMMONLY PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS IN DRUG REHAB

Naltrexone and Buprenorphine

Naltrexone is highly effective when used in opioid addiction treatment, as it completely blocks other drugs from binding to and so activating the brain’s opioid receptors, which are vital in achieving the euphoric effect that comes from opioid use. It is used in treatment after a pàtient’s detox – if it was used during the detox when opioids are still present in the body, it will significantly increase the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

During ongoing treatment, the use of naltrexone renders the use of opioids pointless, and prevents the recovering addict from experiencing a high should they relapse. Referred to medically as an “opioid antagonist,” naltrexone is easy to administer, with few side effects and no addictive quality, making it a highly effective medication for opioid addiction treatment.

Buprenorphine, a “partial opioid agonist,” works in a similar way to naltrexone, but only partially blocks the opioid receptors – this means that the receptors are activated after the drug is administered, but not to the full extent that heroin can activate them. Therefore, buprenorphine has a limit to its effect and is actually incapable of producing the euphoric reaction that addicts seek. However, it can be used to wean patients off their use of opioid substances.

Naloxone

Naltrexone is highly effective when used in opioid addiction treatment, as it completely blocks other drugs from binding to and so activating the brain’s opioid receptors, which are vital in achieving the euphoric effect that comes from opioid use. It is used in treatment after a patient’s detox – if it was used during the detox when opioids are still present in the body, it will significantly increase the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

Because the drugs have similar names, naloxone, another opioid antagonist, is often confused with naltrexone. However, the drugs are used quite differently. In addition to blocking any activation of the opioid receptors, naloxone is a competitive antagonist, meaning that it can actively reverse the narcotic effects of many opioid substances. It is because of this reversal ability that enables naloxone to effectively treat opioid overdoses.

Naloxone combined with buprenorphine is branded as Suboxone, which is used in drug addiction treatment – a medication that has been described by the medical community as “the drug [that] could combat the heroin epidemic.” Because of naloxone’s ability to deter the euphoric effects of use (and, therefore, abuse), Suboxone is a highly effective MAT drug. Buprenorphine, a “partial opioid agonist,” works in a similar way to naltrexone, but only partially blocks the opioid receptors – this means that the receptors are activated after the drug is administered, but not to the full extent that heroin can activate them. Therefore, buprenorphine has a limit to its effect and is actually incapable of producing the euphoric reaction that addicts seek. However, it can be used to wean patients off their use of opioid substances.

DRUG REHAB: DIFFERENT TYPES OF THERAPY

The proven behavioral therapies that are used in drug addiction treatment are based on the individual patient’s physical and mental health, as well as their substance use history. A wide range of effective therapy options are available; these include:

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling sessions, held one-to-one with a professionally qualified counselor or therapist, are an integral part of drug rehab treatment. This counseling gives the individual the opportunity to express themselves fully, particularly about their own psychological and social concerns that could potentially trigger a relapse; for example, stress or their home environment.

Counseling helps individuals understand their addiction and its root causes, learn to manage cravings, and deal with the potential triggers that exist in daily living.

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most common and most effective therapies used in drug rehab, either in an inpatient or outpatient setting. As virtually all addicts engage in both destructive and negative thinking and behavior, and since cognition fundamentally affects our wellbeing, it is vital to change these harmful thought patterns into far more positive, constructive and forward-thinking ones. These changes can be accomplished through the use of CBT, which is highly goal-orientated and focused on problem resolution.

Exploring the patient’s patterns of behavior, and why they are resulting in self-destruction and negativity
Identifying which thought and behavior patterns require changing, and actively working on an alternate way of thinking
Helping a patient cope positively with everyday life with practical and helpful strategies developed through CBT
Lastly, helping clients formulate their own coping strategies to handle potential triggers and stresses following their drug addiction treatment program

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Initially introduced to help those with suicidal thoughts, and now primarily used in the treatment of severe personality disorders, particularly borderline personality disorder, DBT has been again adapted for use within drug addiction treatment. Its aim in drug rehab is to reduce cravings, to help patients avoid the situations, and even opportunities, to relapse, and to learn healthy coping skills.

Patients with suicidal thoughts or who suffer from severe personality disorders are extremely difficult patients to treat, as they become reactive to any effort to get them to change their thinking, behavior, or attitudes. Equally, they become reactive at any attempt to acknowledge parts of daily life that contribute to this thinking, behavior, or attitude.

DBT was specifically designed to treat these types of patients, by synthesizing these 2 opposite states and bringing them together in a therapeutic environment (the definition of “dialectical” is “a synthesis of two opposite points of view”). It is actually a form of CBT, as it addresses a person’s thinking (their cognitions) that form their belief systems, personal assumptions, and assumptions about the world they live in.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)

MET is used to assist recovering addicts to change the negative thoughts and behaviors that are intrinsic to their addiction. It is particularly beneficial to those with dual diagnoses, who are also suffering from mental health issues such as bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Biofeedback Therapy

Biofeedback is a therapy designed to help patients understand the normal, yet involuntary processes that our bodies go through. During the therapy, electronic sensors are positioned on the patient’s skin to monitor their brain activity. Once the resulting brain patterns have been reviewed by the qualified therapist, they can recommend a number of psychological techniques that the patient can use to help overcome aspects of their addiction.

“Matrix Model” Therapy

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

REBT is a therapy to engage the patient with their own thinking, enabling them to develop better habits and routines and to be more rational in the choices they make. REBT demonstrates to the patient that rational thinking comes from within, and that external situations and influences are not the source of happiness or sadness.

Alternative Therapies & Activities to Complement Standard Treatment

Further to the standard therapies described above, there is a wide range of alternative therapies designed to complement the treatment program and may be included in a drug rehab’s list of available modalities and services. These complementary therapies improve the patient’s wellbeing and can act as a way of decreasing stress levels.

Art/Music Therapy: Run as classes or simply a recommended activity, both art and music therapy can be used for self-expression purposes and relaxation
Horticultural Therapy: An outside activity that involves planning, nutrition, and maintenance, with a product at the end
Experiential Therapy: These are specialized classes where patients are invited to take part in a completely new activity, such as rock-climbing or horse-riding
Equine-Assisted Therapy: Similar to the concept of allowing special dogs into hospitals to promote healing, using horses as therapy animals has been growing in popularity, and studies have demonstrated that the therapy is beneficial to patient outcomes
Exercise: Physical activity is a standard and essential part of treatment in most drug rehabs, as a positive way to reduce stress, release negative emotions, like anger, and to get patients physically fit after an extended period of drug abuse
Meditation/Mindfulness: Recovery and being sober can induce higher levels of stress, and both meditation and mindfulness classes can help patients to cope with this and any increased anxiety. Many recovering addicts continue this practice in the daily routines after they have left a drug rehab program
Yoga: Yoga can be a gentle activity that focuses on breathing and relaxation, or it can be a strenuous workout. Both forms are beneficial for stress management, self-awareness, physical fitness, and relaxation

Support Groups

12-Step Programs: These programs, primarily Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) follow the 12-step model of addiction recovery and its 12 “traditions” or steps, created by the founders of AA. The basis for their meetings is anonymity, allowing attendees to share their experiences and stories. “Open meetings” encourage family members, loved ones or close friends to attend, while “closed meetings” are only for those in recovery.

SMART Recovery: As an alternative to 12-step support groups, SMART Recovery is steadily becoming more popular. Its approach is to teach those in recovery how to control addictive behaviors by addressing the underlying thoughts and feelings attached to substance abuse. SMART Recovery uses a “4-Point Program” with stages that can be completed in any order.

Our alcohol recovery program allows you to keep work and family commitments while focusing on your sobriety.

Individuals who undergo treatment have a much better chance of staying sober:

INPATIENT

TREATMENT

73% of patients complete treatment

RESIDENTIAL

TREATMENT

51% of patients complete treatment

21% of patients complete treatment

OUTPATIENT

TREATMENT

43% of patients complete treatment

18% of patients complete treatment

DETOXIFICATION

33% of patients complete treatment

17% of patients complete treatment

DOES DRUG REHAB WORK?

The success of any drug rehab program is dependent upon several significant factors. For the best chance of success, the following conditions need to be in place:

Measuring the success of drug rehab programs within the U.S. is a complicated process, and has only been researched relatively recently. Although many drug rehab centers will provide “success rates” on their website, the majority of these cannot be verified with independent, official data.

Drug rehab programs can range widely in terms of length – from just a few weeks to more than a year. A standard short-term program is normally around 28-30 days. Long-term programs can be 60 days, 90 days, six months, or more in duration. However, in terms of successful outcomes, it is the long-term rehab programs that last 3 months or longer that consistently have the highest success rates, according to the NIDA.

The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) collects and collates admission and discharge data (from 1992 and 2000 onwards, respectively) from state-funded and some private drug rehabs; this is called the Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS). The latest available data set was published in 2019 and shows data for the year 2017. However, although the data set provides information on what has happened with patients post-discharge, eg. employment status and a number of arrests, it does not detail outcomes from specific drug rehabs.

According to valid research, the statistics for the probability of relapse change considerably as an individual’s time spent clean and sober increases:

Further studies clearly demonstrate that active participation in a professional drug rehab program directly influences both successful outcomes and the chances of relapse.

HOW TO CHOOSE A DRUG REHAB

Choosing a drug rehab may well turn out to be one of the most significant decisions of a person’s life. With that in mind, it is important for individuals to address certain factors to help them in making the most appropriate decision for them. Simply typing “drug rehab near me” into a search engine is going to get back some relevant results; however, that is just the beginning of the process to finding the best inpatient or outpatient drug rehab for an individual’s particular treatment needs.

Although it may seem sensible to choose a drug rehab center based on either cost or location (both undeniably important factors), the ultimate decision should be guided by all the various factors listed below in selecting the right addiction treatment facility. Here are factors that require serious consideration.

1. Due Diligence

Applying a high level of due diligence is essential in choosing which drug rehab to attend, especially when the primary point of information is the rehab’s own website. There is a wealth of information available online, but its accuracy and validity need to be verified, as there is a huge amount of a center’s own overinflated claims about success rates. Only due diligence will assist in choosing a drug rehab center that will provide the best possible chance of addiction recovery.

Additionally, if looking for a state-licensed drug rehab center, the SAMHSA’s Find Treatment page is a valuable resource, as it simply involves entering a zip code that will return local addiction services.

2. Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment

Undoubtedly, this particular decision is tied into location – either selecting a local outpatient program so as to continue living at home and be available for work or studies or selecting an inpatient program, where the location is less of an issue. However, any decision really needs to be taken with the medical advice and recommendations that have been given.

Inpatient drug rehab

Patient resides in the rehab
Higher success rate
Usually more expensive
Disruptive to daily life
24-hour support (medical and emotional)
28-day to 6-month program
Designed for serious drug addictions
Ability to fully focus on recovery

Outpatient drug rehab

Patient resides at home, but accesses treatment during the day
Lower success rate
Usually more affordable
Maintains normal daily routine
Support from family and friends
Normally 3 months, but can be up to 1 year
Designed for milder addictions
10 to 12 hours per week

3. Professional Accreditation

The quality of care available in a drug rehab center can be difficult to ascertain. However, as with any professional clinical facility, there are industry-standard accreditations (an indication of an assured standard of care) that are awarded to those centers that meet the necessary standards. The following accreditations are the most respected:

Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

The nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities

CARF-accredited facilities must demonstrate the use of high-quality programs and that treatment is tailored to each individua

National Association of drug addiction treatment Providers

Their mission is to provide leadership, advocacy, training, and member support services to ensure the availability and highest quality of addiction treatment

4. Specialisms (Dual Diagnosis)

Many drug rehab centers advertise particular specialisms, such as dual diagnosis treatment, or that they cater specifically for men, women, those requiring trauma care, adolescents or LGBT patients.

5. Therapies & Modalities

With the advancements in drug addiction treatment during the last 20 years or so, there are now a number of specialized addiction therapies (also referred to as modalities) available to patients. Specialized therapies can include, among others:

6. Optional or Additional Services

Optional or additional services (far more prevalent in expensive rehab centers) can include:

7. Cost / Insurance Verification

Undoubtedly, for the majority of people, the most important factor (that often ends up overriding everything else). Total costs, as with any service, can be restrictive. However, thanks to changes in U.S. laws and regulations, access to substance abuse treatment (specifically, SUDs and mental disorders) has never been so readily available to the average American citizen.

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 has made health insurance more affordable for individuals, families, and small business owners. Those people living with mental health challenges or SUDs previously had problems getting private health insurance – now there are special insurance protections to help.

More recently, in light of the nation’s opioid epidemic, the Substance Use Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act of 2018 was introduced, which included specific provisions to strengthen behavioral health treatment.

Thanks to these and other new laws and regulations, many family health insurance policies will cover SUD and mental disorder treatment as a matter of course. However, it is always advisable to check the insurance policy with the rehab facility to ensure they accept the health insurance as payment treatment costs.

Your health insurance plan may cover your recovery at SpringBoard. Verifying your insurance is quick and easy!

8. Outcomes: Data & Analysis

As described previously, many addiction rehab facilities will claim to have superior success rates to others (most notably, rates better than the other facilities in their general location). However, researching and finding specific data is difficult. Time to apply maximum due diligence again. Review sites and Google Reviews will help to ensure a more qualified decision.

REHAB IS THE FIRST STEP

Although long-term recovery from substance addiction can be a difficult and life-changing process, it is certainly possible. However, to increase the chances of a successful recovery, it is absolutely vital that the addict is 100% committed to getting clean, sober, and well. Additionally, the drug rehab that they attend for addiction treatment has these essential elements intrinsic to their inpatient or outpatient program:

Individualized treatment plans based on patient needs and treatment goals
One-to-one therapy with a qualified counselor or therapist
Group therapy, allowing peer-to-peer discussion
Full range of clinical therapies available
Follow-up with a quality outpatient or intensive outpatient treatment plan for clients who complete their drug rehab programs

HOW SPRINGBOARD RECOVERY CAN HELP

SpringBoard Recovery, located in Scottsdale, Arizona (near Phoenix), provides effective and affordable outpatient treatment programs for individuals struggling with substance use disorders and mental health disorders. The goal at SpringBoard is to give clients a completely fresh start, along with the recovery skills needed to thrive in everyday life – substance-free.

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What is Drug Rehab?

Table of contents

Evan Leonard MS, MMS, PA-C

in 2019

TYPES OF DRUG REHAB TREATMENT

INPATIENT DRUG REHAB PROGRAMS

OUTPATIENT DRUG REHAB PROGRAMS

The Principles of Effective Drug Addiction Treatment

Inpatient Detox

Outpatient Detox

OTHER FORMS AND ELEMENTS OF DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT

Sober Living Homes

Medications Used in Drug Addiction Treatment (MAT)

Faith-Based Drug Addiction Treatment

HOW DOES DRUG REHAB WORK?

THE RIGID STRUCTURE OF RESIDENTIAL DRUG REHAB: A TYPICAL DAY

MEDICATIONS USED IN ADDICTION DETOX & TREATMENT (MAT)

MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT (MAT)

HOW DOES MAT WORK?

MOST COMMONLY PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS IN DRUG REHAB

Naltrexone

Naloxone

DRUG REHAB: DIFFERENT TYPES OF THERAPY

Individuals who undergo treatment have a much better chance of staying sober:

73%

21%

51%

21%

43%

18%

33%

17%

DOES DRUG REHAB WORK?

HOW TO CHOOSE A DRUG REHAB

REHAB IS THE FIRST STEP

HOW SPRINGBOARD RECOVERY CAN HELP

ARE YOU OR A LOVED ONE STRUGGLING WITH A DRUG OR ALCOHOL PROBLEM?

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