Addiction is a deadly disease, as fatal overdoses have quickly become the number one cause of death among Americans under the age of 50. Since addiction is a progressive condition, symptoms continue to become more disabling, the longer you put off treatment. When you are ready to find help for a substance abuse disorder or drinking problem, you may wonder what rehab is like? Each rehab is unique. The treatment provided gives you a highly structured and supportive environment focused on giving you the tools and skills necessary to recover. Struggling with a substance abuse disorder, addiction, or alcoholism can make you feel lost, alone, and hopeless. Substance abuse disorders are chronic conditions that don’t discriminate. Anyone, regardless of age, race, religion, or social class, can develop a substance abuse addiction. In fact, 19.7 million Americans ages 12 and older met the criteria for a substance abuse disorder in 2017 alone.
Addiction and Treatment
Addiction can alter your brain chemistry, behavior, and cognition, which can put you in a situation where rehab is your only chance of recovery – but what is rehab like? When you use drugs or alcohol, your brain associates the substance with pleasure because psychoactive substances are neurotransmitter inhibitors. The rush of neurotransmitters the brain releases, when you use, causes intoxication. Over time, your brain becomes incapable of releasing neurotransmitters without your substance of choice. Because your brain uses positive reinforcement to reward your drug use, it can be incredibly difficult to stop using without treatment. Anything that reminds you of your substance of choice can cause intense cravings, while physical dependency can make you deal with overwhelming withdrawal symptoms if you stop using it. Drugs and alcohol also impact your decision-making centers, making you more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors and make risky decisions. Addiction and substance abuse disorders can also damage your relationships and finances. Substance abuse treatment is usually needed to recover because of the severity of brain chemistry alterations addiction causes.
What is Rehab Like?
So, what is rehab like, and how does it help you recover from an addiction? Treatment programs offer both inpatient and outpatient options. Inpatient programs are residential, meaning that you stay at the facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Outpatient programs allow you to return home each night. If you are still wondering what rehab like is, substance abuse treatment utilizes evidence-based and holistic therapies to help you recover. Some of the most effective therapies include:
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Medication-assisted detox
- Relapse prevention education
- Cognitive and dialectical behavioral health
- Meditation and mindfulness exercises
Inpatient programs typically last for at least 28 days, while outpatient programs can last for several months or longer. During treatment, your day will be planned out ahead of time to ensure that you have the structure necessary to benefit from evidence-based and holistic therapies.
Getting Treatment Today
If you are wondering what is rehab like, chances are that you or a loved one is battling an addiction. Finding help is the first step in your recovery journey. To learn more about our programs or to make arrangements to start treatment, call us today at 844.875.5609.