As our understanding of addiction has grown over the last several decades, so has our approach to addiction treatment. We have moved from the one-size-fits-all approach that used to be common to treatment plans customized to people’s unique needs and challenges. This has undeniably contributed to the success of modern-day addiction treatment: relapse is likely to always be part of the recovery journey for some people, but a lot more people are achieving long-term sobriety than what we used to see in the past.
Part of the evolution of addiction treatment has been the development of different kinds of rehab centres. Inpatient rehab used to be the only way to get treatment, but where did that leave people who didn’t have the ability to pay or the freedom to take a few weeks off work? In the absence of other kinds of rehab, a lot of people with addictions were being left untreated.
Today there is a variety of rehab formats. This makes addiction treatment far more accessible to a much greater number of people. Some people will only use one kind of rehab during their early recovery; others move from one form of rehab to another as they progress.
#1 Medical Detox Centre
For some people with addictions, medical detox is the first step. This is a process whereby the substance of abuse works its way out of the person’s system. In the case of some substances, such as marijuana, the addicted person can safely withdraw at home. For other substances, such as alcohol, withdrawal symptoms can be so dangerous that the only safe place is a hospital or detox centre. The individual is placed under round-the-clock supervision by medical professionals so that withdrawal symptoms can be monitored and treated as they arise.
During this process, some work is done to physically rehabilitate the patient. They are given nutritious meals designed to boost the immune system, they are taught how to hydrate properly, they may be put through some exercise or physical therapy. The goal is to strengthen the body to make ongoing recovery easier.
#2 Inpatient Rehab Centre
Many people who go through medical detox then move on to inpatient rehab. Some inpatient facilities have in-house detox centres that allow patients to move seamlessly from one phase of recovery to the next without having to change locations.
Regarded by many as the gold standard of addiction treatment, inpatient rehab is a program that involves the client living at the facility for the duration of treatment. It is a highly structured environment in which you follow the schedule that is given to you. Benefits include round-the-clock support, the ability to focus solely on recovery, and temporary removal from people and places that trigger substance use. Drawbacks include cost and the fact that not everyone can take time off work or leave their homes for the duration of an inpatient program.
#3 Partial Hospitalization Program
Partial hospitalization offers much of the same structure typically found in an inpatient rehab centre, but the client goes home at the end of each day. Treatment is conducted for several hours a day, several days a week, at a treatment facility. In many cases, clients are there for the whole day, and they are provided with lunch and breaks. Throughout the day, there are several sessions that include group or individual therapy, skill or life-building workshops, and educational sessions. For school-aged children, partial hospitalization programs may also include time for schoolwork.
While someone in a partial hospitalization program may not be able to work or attend school full-time, they are able to participate in other aspects of “normal” life, such as family activities and outings with friends. In some cases, people transition from inpatient rehab to partial hospitalization; in other cases, partial hospitalization is a lower cost alternative for people who need intensive support but cannot afford to go to an inpatient facility.
#4 Outpatient Rehab Centre
Outpatient rehab offers a lower level of support than partial hospitalization, but the intensity varies from one program to the next. As with partial hospitalization those participating in outpatient programs attend therapy sessions and other appointments at a treatment centre, but they live at home and participate in most aspects of their lives. A lot of people are able to work while taking part in outpatient programs, at least on a part-time basis.
Outpatient addiction treatment is often the next step for people coming out of inpatient rehab, as it allows them to solidify their newly acquired skills and capabilities in a real-world environment while still receiving consistent support. This mode of treatment is also a good option for people with less severe addictions who have a strong support network of friends and family members.
#5 Sober Living Facility
Making the transition back to “normality” after rehab can be a daunting prospect. Sober living facilities are a way for people to acclimatize to the real world while being in a supportive environment. They usually take the form of houses in which all residents are recovering addicts. People who live in the houses are subjected to rules and restrictions: no alcohol or drugs, attendance at outpatient programs or 12-step meetings, a job or verifiable efforts to find a job. Some houses have stricter rules, such as regular drug tests and curfews. In others, the rules are more relaxed – for instance, residents may be allowed to go away for weekend trips.
It is common for people to live in several sober living houses in succession, as they recover enough to be able to handle more relaxed rules. Ultimately, this is a good way to ease the transition back to real life and reduce the risk of relapse.
Taking The First Step
Before you can go to any of these types of rehab centres, you have to take the first step and make the decision to get help. The kind of help you need will depend on your particular circumstances, and it should drive your search for an appropriate addiction treatment facility.
At Thousand Islands Rehab Centre, we offer personalized inpatient addiction treatment that is designed to target your specific needs and challenges. We provide a full range of services, including medical detox, a variety of therapies and treatments, and a comprehensive aftercare program for people going back out into the real world. Contact us today to find out how we can help you in your recovery journey.
