Addiction is a complex disease. Yes, a disease. I want to emphasize that bit because one of the challenges to successful rehabilitation is the view that addiction is just a moral failing, not a disease. We need to see it as a disease, the same way we see malaria, so that we can agree that someone who is addicted needs treatment in the same way someone with malaria needs medical intervention.
But it is also a complex disease, first in the sense that it affects the body and the mind to the point that one will not seek treatment. It is like malaria, but a malaria that makes the patient never want to visit a hospital or see a doctor. The patient may not seek help on their own. Second, it has lasting effects that need to be treated. Think of it as someone who has fractured both legs. Treatment is not just a pill to swallow, but a long period of physiotherapy, bone implants, pain relief medication, etc. Third, it has diverse causes, and effective treatment must address the underlying causes to prevent relapse.
This is the reason why our approach to treating addiction is a long-term program, not short-term. It involves a 3-month inpatient program at our facility, then a one-year follow-up program that seeks to ensure that a person gets all the support they need to remain sober.
So, what does a 3-month rehab program look like? What does it entail? Here is an overview.
Phase 1: Cleansing and Assessment
The initial days of treatment involve a comprehensive assessment and detoxification.
- Medical Detox: For many substances, the first step is medically supervised detox. This critical phase ensures a safe and as comfortable as possible withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. Medical staff monitor vital signs, manage withdrawal symptoms with appropriate medication, and address any immediate health concerns. Attempting to detox alone can be dangerous, making this a crucial first step in a professional setting.
- Comprehensive Assessment: Once medically stable, a thorough assessment takes place. This involves a detailed evaluation of your physical health, mental health history (including any co-occurring disorders like depression or anxiety, known as dual diagnosis), the history and severity of your substance use, and your personal circumstances. This information forms the basis of your individualized treatment plan, which is constantly reviewed and adjusted throughout your stay.
Phase 2: Intensive Therapy and Skill Building
This is where the actual rehabilitation takes root. The extended timeframe allows for deeper exploration of underlying issues and the development of robust coping mechanisms. A typical day is structured to provide a balance of intensive therapy, educational sessions, and personal reflection.
- Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions with a dedicated therapist are a cornerstone of recovery. Here, you’ll explore the root causes of your addiction, whether it’s trauma, stress, grief, or other emotional challenges. Therapists utilize evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help you identify unhealthy thought patterns, develop new coping skills, and address emotional wounds.
- Group Therapy: Sharing experiences and insights with peers who understand your struggles is incredibly powerful. Group therapy fosters a sense of community, reduces feelings of isolation, and provides a safe space for mutual support and accountability. Various types of group therapy might be offered, focusing on topics like relapse prevention, emotional regulation, communication skills, and processing difficult emotions.
- Family Therapy: Addiction often impacts the entire family unit. Our program incorporates family therapy sessions, aiming to repair damaged relationships, educate loved ones about the disease of addiction, and establish healthy boundaries and communication patterns to create a supportive environment for long-term recovery.
- Educational Workshops: Understanding the science of addiction, the brain’s response to substances, and the stages of recovery is vital. Workshops provide psychoeducation on these topics, equipping you with knowledge to empower your journey.
- Life Skills Training: Rebuilding a life free from substance use often requires learning practical skills. This might include time management, financial planning, resume building, healthy relationship skills, and stress management techniques. The goal is to prepare you for independent, sober living.
- Holistic and Wellness Therapies: Our program integrates holistic approaches to promote overall well-being. This can include meditation, mindfulness, art therapy, music therapy, work therapy, and exercise programs. These activities help in reconnecting with oneself, managing stress, and developing healthy leisure pursuits.
- Spiritual Formation: We believe that the body cannot be completely well if the spirit is not. As a Christian organization, we help people reconnect with God, giving them hope for this life and in eternity.
Phase 3: Relapse Prevention and Aftercare Planning
As the program nears its conclusion, the focus shifts to preparing for life outside the structured environment of rehab.
- Relapse Prevention Strategies: This is a crucial component. You’ll learn to identify personal triggers (people, places, emotions, or situations that might lead to cravings) and develop specific, actionable strategies to manage them. This includes creating a personalized relapse prevention plan.
- Aftercare Planning: Recovery is a lifelong journey. Before leaving the facility, a comprehensive aftercare plan is developed collaboratively with your treatment team. This plan might include:
- Outpatient Therapy: Continued individual and/or group therapy sessions.
- Support Groups: Connection to local 12-step programs (like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous) or other peer support groups.
- Vocational or Educational Support: Assistance with returning to work or school.
- Medication Management
- Reintegration Support: The final weeks also focus on gradually reintegrating into daily life, often through supervised outings or activities that simulate real-world situations, allowing you to practice new coping skills in a controlled environment.