Frequently Asked Questions About Addiction Treatment

How do I know if I, or someone I love, need treatment for substance abuse?

Individuals need rehab if their lives have become chaotic and damaged because of their addictive behaviors. Addiction is characterized by the inability to control the use of drugs, alcohol, sex, and/or gambling despite the negative consequences. These consequences often include losing employment, legal issues, destroying relationships with family and friends, poor health, etc.

Why go to a rehabilitation centre?

In most cases, the drug addict or alcoholic tend to minimize their use and the associated consequences. They deny the negative impact substance abuse is having on themselves and their family. Substances or alcohol linger in the blood stream which results in a person’s thought process remaining somewhat distorted. Hence, the initial goal while in rehab is substance detoxification and thereafter, abstinence.

While in treatment, patients are assisted in breaking through their denial and working towards accepting and taking responsibility for their actions. One aspect of substance abuse is the deterioration of personal relationships, which often leads to isolation, loneliness and depression. Rehab places addicts and alcoholics in an environment where they share experiences. This process helps in creating strong interpersonal relationships.

What goes on in “rehab”?

Treatment can take many different forms, vary in length of time and take place in a variety of settings. It includes:

  • An initial psychosocial evaluation
  • Detoxification
  • Education
  • Individual therapy sessions
  • Family therapy or a family program
  • Group Therapy
  • 12 step meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous

What if the drug addict or alcoholic doesn’t think they have a problem?

Denial is a part of the recovery process and can be expected. Addicts and alcoholics are rarely honest when it comes to describing their substance use – especially when discussing it with family members or loved ones. Initially, patients may lack willingness to engage in the therapeutic process. One of the primary responsibilities of the treatment team is to deal with the client’s resistance.

Why can’t an alcoholic or drug addict just quit on their own?

Everyone who has suffered from addiction or alcoholism believed that they would be able to control or stop using on their own. Most attempts to stop or slow down result in a return to substance use. Medical professionals acknowledge that long- term drug/alcohol use results in significant brain chemistry changes. These changes may remain long after use has stopped. These brain function alterations have behavioral consequences, including the compulsion to use drugs or alcohol despite the negative consequences. Since the defining characteristics of addiction are compulsion, craving and withdrawal, it is understandable that many find it almost impossible to recover without support, treatment and ongoing recovery care.

Do you have a detox facility?

Yes. Experienced medical professionals supervise our detoxification process so as to ensure as comfortable a process as possible. After the body is cleansed of addictive substances, the recovery program begins with individual counseling, group therapy etc.

Who will the client be seen by?

Doctors, nurses, addiction counselors, psychologists and social workers care for all our clients.

Does your program treat both drugs and alcohol?

Yes. Many of our clients have a combination of addictions.

What if someone has been in drug rehab or alcoholism treatment before?

Addiction and alcoholism are a chronic illness which means a person may be prone to relapse. As such, it is not unusual for a person to experience multiple treatment episodes prior to achieving long-term recovery.

What types of therapies will be used?

Our program includes individual one-on-one counseling, group therapy, 12-step support groups and family therapy.

Will the family be involved in the treatment process?

Family involvement is an important part of the treatment program. In many cases, the difference between long-term sobriety and relapse is the ability of a recovering individual’s loved ones to offer the necessary support to promote healthy living. Our treatment program encourages strong family involvement in the recovery and aftercare process.

What happens after Treatment?

Our clients develop an aftercare plan with their therapist during the treatment process. They develop an aftercare plan specific to their circumstances and situations. Attendance to additional support groups such as the Relapse Prevention Program, Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous are encouraged.

Is Drug Addiction or Alcoholism Treatment Worth Its Cost?

Substance abuse treatment is cost-effective in reducing drug/alcohol use and its associated health and social costs. Treatment is simply less expensive than the alternative which is to leave the addiction or alcoholism untreated.

What are the different types of rehab programs