So you’re going to rehab what happens now?

Consideration & Preparation for going to Rehabilitation

While many people avoid going to rehab for treatment for a variety of reasons, some don’t get help because they aren’t sure what to expect from a Recovery Treatment Programme.
Treatment programmes are successful if the individual in treatment is motivated throughout the process. Knowing what each part of treatment entails can prepare individuals for the process so they’re ready for each step and committed to completing it.

If you’re considering going to rehab or preparing to start on your journey to sobriety, there are a couple of things you’ll want to do. Those include looking at the type of treatment, where to find treatment, the costs, your medical coverage, and any other loose ends like telling your loved ones or employers. As such it’s best to know your options and that’s why we have admissions navigators available 24/7.

Consideration & Preparation for going to Rehabilitation

If you’re unsure if you need to be going to rehab, take our free, private assessment below to find out.

Checking into Houghton House Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Centre – Drug and Alcohol Rehab Facilities

When you first enter rehab, there’ll typically be a thorough intake interview to figure out more about the individual, the type of alcohol or drug abuse involved, and any other underlying or co-occurring conditions.

Once you check in to Houghton House drug and alcohol detox centre, you’ll begin the recovery process from that moment on. You’ll have an interview about your health and your addiction, before moving on to medical detox. When you’re ready, behavioral therapy, family therapy and educational offerings will help train you for sobriety.

Houghton House offers a customised treatment for the individual. The intake process is an important step of this process, as it is used to help diagnose the types of treatments that are needed.

Detox, Withdrawal and Recovery: The Five Steps going to rehab

Detox, Withdrawal and Recovery: The Five Steps going to Rehab

One of the first steps in addiction treatment is to stop taking drugs and drinking alcohol. Depending on someone’s individual history and physiology, withdrawal from alcohol, benzos & opiates can produce a wide spectrum of physical and psychological symptoms.

  • Shakiness
  • Headache
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Sweating and clamminess
  • Seizures
  • Poor mental health:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

The 5 Stages of Change

When it comes to addiction, the Houghton House programme focuses on abstinence.

Beginning Stage going to Rehab

In the first stage of addiction recovery, an individual is not yet ready for any treatment programme. This phase is characterized by defensiveness and rationalization of their behavior. There’s a clear lack of insight into the adverse effects excessive drug or alcohol use has on their life, and a strong focus on the positive effects they experience from using drugs.

Some people might remain in the pre-contemplation stage because they don’t have enough information about addictive behaviors. Another reason we regularly see people get stuck in this stage is disappointment with multiple failed attempts at recovery and treatment options. Most people who are pre-contemplating believe that recovery isn’t possible for them. The truth, however, is that anyone can recover from any stage.

Contemplation Stage Two

For the next phase of recovery, the person has become contemplative and is moving beyond denial. They are ready for change, but not immediately. Unlike earlier stages, they are aware of the benefits of being sober.

Historically, the emotional first stage of addiction is often marked with denial. Addicts are often aware of the perceived benefits they feel from substance abuse. But by the time damage or loss becomes obvious and consequences become inevitable, family members and treatment facilities are more likely to be able to reason with them. By avoiding accusations, judgment, and blame when guiding this person to the next stage, it’s possible to get them to listen.

Stage Three Preparation going to Rehab

To prepare for sobriety, the individual needs to be ready and willing to make a change. In this stage, they may have already started making steps toward taking action, such as looking at joining a gym or seeing a counsellor or quitting addiction without attending rehab.

For most people in this phase, it is not normal to go a day without turning to drug or alcohol abuse. Think of this as normal – they may feel that they need a drink or use drugs, but then they will think of the consequences and decide against it. However, it’s not uncommon for people like this to revert back to contemplation if their addiction starts acting up or something difficult occurs.

Stage Four Action

This stage of change at Houghton House is characterized by sustained abstinence and an inclination to turn to professionals for help before or after relapse.

In order for there to be a complete rehabilitation, bad and negative behavior has to stop completely. In fact, change must be evident across multiple aspects of the patient’s life. The individual needs to self-care along with self-understanding and counselling.

Fith Stage Maintenance

During the maintenance stage of addiction recovery, the individual is working to prevent relapse. They’re working to follow their lifestyle changes, like getting regular exercise, recreational activities, staying sober, focusing on sleep hygiene, and going to support groups. The individual doesn’t feel tempted to relapse as frequently as someone during the action stage. But that doesn’t mean they don’t struggle from time to time; they do know it’s an uphill battle and they sometimes feel defeated by addiction’s power over them.

This step can last months or years, depending on the severity of the addiction and the individual’s genetics and experience. It usually takes a patient a few months of abstinence in order to be able to realise they don’t need to go back to their addictive behavior. For most people, however, the commitment of two and up to five years sometimes is necessary for them to fully break their habit and cement the change.


Recovery at Houghton House Addiction & Mental Health Treatment Centres is here to help you on your journey toward sobriety. Houghton House rehab centres offer individualized and personalized care for your specific needs going to rehab.
Call us today at:

  • 24 Hr. Phone: 011 787 9142
  • Emergency Mobile: 079 770 7532

We’ll help you enroll in one of our alcohol or drug addiction treatment programmes.

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