Millions of Americans suffer from drug and alcohol addiction, and making the decision to heal this mental and physical affliction is a big one. Having access to an established rehabilitation program as well as the support of family and friends will be a critical part of obtaining sobriety and staying healthy long term. Unfortunately, the disease of denial is as pervasive as addiction itself. Quite often, those who develop an addiction to drugs or alcohol do not realize that the problem exists until the issue is deep-rooted. Classic signs of dependence on drugs and alcohol include:
- A strong desire to use drugs and alcohol
- An inability to stop when asked, or when you realize there is a problem
- Problems in relationships
- Insomnia
- Health problems
- Issues at work
- Isolation, being cut off or separated from others
- Having to take greater amounts of a substance to get the same desired effect
- Blackouts, poor memory function
If you notice that any of these signs and symptoms are present in your life, it is essential that you get help to restore your health and reclaim a more balanced life.
Entering rehab
Many treatment options exist for rehabilitation. Many treatment centers offer remote and in-house options, as well as varied program lengths, to cater to your individual situation and needs. Take the advice of trusted friends and family members who can help you make the right choice for treatment.
What to expect as treatment begins
A first-time experience in rehabilitation can be intimidating. Regardless of how strong your desire is to quit, there is anxiety and fear around not knowing what to expect from treatment. After the initial intake assessment from a team of doctors and psychologists, you’ll undergo a period of detox, where you may experience symptoms of withdrawal, including:
- Anxiety, insomnia
- Nausea, vomiting
- Dizziness
- Aches and pains
- Tremors
- Profuse sweating
- Headaches
- Trouble breathing
Your care team will be watching closely and monitoring your symptoms, giving medication as needed to ease withdrawal symptoms. After the initial period of detox, you’ll undergo various therapies and counseling to restore balance to mind, body, and spirit. Committing to this process is essential if you want to put addiction behind you once and for all.
Can I get kicked out of rehab?
Unfortunately, relapse is a pervasive problem that affects many people entering treatment. Entering rehabilitation is not a guarantee that healing will take place. Your attitude and perception of treatment will often determine your success. If you view rehabilitation and treatment like a prison, you’ll not likely complete your first course, and you may see additional issues with addiction until you reach a point where recovery is your only option. Most people that are sent home from rehab either experience a substance abuse relapse, or refuse some sort of treatment offered. Rehabilitation centers expect their protocols to be followed in order to maintain safety and security for their residents, and failure to do so could compromise the efficacy of the program. As a means of maintaining compliance, many rehabilitation centers will conduct random drug testing as part of the program. Residential rehabilitation programs make it almost impossible for people to have access to drugs and alcohol, yet they maintain these testing protocols just to ensure that patients stay on track with recovery.
Breaking the rules
While rules vary from center to center, in general these activities are considered violations of rehabilitation:
- Use of mobile phones to contact people outside of rehab
- Sex with other patients or staff inside the center
- Use of drugs or alcohol, or an attempt to obtain illegal substances while in treatment
If you desire a healthier, more fulfilled life, then rehabilitation of some kind is essential for your long-term health and growth. Reframe your time in rehab as an opportunity to obtain a fresh new start. You’ll be better able to commit to the process, use resources provided for better health, and look forward to improved life situations and relationships. If you are ready to get started on your road to a better life, call 954-523-1167. You deserve vibrant health and happiness; put yourself on the pathway today.