Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is the process of returning an individual to a previous way of functioning. In terms of drug abuse, rehab is given as a part of a drug treatment program that starts with drug detox and continues with effective medical and psychological assistance to help the individual return to a previous state of functioning, prior to the negative effects of substance abused. Rehabilitation differs from treatment in that the latter only focuses on eliminating the cause of the illness.  Alcohol rehab or drug rehab seeks to return the patient to his previous state of functioning with a mixture of therapies coupled with effective teaching.

Choosing an Effective Rehabilitation Program

There are some indicators to look for in a good rehab program. For one, most effective rehab programs adopt the diseased person model, which believes that rehabilitation is an ongoing process that will last the person's lifetime. This is a model adopted by such programs as the 12-Step Programs of AA and NA and the basis of more than 90% of all the residential drug treatment programs functioning today. These programs also adopt the complete abstinence viewpoint when it comes to certain drugs and especially alcohol.

Location is another important consideration when looking for a good drug rehab program. In the past you can find rehabs in the inner cities, surrounded by the urban jungle. Today, programs for drug treatment are incorporating the environment as an integral part of healing, which is why programs are now being conducted in facilities located away from the city and from the old environment of the patient. Upscale rehab centers often resemble summer resorts with their surrounding landscapes and magnificent views and even offer an array of distractions such as outdoor hikes, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, yoga, among other things. All these provide a stress-free and calming environment which is conducive for reflection and emotional and mental clarity.  

Look for a drug rehabilitation program with a success rate of over 50%, which means that over 50% of its patients have successfully terminated the habit of using drugs and are remaining drug free with the help of after care programs and counseling. 

Additional Services 

Newer drug rehabilitation programs offer other services that will help the individual cope with temptations once they get out of the program and return to their normal lives. Classes that teach strategic coping mechanisms are done to help them identify sources of stress and other means of alleviating the stressor without resorting to the bottle or to drugs. Healthier alternatives for stress relief are crucial in helping patients remain sober long after they have left the program.