Alcohol & Drug Rehab Questions

Researching rehab programs for drug or alcohol addiction can be overwhelming. But while all rehab programs are a little different, their basic structure is the same. Here are the answers to many of your questions about rehab.

Questions To Ask Before Alcohol & Drug Rehab

Before you enroll in a rehab program, it helps to know what you’re looking for and what you need. 

Do I Need Rehab?

If your alcohol or drug use interferes with daily life, you need rehab. Addiction begins when you can’t control your substance abuse, even if it hurts you or others. 

Some people wonder if their addiction is bad enough to need rehab. But waiting until it gets worse causes more damage and makes recovery more difficult.

What’s The Best Rehab Center For You?

The best rehab center for you is the one which caters to your needs, assists you with sobriety, and treats your specific mental illness or drug addiction.

Learn more about How To Choose The Right Drug Rehab Center For You

Do I Need Detox?

Detoxification (detox) before treatment is usually necessary. Getting the drugs out of your system helps you focus on therapy and recovery. 

It’s sometimes possible to detox at home with support, but many rehab programs offer detox as the beginning of treatment. Withdrawal from some drugs, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, can kill you, so it’s best to detox safely in a medical detox program.

Do I Need Inpatient Or Outpatient Care?

Inpatient care is best for people who have a severe addiction, a history of relapse, and no support system at home. It removes you from your stressful environment and helps you build a strong foundation in recovery before returning to everyday life.

If you’re in the early stages of addiction and have people around you who support your recovery, outpatient rehab may work for you. There are three levels of outpatient care with varying intensity. A personalized evaluation can help you determine which is best.

Can I Go To Rehab If I’m Pregnant?

You can go to rehab if you’re pregnant. Some addiction treatment programs are specific to pregnant women and include prenatal care. 

Pregnancy is a vital time to get help for a substance use disorder. You aren’t just responsible for your own life. Alcohol and drug abuse affects your baby, too.

Can Couples Do A Rehab Program Together?

Many treatment facilities allow couples to go to rehab together. But it isn’t the best option for everyone. Couples rehab is most effective for people who have a strong relationship and are both committed to recovery.

Is Court-Ordered Rehab Effective?

Many people believe that you have to choose to change before you can succeed in rehab. However, research shows that forced rehab can be just as effective as if you’d chosen it yourself. 

Will Rehab Treat My Specific Drug Addiction?

It doesn’t matter what drug you are addicted to, rehab can help you heal. Some rehab programs do offer treatment specific to certain drugs, such as stimulant abuse support groups or medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioids or alcohol. 

Should I Travel To A Rehab Center Or Stay Close To Home?

Traveling to a rehab center can be beneficial if you live in a toxic environment. Getting away from triggers and negative influences is essential in the first stages of addiction recovery.

If you have a supportive home life, you may be fine choosing a rehab center that’s close by, as long as it offers the type of treatment you need.

Does It Matter Where I Go To Rehab?

It matters a lot where you go to rehab. Addiction treatment centers vary greatly in their amenities and treatment options. Some provide a one-size-fits-all treatment, while others create personalized treatment plans. 

If you are in an environment that’s uncomfortable for you or doesn’t offer the type of treatment you need, you’re unlikely to find success in recovery.

Preparing For An Addiction Rehab Program

Before you go to rehab, you may need to put some things in order. Knowing how long you’ll be gone and what will happen in your absence can help you prepare for rehab.

How Long Is A Rehab Program?

Most rehab programs are 28 to 30 days long. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may last longer. Some treatment centers have residential treatment programs that extend to six months or a year.

Do I Have To Live At The Rehab Center?

Inpatient treatment requires you to live at the rehab center. Outpatient treatment allows you to live at home.

Can I Keep My Job During Rehab?

In many cases, yes. It’s possible to work during some outpatient rehab programs. If you need to take time off, the federal government offers job protection for medically necessary rehab.

What Should I Bring To Rehab?

If you’re going to be living at a rehab center, you need to pack for your time away. 

Common things that inpatient rehab centers ask you to bring are:

• your driver’s license or state ID
• your health insurance and pharmacy cards
• your prescription medications
• basic toiletries and unopened hygiene items
• clothes for various weather conditions
• photos of loved ones
• a journal or notebook
• envelopes and stamps (if they allow mail)

What Should I Not Bring To Rehab?

Inpatient rehab facilities ban certain items to keep you and others safe.

Some things you probably can’t bring to rehab are:

• alcohol or drugs
• weapons
• candles
• products that use aerosol 
• medicine that contains alcohol
• opened vitamins
• opened toiletries (such as body wash or toothpaste)
• some forms of entertainment (such as explicit content or things that support substance use)

Are Laptops Allowed In Inpatient Drug Rehab?

Laptops may be allowed at an inpatient drug rehab to help a person maintain a sense of normalcy. However, some treatment centers do not allow electronics of any kind, including laptops as well as cell phones.

To learn more, read Are Laptops Allowed In Inpatient Drug Rehab?

Can You Bring Prescribed Medications To Inpatient Rehab?

Medications with a high potential for abuse are usually not permitted in rehab programs, or depending on the situation, they may be accepted but administered only by the staff in a controlled setting to prevent misuse.

Medications used to treat specific medical conditions may be permitted with certain stipulations (e.g., brought in sealed containers with documentation, with enough doses to cover only the treatment period).

Learn more about Bringing Prescribed Medications To Rehab

Can You Bring Your Own Books To Inpatient Rehab?

Yes, you can bring your own books to inpatient rehab. Your treatment provider may check the books you are planning to bring.

To learn more, read Can You Bring Your Own Books To Inpatient Rehab?

Can You Use Your Phone During Inpatient Rehab?

Cell phone use is not permitted during inpatient rehab in most cases. Cell phones are collected during admission, turned off, and stored securely until a patient leaves the treatment program.

However, landlines are usually available for calls home during certain windows.

To learn more, read Can You Use Your Phone During Inpatient Rehab?

How To Pay For Drug & Alcohol Rehab

Rehab can be expensive and that makes people wonder how to pay for rehab. But there are ways to make rehab affordable.

Will Insurance Cover Rehab?

Insurance covers substance abuse treatment, but how much is covered depends on your plan. Many insurance plans will cover 30 days of treatment. You can learn more from your insurance provider or a rehab center you’re looking into.

Medicare usually covers some rehab services, though you may need a doctor’s referral.

Medicaid covers some addiction treatment services, too. Your coverage depends on what your state offers.

Paying For Rehab Without Insurance

If you don’t have insurance, rehab may cost $200 to $900 per day for an inpatient program or $100 to $500 per day for an outpatient program. The more expensive rehab centers tend to provide more amenities, luxury settings, and a wide range of treatment options.

Many addiction treatment facilities offer payment options, such as income-based fees or payment plans. Some provide grants or scholarships to people who can’t afford the full cost.

What To Expect In Drug Rehab

When you go to drug rehab, your life will change. Knowing what to expect can make it a little less frightening.

What Is An Average Day Like In Rehab?

In inpatient rehab, your days will be structured into regular meal times, therapy sessions, and lights out at the same time each night. Most of the day will be spent in group therapy (process groups), though you may have individual therapy as well.

You’ll likely have free time in which you can exercise, journal, or reflect on what you’ve been learning in treatment.

What Types Of Therapy Do They Use In Rehab?

Your treatment options will vary depending on the facility. The most effective rehab programs use a combination of treatment options to heal your mind, body, and spirit.

Common types of therapy used in rehab are:

• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• family psychoeducation therapy
• motivational interviewing (MI)
• art therapy
• yoga and meditation
• nutrition education
• peer support groups
• family therapy

Accredited rehab programs don’t just deal with the symptoms of addiction. They focus on relapse prevention and rebuilding the life you lost to drugs or alcohol.

Will I Have To Go Through The 12 Steps To Recovery?

Many alcohol and drug rehab centers use the 12 Steps to Recovery as a framework for their programs, but not all. Check with the rehab centers you’re interested in to learn more.

Do I Need Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

That depends on the type of drug you use and your individual needs. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is available for opioids and alcohol. It combines medication and therapy to help you deal with cravings during recovery.

Research shows that MAT effectively reduces withdrawal symptoms and keeps people from dropping out of treatment. It’s helped many people recover who may otherwise have relapsed. If you choose a rehab center that offers MAT, your treatment provider can determine if you need it.

Can I Get Treatment For Another Mental Illness While In Rehab?

If you have co-occurring disorders (addiction and another mental illness), you need dual diagnosis treatment. Poor mental health can lead to substance abuse, which worsens the symptoms of mental disorders. 

Not all rehab facilities offer dual diagnosis treatment, so make sure you choose one that does.

Does Rehab Help With Physical Health Or Just Mental Health?

Nurturing your physical health is an essential part of healing from addiction. Rehab should encourage and facilitate exercise, proper nutrition, and a healthy sleep schedule. 

Yoga, team sports, and fitness programs may be part of your personalized treatment plan.

Can I Smoke Cigarettes In Rehab?

Many rehab centers allow you to smoke cigarettes in a designated smoking area. 

Can I Get Mail In Rehab?

Some inpatient rehab centers allow you to send and receive mail, though it will probably be monitored. Your focus needs to be on recovery, not on your life outside of treatment.

Can People Visit Me In Rehab?

It depends on the rehab treatment center and your stage in treatment. Some inpatient facilities have a blackout period of a week or so during which you have no outside contact. After that, visits may be allowed but are likely limited and monitored.

Who Will Be In Rehab With Me?

You’ll be in rehab with other people who struggle with substance addiction. They may be young or old, poor or rich—addiction can affect anyone. 

Some treatment centers have rehab programs for specific groups, such as young adults. Some offer LGBTQ+-friendly treatment, and others have gender-specific programs so you can be with people who have more in common with you.

Can I Leave Treatment Early?

A rehab center can’t force you to stay in treatment, but if you leave early you risk losing the progress you made in recovery. Rehab programs are a set length for a reason. You should stay from start to finish.

Life After Alcohol & Drug Rehab

Rehab gives you support as you build a foundation in recovery. When you leave, you need to implement what you’ve learned into everyday life. 

Will Rehab Cure My Addiction?

There is no cure for addiction. The recovery process is lifelong. But rehab will give you the tools to resist relapse and live a healthy life without drugs and alcohol.

What Is An Aftercare Program?

Aftercare is the support that a rehab center gives you after your treatment program is over. 

Some examples of aftercare are:

• grief/trauma therapy
• peer support groups
• outpatient programs
• medication-assisted treatment
• medical or legal assistance

What If I Relapse?

Relapse is not failure. It’s a normal part of recovery that can reinforce your drive to stay sober. If you need extra support to avoid relapse, you can go back to rehab or enroll in outpatient care.

How Do I Stay Sober After Rehab?

Stay involved in the recovery community. Make friends with people who’ve been sober for a long time. Go to support groups. Continue substance abuse counseling. Surround yourself with positive people who live healthy lives and support your recovery.

To learn more about alcohol and drug rehab, speak with an Ohio Recovery Center specialist today.