Drug rehabilitation is an ongoing process in which individuals are treated in an outpatient setting and must remain abstinent from illegal drugs. This can be a lifelong commitment, but most individuals have recovered from their addiction at some point during their lives. The primary goal of a drug rehab is to reduce the frequency and severity of drug-related problems. The drug rehab process typically focuses on changing both behavior and thought patterns related to substance abuse, and helps the individual to develop a healthier, safer lifestyle.
Drug rehab centers typically offer detoxification and stabilization programs, group therapy, relapse prevention programs and individual counseling. Drug rehab centers may provide the individual with medication to reduce withdrawal symptoms, such as methadone, suboxone and buprenorphine. In addition, they may include group and individual counseling in order to help patients establish healthy relationships and work toward maintaining recovery. When patients are admitted into a drug rehab center, the staff will evaluate the severity of the addiction and recommend an appropriate drug-free living program.
One of the primary goals of a drug rehab center is to provide an environment that encourages recovery. For this reason, a patient who is entering an alcohol rehabilitation program is often required to work closely with the staff, including attending meetings, participating in group therapy sessions, and being monitored by nurses and other professionals. Staff members often work closely with the patient in order to develop a plan that will be beneficial to both the individual and the rehabilitation center. Additionally, the patient will be evaluated periodically to determine whether further changes are needed to the treatment plan. During the initial assessment phase, the patient will meet with a treatment team, which consists of a psychologist, an addiction specialist, a psychiatrist and other trained medical personnel. The treatment team will examine the client’s current health and lifestyle to determine which elements need to be addressed and which areas require immediate attention.