Drug rehab is basically the process of psychosocial or medical treatment for addiction to psychoactive substances like alcohol, prescription medications, and illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines or heroin. Many times drug rehab centers treat addicts inpatient or outpatient, where they receive individual or group therapy as part of their recovery from addiction. Inpatient treatment allows the addict to stay for a period of time in a hospital, nursing home or rehabilitation center. Outpatient treatment allows the addict to stay at home and receive counseling, support groups and support from friends and family while recovering from drug addiction.
During drug rehab treatment, the addict will undergo various therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT) and group and family therapy (GFT). These three types of therapy are based on the theory that addicts develop emotional patterns during their drug abuse. The addict then learns how to control these emotional patterns to stop them from reoccurring again and eventually to break the emotional chains of addiction. The most effective drug rehab programs use a combination of therapy to address the patient’s addiction. Inpatient drug rehab programs have one-on-one therapists that work with the patient individually to discuss their problems.
Drug rehab centers often utilize both inpatient and outpatient programs. Inpatient treatment involves a long term stay at the center in an individual’s room with other patients who suffer from similar addictions. Many people have a tendency to confide in friends and family members when they are struggling from drug addiction. However, this can become quite embarrassing and can also create an avenue for the drug addict to lie about their problem. Therefore, inpatient drug rehab programs give patients the opportunity to interact with other patients and learn new skills like socializing with other addicts and learning how to cope with their emotions while at home. Outpatient programs allow patients to go home after a week or so of being in the drug rehab center and return to their normal daily routine.
