It’s estimated that of all the people who would benefit from residential treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, only between seven and ten percent get the care they need. There are many reasons for avoiding treatment, but for many people, it’s simply a fear of the unknown. They don’t know what to expect from rehab, so they don’t seek help. Understanding the basics of what treatment entails can prepare a person for the process, and that can help provide the motivation necessary to complete a rehabilitation program and achieve recovery.
- Rehabilitation begins as soon as a patient checks in. After speaking to a recovery specialist to see if the program is a good fit, and touring the facility, the patient will make a decision whether or not to seek treatment. Then the admissions team will work with the patient and medical professionals to create a customized treatment plan, based on the information gathered during the intake interview.
- Detox is typically the first step in the rehabilitation process. This can be the most difficult stage, because withdrawal from drugs or alcohol involves physical and psychological symptoms that are uncomfortable and sometimes even dangerous. The physical symptoms include shakiness, nausea, headache, irregular heartbeat, sweating and clamminess, fever, and seizures, while the psychological symptoms include anxiety, depression, insomnia, nightmares, mood swings, agitation, and hallucinations. Fever, seizures, and hallucinations are the most dangerous symptoms, and often result from a severe withdrawal reaction known as delirium tremens (DT). DT can be life-threatening, so it’s extremely important that detox and withdrawal are managed in a professional facility under the care of medical professionals.
- Therapy is the next step in rehabilitation, and it often begins during detox. Behavioral therapy often includes group and individual therapy, and there are many different types of therapies that may be employed to help people understand the motivations behind their behaviors, recognize their triggers, and develop coping skills. Some of these therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and interpersonal therapy. With CBT, patients learn to recognize their thought patterns and behavioral responses in order to develop more positive behaviors. Trauma-focused CBT takes trauma into account so that people can make the connection between traumatic experiences and behavior, in order to consciously break the link. DBT is helpful in managing dual diagnoses, and interpersonal therapy helps a person build a social network and other support structures to help prevent relapse. Sometimes, family or marriage therapy is incorporated in treatment as well.
- It’s important to prepare patients for life after treatment. Sometimes, transitioning out of treatment can be difficult. Educating a person about addiction is an important part of the preparation for returning to a normal routine. In addition to motivational and coping strategies, education might include teaching people about resources available in the community for the support of post-treatment recovery.
At BriteLife Recovery, two different facilities make up the rehab experience. At the detox and residential center on Hilton Head, highly intense therapies and 24-hour care from doctors, nurses, and addiction-certified psychiatrists all happen in an amazing and luxurious environment. From there, patients step down to an 11-bedroom, 10-bath Victorian mansion with a therapy center that contains a recovery clubhouse, professionally designed gymnasium, yoga studio, movie theater, group rooms, and therapy rooms. Following a stay at BriteLife, patients are referred to aftercare programs that have been thoroughly screened by the BriteLife team, to make sure that they receive the support so crucial to continued success.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, BriteLife Recovery is here for you. A one-on-one approach to addiction recovery is at the heart of BriteLife’s philosophy, and it’s key to the success of the program. Individual therapy can give patients tools and help them find the strength they need to survive addiction and rebuild their lives. If know someone who you think would benefit from the BriteLife approach to addiction recovery, visit our website to learn more. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to find out how we can help.