Why Should You Go to Rehab?

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If you are struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, it may seem as if your entire life is dedicated to finding your next fix or next drink. However, checking into a rehab facility can be the first step toward freeing yourself from the hold that an illicit substance has on your life. Let’s take a closer look at why you should consider checking yourself into a rehab facility and the types of treatment that might be available.

Do I Need Rehab?

Perhaps the hardest part about overcoming a drug or alcohol problem is admitting that you have a problem. This may be especially difficult if you are considered to be a functioning addict. A functioning addict is someone who is able to remain productive at work, interact with friends, or otherwise make it seem as if nothing is amiss.

However, even if you are able to function relatively well despite your dependence on drugs, alcohol, or other substances, you are still doing damage to your body. Furthermore, you can’t guarantee that you won’t react poorly to a drug or behave badly while under the influence of alcohol. Over the course of a few hours, you could lose your job, lose your spouse, or otherwise see your life unravel.

Generally speaking, you need help if you can’t go more than a few hours without a drink or without your drug of choice. You should also seriously consider getting help if you experience withdrawal symptoms that interfere with your ability to get through your day safely. These symptoms may include blackouts, hallucinations, or an inability to speak or think clearly.

The Potential Benefits of Going to Rehab

At a minimum, checking into rehab allows you to temporarily sever the ties that enable you to drink or use your drug of choice. If you are going to rehab for the first time, it’s likely that you will participate in an inpatient program. In such a scenario, you will likely be immediately taken to a private area where you will be allowed to detox.

This process may take several hours to several days, depending on your personal history of drug or alcohol use. Typically, patients are supervised by a staff of trained medical professionals. Therefore, your body gets a chance to reset itself in a safe and controlled manner.

While you are at a rehab facility, you will have limited contact with the outside world. This means that you won’t be able to schedule a meeting with your drug dealer or take a quick trip to the liquor store to restock your fridge. Instead, you will primarily stay in touch with your spouse, parents, or others who are committed to your long-term health goals.

What Do You Do in Rehab?

When you are healthy enough to do so, you will typically be allowed to take part in group or individual therapy sessions. These sessions are designed to help you figure out the root cause of your addiction and brainstorm strategies to help you overcome your urge to drink or use other substances.

It’s not uncommon for addiction to be linked in part to mental health issues. Therefore, for some people, the simple act of speaking with a therapist may help them overcome their issues. However, you may also be prescribed medication for ADHD or other conditions that may be caused by chemical imbalances in your brain.

In addition to working with a mental health specialist, you may be given time to engage in therapeutic activities on an independent basis. For instance, you may choose to take an art class, take long walks on facility grounds or learn how to meditate.

These activities are designed to give you the space and freedom needed to contemplate your past actions. They are also designed to give you a healthy outlet to deal with stress, anxiety, or other uncomfortable emotions that you might deal with in the future. Instead of reaching for a bottle of booze or pills to help you calm down, you’ll choose to write in your journal or simply move around until the urge to make an unhealthy choice passes.

How Do I Find a Rehab Facility?

Perhaps the easiest way to find a Long Island drug rehab facility is to type this phrase into your favorite search engine. However, it may be in your best interest to ask your doctor about facilities in your area that are worth looking into. It may also be a good idea to ask your medical insurance company for recommendations, as it’s possible that your policy will cover the cost of drug rehab in Long Island.

If you have friends, family members, or others who have gone to rehab, you may want to ask them about their experiences. This will further help you determine what to look for when deciding which treatment facility best meets your needs and budget. Furthermore, this information can help you decide whether you want to participate in an inpatient or outpatient program.

When Is Outpatient Rehab Right for You?

An outpatient program may be right for you if you simply need more guidance as you navigate your road to sobriety. Generally speaking, an outpatient program consists of group meetings that might take place at a church, library, or other public places. You may also be given a sponsor who you can contact when you feel tempted to use drugs or alcohol. This person can help you talk through your feelings and take other steps to ensure that you make smart choices until your urge to use fades away.

As a general rule, outpatient programs are ideal for those who have already participated in an inpatient program. They are also ideal for those who don’t need to go through a formal detox process or who aren’t at risk of hurting themselves or others. Finally, outpatient programs are best suited for individuals who have the willpower needed to avoid people or places that might trigger their need to use drugs or alcohol.

What Else Should You Know About Going to Rehab?

One of the most important things to understand about going to rehab is that it won’t immediately cure you of your urge to drink or use drugs. In fact, most addicts never truly get past their addictions. Instead, the goal is to simply live each day doing the best that you can to avoid the things that are damaging to your health and overall quality of life.

It’s also important to understand that you may have to go to rehab multiple times over the course of your adult life. While you may think that relapsing is a sign of weakness, this is not at all true. The truth is that seeking help after you have fallen down is a sign of strength that should be commended.

Lastly, it’s worth pointing out that you are allowed to leave a rehab facility at any time, regardless of how long your program is scheduled to last. This is generally true even if you are ordered to get help as part of a plea deal or as a condition of employment.

However, it is important to note that doing so could result in negative consequences such as termination of employment or jail time. Furthermore, you may be out any money that you paid to take part in an inpatient or outpatient rehab program.

Going to rehab can be an ideal way of getting control over your drug or alcohol addiction. While it may not completely rid you of the temptation to use your substance of choice, rehab will give you some effective tools to use to overcome your urges. Over time, you will hopefully find that you are able to embrace your sobriety and get past your dependency on illicit substances.

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