It wasn’t easy, but you have made it through detoxification. Congratulations! Getting the drugs or alcohol out of your system and preparing yourself physically and mentally for the next step is a significant accomplishment worth celebrating.
The next step, of course, is rehabilitation—or “rehab.” Like most people, you are probably familiar with the idea of rehab, but may not know much of anything about the specifics. You might have a lot of questions. How long does rehab last? What happens during therapy sessions? Can I have visitors? Will it work?
Those are all great questions. Let’s look at them one by one.
How Long Does Rehab Last?
Typically, residential treatment for a substance use disorder lasts about 30 days. That is not a set rule, however. Because every individual is different and every treatment plan is personalized, there may be some variation in the length of stay from person to person.
As a result, the most useful way to think about how long rehab might last may be in terms of results rather than the passage of time. Rehab lasts as long as it needs to serve you well and get you ready to return to independent living.
What Happens During Therapy Sessions?
Therapy is a broad topic that we cannot fully sum up here. But we can tell you that your experience in rehab will likely include both individual therapy and group therapy. Individual therapy allows for a high level of personalization, and a number of approaches might prove useful—including cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive arts therapy, recreational therapy, brain-based counseling, and more. Again, the therapy you engage with will be carefully chosen as one that is likely to be beneficial to you in your recovery journey.
Group therapy is, of course, somewhat different—and can be something of a challenge for introverted individuals who are uncomfortable speaking up in a group setting. But group therapy is designed to put each participant at ease and provide an opportunity for everyone to realize they are not alone in their struggles. Having the chance to talk about your substance use disorder among others who have had similar experiences can be extremely beneficial. Group therapy also serves as a kind of introduction to 12-Step programs or other programs that bring people together in order to help one another stay sober.
Can I Have Visitors?
It is only natural to feel some trepidation about entering a treatment center and being separated from your loved ones. Fortunately, in most cases, family members will be able to visit you during your time in treatment.
Equally important is the fact that treatment centers provide a number of resources for families. Because your family members will be an important source of support once you leave treatment, it is essential that they are well equipped with information—and with the tools they need to maintain their own well-being as they help you. For some families, engaging with family systems therapy is an excellent way to get issues out in the open so that everyone feels heard and is able to get on the same page in order to support your long-term recovery. Just like individual and group therapy in a rehabilitation setting and beyond, family systems therapy can be of great benefit and support your recovery in essential ways.
Will It Work?
This is the crux of the matter, isn’t it? Will going through treatment work for you? Will you get sober and stay sober? And if not, what then?
First, the good news: going through treatment is an excellent way to prepare yourself for a life free from drugs or alcohol. In treatment, you will get the care, education, resources, and support you need to make a good start. And a recovery center with a commitment to a continuum of care will make sure that you continue to have support as your recovery gets underway.
Now, a dose of reality: many people who go through treatment will experience a relapse that sees them returning to the use of drugs or alcohol. You will notice, however, that we framed this as a dose of reality rather than as bad news. Relapse is not a sign of failure; it’s simply a sign that it’s time to reevaluate your treatment plan.
If you relapse, therefore, it is important to return to treatment. Your counselors and medical practitioners can help you address the triggers that may have led to relapse and develop new strategies to help you have more success going forward. Recovery is often not a straight line, but residential treatment can help you reset and get started again.
Ready When You Are
Making the decision to get help for your substance use disorder is an essential first step toward reclaiming your life. At Iron Bridge Recovery Center, we are ready to help you make the most of that first step. We are committed to personalized, compassionate, evidence-based care that will help you build a foundation for lasting sobriety. If you have more questions before you enter treatment, we are here to answer them—and we are ready to help whenever you are ready to get started.
