How Does Drug Rehab Work?

Drug rehabilitation can help many people who suffer from substance abuse and addiction. Each rehabilitation center will offer a different treatment plan but most centers operate in the same way. After a patient has finished the rehabilitation program, they will need to receive follow-up care and continued support from family and friends.

Referral Process

Many people choose to attend drug rehabilitation centers when they realize they are addicted and dependent on one or more drugs. Rehabilitation centers often require a referral from a doctor or psychiatrist. Once a patient is referred to a rehabilitation center a payment method can be worked out. Heath insurance, Medicare and Medicaid pay for most types of drug rehab.

Intake

Once a patient is accepted into a rehabilitation center, they are required to take an assessment test. This will help the facility staff understand the type and severity of the patient's addiction. They then form a treatment plan for the patient. The assessment test is usually administered by a facility staff member and consists of several questions pertaining to the patient's health, lifestyle and addiction problems.

Detox

The detoxification process requires the patient to be weaned from the substance to which he or she is addicted. The length of the detox process depends on the type of substance to which the patient is addicted. During detox, patients experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms. Doctors and facility staff administer counseling and certain types of medication to help make the process easier.

Counseling

Patients receive substance abuse counseling on a regular basis. Counseling is usually offered to the patient during and after the detox process is over. Trained counselors or psychiatrists help the patient improve his or her life while avoiding the substance to which they are addicted. Each facility offers different types of counseling and treatment.

Aftercare

Relapses are very common in addiction cases. Follow-up care helps reduce the risk of relapse. A rehabilitation center may recommend continued counseling and assessments to determine how well the patient has recovered. Every addiction case is different and the amount of aftercare needed will depend on the patient.