Drug and alcohol rehab is the process of going through medical detox followed by residential treatment and then gradually transitioning to therapies that take place in an outpatient setting. If you have a substance use disorder, there are many different types of rehabs and therapies that are backed by clinical and medical studies and have been proven to be successful.
Making the decision to enter drug or alcohol rehab isn’t an easy one. However, seeking treatment from Cincinnati rehab centers is the first step in your addiction recovery journey. In the long run, what you learn in rehab will be beneficial to getting your life back on track. It’s okay to be intimidated or apprehensive, but this step is a necessary one.
What Happens At The Beginning Of The Rehab Process?
If you’re hesitant or wondering what you can expect from addiction rehab, this blog will serve as a general guide. In it, we’ll discuss the intake and evaluation process of residential rehab treatment, the day-to-day activities you might encounter, and what post-treatment looks like. Your individual treatment at Cincinnati rehab centers may vary, but this list is a good first overview of what to expect in rehab.
Intake and Evaluation
Upon arrival at the rehab facility, you’ll be taken through the intake process. This process involves signing paperwork that was not completed in the admissions process, undergoing inspections for prohibited items, and receiving an evaluation.
Paperwork can include insurance forms and questionnaires on basic information for record-keeping purposes. Much of this paperwork is done during the admissions process prior to your arrival at the rehab facility, but you may need to complete more upon arrival. You may also be screened for eligibility to ensure that your participation in the treatment adheres to federal or state laws.
Next, you will likely undergo an evaluation to determine your needs during treatment. You will be evaluated by a team including addictionologist and/or psychiatrists, and other addiction treatment professionals. During this initial interview, you will be screened for co-occurring disorders, and likely receive a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder. Specific diagnostic criteria and treatment options will vary based on your specific situation, but the general process is similar regardless of which rehab facility you choose.
Finally, if you have recently been under the influence of alcohol or substances upon admission, you will be transported to detox. Detox is a medical process that is overseen by the rehab facility staff and medical personnel. During detox, your body will flush out the toxic substances left behind by drug and alcohol abuse. Depending on the specific substances present in your system, their quantities, and the length of time since the last usage, withdrawal symptoms may vary. This process can be unpleasant and painful, even dangerous if not conducted carefully. The experienced staff of the rehab center will be present throughout the detox process to help you manage the symptoms while your body begins the healing process.
What Activities Take Place During Rehab?
After the detox process, you’ll start integrating into daily activities at your residential treatment facility. The length of your stay depends on your specific needs, but the most common options are 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day programs.
Throughout each day, you’ll take part in several activities that focus on healthy, sober living, and healing the underlying causes of your addiction. Programs vary by location and your treatment plan, but in general, these are some components of most residential treatment programs.
Meals During Rehab
If you’ve been suffering from substance or alcohol use disorder for a long time, chances are you haven’t been getting proper nutrition. You may have had a reduced appetite or prioritized the substance over meals. As part of residential treatment at Cincinnati rehab centers, patients can expect to receive three nutritionally balanced meals per day, as well as healthy snacks. Some treatment centers will also make nutritional education part of their program. Residents are taught how to prepare and plan healthy meals, so they can keep up with their nutritional demands once they are discharged from the program.
As your body starts to receive the nutrients it needs, you’ll start to feel better, and have more energy for other activities and therapies. Proper nutrition is the first building block of a life in recovery.
Therapy & Treatment
A large portion of your day in residential treatment includes attending various therapies that will help treat the root cause of your addiction. Therapy is offered both individually and in groups and may include your family members or other loved ones later in your treatment. Therapy is offered by licensed mental health professionals and may include several techniques, such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Contingency Management
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Your therapist and other professionals at the residential treatment facility will select which treatment modalities are best for your needs. Therapy is offered several times per day or scheduled throughout the week. You may also take part in other alternative therapies that are proven to promote whole-person wellness, such as:
- Art Therapy
- Music Therapy
- Equine Therapy
- Meditation and Mindfulness Practices
Recreational And Excercise Therapy
When you’re not participating in therapy exercises, you may have some unstructured free time. Most Cincinnati rehab centers will have various recreational activities you can participate in during downtime. These activities also promote whole-person wellness and build both physical and mental strength. Activities can include:
- Yoga
- Athletics, such as basketball, tennis, soccer, etc.
- Running or Walking
- Martial Arts
- Swimming
- Horseback Riding
- Dancing or other Aerobics
The goal of recreational activities is to help you create habits you can carry over into a sober lifestyle. These activities and habits replace the cycle of addiction and are good for your body.
What Happens After Rehab?
Once you have completed your treatment at the residential treatment facility, you are ready to graduate into a recovery plan. Many Cincinnati rehab centers will have a specific process you will follow upon your discharge from their program. Procedures can include attending meetings with counselors and other groups, attending individual or group therapy on a regular schedule, or continuing with outpatient treatment methods as needed. Your family and loved ones may also be part of your recovery strategies after your rehab stay, to help keep you on track and support your new sober lifestyle.
Making changes to prevent relapse can be difficult, but the rehab aftercare program will help give you the strategies and support you need to succeed in recovery.
You Don’t Have to Face Treatment Alone – The Ridge Cincinnati Rehab Centers
If you have been struggling with addiction for some time, you don’t have to suffer alone. Being admitted to Cincinnati rehab centers such as The Ridge is the best first step you can take to take back your life from addiction. The Ridge’s expert staff is always here to help you take that first step. Learn about our admissions process or get in touch with us today, and begin your life in recovery.
