Taking the first steps and admitting one has an addiction is an essential part of rehabilitation. At this early stage, the individual might not yet be ready to enter a substance abuse treatment program. They could still be struggling with the realization they need help and are not sure the best way to get it.
Some addicts think they can forgo a formal treatment program and begin rehab on their own. The problem with this is most addicts are not prepared to let go of their former bad habits and soon discover they relapse back into their old addictive tendencies. In addition, they do not know how to modify their behaviors to set them on the path to a successful recovery.
Once addicts are ready to be admitted to a formal alcohol and drug treatment program, they may be presented with both outpatient and inpatient care options. It is important to understand the differences between the two options and their purposes.
We invite you to review the following FAQs and, if you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact us directly at BlueCrest Recovery Center.
Q. What type of rehab is best—inpatient or outpatient?
A. Inpatient rehab facilities provide a place where the addict can focus entirely on their addiction and recovery. They do not have to worry about the added stresses of work, school, or other aspects of their daily lives that contributed to their addiction.
With outpatient programs, recovery is still possible, but it is better for people who have less severe addictions and who have responsibilities they cannot ignore, like family or work. It really comes down to the extent of one’s addiction as to whether inpatient or outpatient care is better.
It is important to keep in mind that each person’s circumstances do vary, so what works better for one person may not always be the best choice for you.
Q. How do I know what type of rehab I need?
A. An initial assessment and consultation are conducted to help determine what level of care and treatment you require. This assessment also includes whether inpatient or outpatient care is recommended to ensure you are able to effectively take the first steps to recovery throughout rehab.
Q. How long does inpatient rehab take?
A. A good program should last for 30 days to give the person time to detox and begin substance abuse treatment. At the end of the 30 days, treatment is not over. At this point, patients move into aftercare outpatient rehab treatment.
Q. How much does rehab cost?
A. The costs vary based on several different factors. We accept most major insurance and can work with you to help with copays and deductibles. In addition, we have other options to help make the cost of recovery affordable, as well as options for people without insurance.
Q. After inpatient drug and alcohol abuse treatment, am I cured?
A. No. Addiction is not something that simply goes away. The purpose of inpatient care is to help bring about the changes needed to set you on a path to a successful recovery. Recovery is ongoing. For many people, it requires dedication and commitment for the rest of their lives to manage their addictions, avoid relapses, and live a sober life.
Q. What if I have a relapse after inpatient treatment?
A. Relapses can and do occur, even in people who have led clean and sober lives for decades. If you experience a relapse, it is important to be honest and discover the cause of the relapse while continuing your outpatient aftercare treatment.
Q. If I have a relapse, do I need to be readmitted for inpatient treatment?
A. It depends on the extent of the relapse and how long it lasted. In some cases, you may need to go through another detox period, so being readmitted for inpatient care can be beneficial. In addition, it depends on the type of substances you abused, as some can retrigger your addictive tendencies even after a single use.
Q. What is the difference between rehab and recovery?
A. Rehab is developing the basic skills to recognize your addiction and coping mechanisms to overcome the addiction. Recovery, on the other hand, involves long-term aftercare programs to help you identify the reasons and causes that led to addiction and provide the support you need through various meetings, support groups, talking with your sponsor, and so on.
Q. Is local or distance inpatient rehab better?
A. Many people find distance inpatient rehab a better option simply because they are away from their local environment that contributed to their addiction. They do not have the added pressures from friends, family, and work, and they are better able to concentrate on their rehab and recovery.
Local inpatient rehab facilities may be a better choice if you have family matters you also need to address as part of your treatment, such as rebuilding trust with your spouse. Local facilities can also be better suited for families seeking treatment for teenagers so they are closer to home.
Q. What sort of counseling and therapy will I receive?
A. A combination of one-on-one counseling and therapy, along with group sessions which range from 4 to 20 people, are used as part of your rehab and recovery. Most outpatient aftercare treatment is in group sessions, with periodic one-on-one sessions based on your specific needs.
Q. Is therapy available for family problems due to my addiction?
A. Yes. Your clinician will work with you to determine the most appropriate forms of family counseling and therapy in either individual or group-family settings.
Q. What if my current living situation is contributing to my addiction?
A. You can request referrals for sober living environments to avoid returning to an addictive-causing environment, either while in or before being released from inpatient rehab. For outpatient care, referrals can also be made to help you find a more suitable and stable living environment.
Q. What can I expect during inpatient rehab?
A. The goal of inpatient treatment is to help create a structured daily routine after you finish detox. There are specific schedules of events, from meal times and group therapy sessions to family visitations and individual counseling. Getting accustomed to a structured daily routine is part of the recovery process.
Q. How long does detox take?
A. Detox is the process of going through withdrawal from the substance(s) you abused. It can vary based on the severity of the addiction, but on average lasts about a week. Detox is conducted in a safe environment with medical support and supervision.
Q. Can’t I just detox at home ahead of time?
A. It is not recommended to detox without proper medical support and supervision. Withdrawal symptoms from certain drugs can be dangerous and life-threatening because you have to be slowly weaned off of them. Not to mention, you could easily be tempted to start using again because withdrawal can be a challenging and painful experience, both emotionally and physically.
Q. Will you tell my employer I am going to rehab?
A. No. We are bound by strict federal and state laws and regulations that protect your privacy and confidentiality. We cannot disclose any details to your employer unless you give us your consent in writing. However, there are a few exceptions to this we can explain in greater detail during your initial assessment.
If you have further questions about inpatient or outpatient substance abuse treatment programs, detox, or aftercare, or you want to schedule an initial consultation and assessment, please feel free to contact us, here at BlueCrest Recovery Center, by calling (973) 453-5384 today. We are available by phone 24/7.