Questions Answers
What is a rehab like? This is a question I get very often from clients and family members alike. With the number of rehabs that entered the field over the last number of years the answer to this question became much broader, and in most cases, very complicated. I’m sure a once upon a time we have thought as a rehab as a hospital type setting with long hallways cinder block walls, with few windows and locked doors. I’m not sure if this ever was the case this was the picture that my mind’s eye painted.
Times have changed
The addiction rehab industry has gone through some large growing pains over the last 20 years. As we have learned more and more about addiction, it has come out the dark and hidden side of families, and moved more into the public spotlight. This has been both good and bad for the addiction rehab industry.
First the bad side of things. As with most service-based businesses there are always a few bad and unethical players that enter the arena. This has really given the rehab industry a black eye. Just as when the storm comes through town and all sudden you get all the shady contractors coming from who knows where to make the promise for the repairs, and never deliver. Does this make all contractors “unethical” no it does not? This can apply to just about any business area. This has plagued addiction rehab industry as well. This is where consulting with professionals in the recovery field can be very beneficial to finding the right rehab for yourself or loved one.
Many good centers
There have been many good developments in the rehab and recovery fields as well. You know the picture in the back of your head of a what a rehab is like, I’m sure you can still find it, but why would you want too? The work that rehabs do today has grown by leaps and bounds. There has been so much learned about addiction, the how, whys, mental health’s role, trauma, different treatment approaches, all have been great steps in treating this condition. Not all rehabs are created the equally, as there are as many different areas of focus to drill into meet specific needs of the client.
If you have ever Googled rehab
So many rehab choices
I’m sure you quickly found yourself quickly overwhelmed, and left wondering just what you were looking for. I have had people tell me about poor experiences they have had by doing the Google search. We all have heard of some of the well known names out there, and have seen the guy on TV that says “ I used to be an addict, but I’m not anymore” or the guy with the stethoscope around neck asking you to call 800-addiction blah blah. Probably not the path you want to take for such an important decision.
For the family this can be very difficult in many ways. One of those ways is looking at the rehab’s websites and other marketing materials they put out. All I can say most of them do a fantastic job at this. As a mom or dad, maybe the spouse of an addicted person and you start looking at websites you may start to feel resentment toward your loved one. Why? Many of these places look like vacation resorts, luxury getaways, staff waiting on your every need.
Is rehab a resort?
Many families look at this just a kick in the shorts. Why does he get to the “resort” and I’m left back here cleaning up the all the different messes as a result of the addiction. We have not even talked about the financial side of rehab. This can often be another eye opener for the people involved. If there is private insurance involved this can ease some this, however there will almost always be out of pocket costs. Rehab can have expense, however it is important to look at the big picture. Your loved one is getting therapy, medical care, counseling, support on many different levels, food, room & board, transportation, administrative costs, and many other things.
Another statement that I often hear is “isn’t there something around here? Why do we have to go to whatever state?” Couple of different answers to this question. First answer is best care, best fit. This can play a huge role in the outcome of treatment. There are many other factors that need to be addressed along with the addiction? Remember the substance use was the solution to the problem and is not the problem. Second if we go to the rehab just down the road and things start to get tough it’s easy to leave. I’ll call a buddy and have him pick me up in 10 minutes, I’m outta here! Often in getting away also provides that opportunity to “reset” and start the recovery journey.
Many different types
All rehabs have very structured days and activities that the clients are required to participate in. They have very set schedules. It is not spending the day at the beach, golfing, hiking, swimming or hot tubing. Are there times that the clients may do some these activities, yes. Rehabs have also become very good at incorporating family into the program. Communication may be limited especially in the first coupe weeks. This is not a done with punitive intent, rather to encourage the client to focus on themselves. Most all rehabs will have opportunities for family to visit, or at the very least visit with the use of a online platform for a video call. After-all this is where recovery starts.
If you or someone you know are looking for an intervention or help in finding a rehab please reach out to me, and let me help you navigate this very important decision.
