Does Rehab Work?

Considering rehab? Find out the answers to ”Does Rehab Work,” and other questions about drug rehab centers

If you are thinking about entering rehab, finding out the answers to questions such as “Does rehab work?” may give you the necessary courage to start treatment. Entering rehab is a scary step for anyone. If you have been unsuccessful at quitting drugs in the past or know someone who relapsed after going through drug treatment, trusting that rehab will be effective is even harder. To help ease your concerns, we have the answers to the most common questions about drug rehab, along with some of the latest drug rehab statistics.

Does rehab work?

You may have heard arguments that rehab is not worth the effort because some of the people who go through rehab end up relapsing. That argument really has no merits, because it holds addiction rehabilitation centers to a higher standard than other forms of health treatments. When you compare the outcomes of drug addiction centers to treatment of other chronic diseases, you find that relapse rate for addiction are comparable to those for other chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. Of the people who do enter treatment for drug addiction, The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 40 to 50 percent of drug addicts relapse after their first round of treatment. In comparison, 30 to 50 percent of patients with diabetes, 50 to 70 percent of patients with hypertension, and 50 to 90 percent of asthma patients relapse.

What do the latest drug rehab statistics reveal about addiction?

If your struggle with drug addiction leaves you feeling isolated and alone, a look at the latest rehab statistics will reassure you that you are not the only one fighting your way free from addiction. Approximately 21.7 million people had a substance use disorder that was serious enough that they needed to enter a rehab center in 2015, according to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. That works out to about 1 in every 12 people who needed rehab for addiction.

Many people who need to enter rehab are going untreated, however. The survey found that only 2.3 million people, or less than 11 percent of the evaluation people who needed treatment were actually able to receive treatment at a specialty facility.

How does drug rehab work?

Rehab centers fall into two main categories: residential inpatient rehab programs, and outpatient rehab programs. While there are certain differences in the way treatment proceeds at these different programs, the steps to recovery are the same everywhere. If you are wondering how to be successful at rehab, the answer is simple: put all your attention and focus on moving through the steps to recovery and you will succeed. There are four steps to recovery:

  • Assessment –
    A thorough assessment by an addiction specialist is the first stage of drug rehab. During the evaluation process, patients undergo testing to determine if they have any co-occurring mental health issues or additional substance abuse issues that need to be treated. A personalized rehab plan is formulated and signed.
  • Detox
    Detoxification is an unavoidable step on the road to recovery. Once you stop taking drugs, you will experience withdrawal symptoms that can range from unpleasant to life threatening, depending on the severity of your addiction. Drug rehab centers can ease your withdrawal symptoms and make the process as comfortable as possible.
  • Therapy and counseling
    Drug rehab centers typically use a variety of treatments to help patients overcome addiction.
    Your individualized drug rehab program may include behavioral therapy; group, family, and individual counseling; relapse prevention strategies; nutrition classes, and more.
  • Aftercare
    One of the keys to avoiding relapses is through a strong continuing care program. Patients get practice in using the relapse prevention strategies that they have learned in rehab. Individuals who need additional practice building their avoidance skills can do so in a supportive society of sober peers who are rooting for their success.

Does rehab work for opiate addiction?

Rehab does work for opiate addiction, as long as individuals are extremely motivated. Experience has shown that patients who enter a residential inpatient drug addiction treatment program for at least 90 days, then follow it with a stay at a sober living center, have the best chance at achieving long-term sobriety success.

 

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.