Can I Check Myself into Rehab
Rehabilitation, often shortened to ‘rehab’, is a process in which individuals attend specific centres or programmes that are designed to help them to overcome an addiction.
During rehab, individuals who are struggling with addiction will learn a variety of different techniques and experience different treatments for their specific needs.
Every individual who struggles with addiction will have different needs and, therefore, every individual will often require a tailored programme of recovery.
There are many different forms of rehabilitation that are available in the UK, as well as across the rest of the world; there are also many different places in which individuals can partake in different treatments – depending on their needs and any restrictions that they may have.
This blog post will cover the rehabilitation process, as well as highlighting the different ways in which an individual may be able to enter rehabilitation programmes, including using Rehab Recovery’s services, as well as other options.
Who is suitable for rehabilitation?
Generally, it is recommended that any individual who is struggling with addiction should enter rehabilitation as soon as they are able to.
This is the case as addiction often worsens rapidly over time and, depending on the substance(s) that the individual is addicted to, can cause life-threatening issues in the future if left untreated or if it is not acknowledged within a suitable time frame.
When it comes to specific substances such as alcohol, heroin, or other opioids, it is also recommended that these individuals seek suitable rehabilitative support as soon as possible due to the unique impacts that these substances can have on the body – both in the short-term and in the long-term.
If an individual suspects that they may be struggling with addiction, or if they know someone (perhaps a loved one or friend) who may be struggling, it is vital that the appropriate care is sought as soon as possible.
The process of rehabilitation
For an effective and efficient rehabilitation programme, Rehab Recovery recommends a three-stage process in which the individual progresses, with each stage focusing on different needs and factors that are associated with addiction.
This is common practice in the UK, as following these three stages has been proven to increase the effectiveness of rehabilitation and increase the longevity of its effects.
The three stages are as follows: detoxification, therapy/rehabilitation, and aftercare.
Ensuring that the individual progresses with each of these stages in turn and with complete commitment and a good attitude is of utmost importance for an effective recovery programme.
These three stages are outlined in further detail across the following three subheadings.
1. Detoxification
Detox is the first stage of rehabilitation and is often thought to be the ‘physical recovery process’ due to the focus on removing the substance that the individual is addicted to from the individual’s system in a safe and effective manner.
Depending on the substance(s) that the individual is addicted to, this process can look very different.
Even from individual to individual, this process is unlikely to ever be exactly the same; every substance has different effects on the individual, and every individual is different.
As an example, alcohol is one of the riskiest substances to withdraw from due to the way in which alcohol enters the body and becomes a part of everyday functioning and processes.
For alcohol withdrawals, as well as many opioid withdrawals, it is almost always recommended to withdraw slowly and over time to reduce the negative impacts that can affect individuals.
In some cases, it may also be suggested to use tapering – a method in which individuals slowly reduce their consumption of the substance slowly over time and sometimes with a medical intervention to also help reduce these negative impacts.
2. Therapy/rehabilitation
As the second stage of rehabilitation, therapy and treatment is considered to focus more on the psychological and mental health impacts, as well as attempting to determine the root cause of the addiction.
This is perhaps the stage in which the most variation can occur; every individual will take part in different treatments and therapy types to treat the specific effects of their addiction.
However, examples of common and effective treatments in the field of addiction are given below:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) (1)
- Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing
- Individual counselling
- Group talking therapy
- Holistic therapies i.e., art, music, or equine therapy
Rehabilitation is never a “one size fits all approach” due to the unique impacts that addiction can have on people.
Every individual should ensure that they feel as though they are benefiting from each treatment, adding a layer of flexibility to rehabilitation that also makes it a unique process for every individual partaking.
3. Aftercare
This is the ‘final stage’ of rehabilitation but is one that can last for as long as the individual requires.
Aftercare, as a term, refers to any ongoing or follow-up treatment that an individual receives after they have undergone the bulk of their rehabilitative treatment.
During aftercare, individuals may opt to have the support of an aftercare support officer, but they can also progress solely with independent therapies and self-learning programmes.
An aftercare support officer can be greatly beneficial; they are able to meet with the individual to suggest next steps, further options for support, and emergency care if it should be needed.
Entering rehabilitation: the admissions process
So, how do individuals “apply” for rehabilitation? In general, there are a few different methods that individuals can use to enter rehabilitation, and this often is highly dependent on the individual’s requirements for care, as well as the substance that they are addicted to and the history of this.
Studies show that an individual’s psychopathology (mental health disorders) and type of substance do not generally have an impact on the individual’s length of stay in rehabilitation, but rather other factors such as confidence, gender, and extraneous variables such as time spent in prison can have the greater impact (2).
This is why determining vital factors of an individual’s addiction history and experience is essential before making any suggestions for the future of their rehabilitation.
The remainder of this article will cover some of the ways in which individuals may enter rehabilitation, as well as how they may be assessed before this, including self-admissions.
1. Interventions
Though not as common as they may have once been, interventions can be a good way to determine if someone is struggling with drug consumption, as well as bringing attention to the effects of this on the individual themselves, as well as those around them.
During an intervention, every party is given the opportunity to speak about how the addiction may have affected them, as well as sharing direct experiences without blame.
These interventions should always be supervised by a licensed counsellor or interventionist to ensure that beneficial steps are taken, and the right kind of care can be suggested to the individual who requires it.
After an intervention, an individual may be aided in entering rehabilitation or another similar programme that will support their addiction and any ongoing struggles.
2. Pre-assessment
Before any individual enters rehabilitation, it is vital that they are first assessed for their requirements and needs of care.
This is often done through an over-the-phone conversation, including questions such as these that follow:
- What substance(s) is the individual struggling with an addiction?
- What is the history of this addiction, including when it “started”?
- Has the individual attempted to rehabilitate before?
- Does the individual have any additional physical or mental health issues?
- Where does the individual currently reside, including others in the household that may be dependent on them for care?
By answering these questions or similar, addiction support specialists will be able to give the most suitable and appropriate rehabilitation options for the individual and their specific needs.
This is why it is always important to answer questions such as these with as much detail, honesty, and openness as possible.
Can I check myself into rehab?
Yes, individuals who feel like they are struggling with addiction can always contact addiction referral services, health services, and rehabilitation providers directly to help them enter the most suitable type of care for them.
Contacting an addiction referral service, however, is often the most recommended as it will save the individual a lot of time, research, and effort in finding the most suitable form of rehabilitation for them.
Individuals who put themselves forward for rehabilitation will never be judged or made to feel embarrassed of their situation when enquiring about rehab through Rehab Recovery, so get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you.
Getting further support, advice, and recommendations from Rehab Recovery
Rehab Recovery is a dedicated and specialised addiction service provider, primed with the objective of helping all individuals to overcome their addiction and find the most suitable form of care for them.
To find out how we can help you or someone you know, call our addiction support line on 0800 088 66 86 today.
References
[1] Magill, M., Ray, L., Kiluk, B., Hoadley, A., Bernstein, M., Tonigan, J.S. and Carroll, K., 2019. A meta-analysis of cognitive-behavioral therapy for alcohol or other drug use disorders: Treatment efficacy by contrast condition. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 87(12), p.1093.
[2] Darke, S., Campbell, G. and Popple, G., 2012. Retention, early dropout and treatment completion among therapeutic community admissions. Drug and alcohol review, 31(1), pp.64-71.
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