Types of Drug and Alcohol Rehab Programs
What are the different types of drug and alcohol rehab programs? If you’re wondering this, it’s probably because you or a loved one is seeking help for an addiction. There are many types of programs that are designed to help people overcome their addictions, and while all of them are effective in their own rights, only one is the right one for you. Keep reading for some helpful information on the various types of programs that rehabilitation centers often use when dealing with drugs or alcohol.
The first and most common type of treatment is the standard procedure, in which a person either lives at the facility, or visits it regularly. The center encourages the patient to resist using that drug between visits, or in the case of living at the facility, the patient is obviously kept from that drug while they are there. In addition, the patient is given a variety of controlled medication that helps to smooth out the hard effects of withdrawal, since these effects are usually what keeps a person addicted instead of allowing them to quit. The person may also go through counseling while they are at the facility, to deal with the root issues that cause them to use the drug.
Another common type of addiction program is the religious type, in which a person is counseled by a priest, pastor, or other clergy member. This approach is mostly (if not completely) faith-based. A popular religious addictions program is Reformers Unanimous, which encourages the person to develop a spiritual life, and seek help from God to overcome their addiction. Members of the program meet at regular times to discuss their progress and encourage each other, similar to most “… Anonymous” programs. These types of programs have proven to be especially effective, with their emphasis on caring for each person and using positive encouragement to help them along the way.
Another, less common type of rehabilitation program is the “cold turkey” approach, in which a person goes to a clinic or rehab facility to deal with the effects of withdrawal without the aid of medicine or other substances. The patient is contained at the facility and not allowed to leave until they have completely gotten rid of their addiction and gone through all the stages of withdrawal. Since the terrible withdrawal effects are usually what keep a person addicted to a drug, containing the patient at the facility keeps them from breaking down and using again to get rid of those effects. While similar to the first option, this method is sometimes helpful for people who have not seen very good success with medication, or those who do not wish to use a drug to get rid of another drug.