This article aims to provide information and clarification on some of the common questions that people ask about drugs and alcohol rehab.
What is rehab? You have probably heard of rehab centres or rehab clinics.
'Rehab' is short for rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation usually actually refers to a programme of treatment to help people overcome addiction to drugs or alcohol and readjust (rehabilitate into life) without them.
Residential rehab centres and clinics provide these treatment programmes, but rehab can also be undergone without staying in one of these centres.
Do I need rehab? If using drugs and alcohol is having a negative effect on your life and the lives of those around you, you may need help such as rehab to help you overcome your addiction.
If you have concerns about your drug/alcohol use, contact a health/addiction professional.
You can go to your GP as the first step or look for addiction centres in your area.
What is detox? At the start of a rehab programme, detox is necessary to rid the body of toxins built up through drug and alcohol use.
Detoxing can help reduce (although may not eliminate) the physical or mental cravings for narcotics/booze, making it easier to focus on changing behaviours and habits related to substance use.
Detox should be discussed with a medical professional as there can be physical and potentially serious side effects such as: • Sweating • Nausea • Shaking • Hallucination In a rehab centre you'll be supervised 24 hours a day while you're detoxing.
Even if you don't go to a residential rehab clinic, a medical professional will put together a detox programme to make sure you detox safely.
How do I choose a rehab centre? Different rehab centres have varying a approaches to treatment and you'll have the greatest chance of success if you find one that suits you.
Initially, speak to professionals (such as your GP or a counsellor) about your options and needs.
You may also want to contact a few addiction centres and discuss their approach and methods with them.
You may want to ask questions about issues such as: • Staff qualifications and experience • Detox • Aftercare • Cost • Structure of the programme • The cost Can I keep in touch with the outside world during rehab? The rules around issues such as visiting, contact and personal items vary between rehab centres.
You will usually be allowed visits during allocated visiting hours.
You'll usually be allowed to make and receive telephone calls too, however, sometimes they may be monitored.
It's unlikely you'll be able to take items such as laptops and mobile phones into a rehab centre but rules vary.
Got more FAQs? Do not be afraid to ask questions.
Speak to more than one person at the rehab centre and don't worry that your questions will seem 'silly' or 'daft'.
It's important that you get the information you need and feel comfortable with your decision.
Staff at rehab clinics will be happy to answer any questions that you have.