What Are Drug Rehab and Mental Health Facilities?
Learn more about the benefits of using drug rehab and mental health facilities as treatment options here.
Article Contents
What Is a Drug Rehab Center?
Drug rehab centers are facilities that are designed specifically to help people overcome their addiction to alcohol or drugs. These rehab centers provide a safe place for people to come back to themselves and heal. Rehab also helps people explore the reasons for their addiction so that they can maintain sobriety in the long term.
How Does Drug Rehab Work?
Drug rehab works by removing a person from their usual environment so that they can focus solely on their recovery. Life in rehabilitation facilities is structured. A normal day includes therapy, group activities, skills training, and other activities for wellness.What Do They Treat?
Drug rehabilitation centers treat drug addiction and substance dependence. Addictions to opiates, stimulants, alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs are treated while in rehab. A well-constructed program will cater to the whole person, not just the addiction itself. Treatment programs should treat not just the disease, but the person as well.What Are Rehab Facilities for Mental Health?
How Do Mental Health Facilities Work?
Rehabilitation for mental health can be much like drug rehab. Similarly, people who are admitted to a mental health facility will receive residential treatment. During this time, counseling and medical interventions are used for condition management. Activities like group therapy, art therapy, and educational presentations are commonly used in mental health facilities.
What Do They Treat?
Rehab and mental health facilities are useful in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions. Mental health facilities are helpful in the treatment of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar, personality disorders, and schizophrenia. Rehab and mental health facilities help provide ongoing therapy and support after a suicide attempt as well.
Types of Rehab Centers
Rehabilitation is not a one size fits all treatment option, and your needs may change throughout your time in treatment. Addiction treatment begins at a detox center and then transitions into a residential treatment program. Residential treatment programs vary in length and intensity. Once residential treatment is complete, outpatient treatment is recommended to prevent relapse.
Long-Term Residential Treatment
Long-term residential treatment refers to treatment programs lasting between six and twelve months. These programs allow for round-the-clock supervision and support. Treatment in these programs is intense and usually highly structured.
These programs include therapy to address negative habits and help you examine why you started using in the first place. These types of programs also include occupational training, to help you be successful once you leave rehab.1
Short-Term Residential Treatment
Short-term residential treatment at rehab and mental health facilities refers to programs shorter than six months, with most short-term rehab programs being for three months or less. These programs include drug detox and withdrawal management. Similarly to long-term residential treatment, this option also provides 24-hour support.Outpatient Treatment
Not everyone can enter a residential treatment program. Outpatient treatment is another option if you cannot complete a residential program. These programs can be done from home and are usually less expensive than rehab and medical facilities treatment. Outpatient programs usually consist of regular check-ins with an addictions specialist, as well as group therapy.Do I Need Drug Rehab?
It can be hard to tell on your own if you need help overcoming addiction. Often, the hardest part is admitting that you have a problem. Denial is common for those suffering from addiction and their families. Knowing the signs of substance use disorder can help you decide if you or a loved one needs help. There are a few things to consider when determining if drug rehab is necessary.
Drug Cravings
Persistent drug cravings are a major sign that you may need drug rehab. Cravings are warning signs of addiction and chemical dependency. Without management, cravings can lead to relapse.Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms happen when someone who is addicted to a substance suddenly stops using or cuts back on drug use. These symptoms can range in severity and depend on a few factors. Withdrawal depends on the type of drug, as well as the person’s overall health and use history. Withdrawal symptoms are most intense 24-48 hours after the person’s last use.2Mood Swings
What goes up, must also come down. Once the high from a substance wears off, often the person using it experiences a low. This is because drug use disrupts brain chemistry, causing imbalances in key neurotransmitters. These imbalances can lead to instability and mood swings.Increased Drug Use
Using drugs more often or in larger amounts is another sign that you might need rehabilitation services. Increased drug use often also points to increased tolerance. Also, using in larger amounts leads to worse detox and withdrawal symptoms. Because of this, it is helpful and often safer to seek out rehab for detox services and withdrawal management.Hiding Drugs
Hiding drugs is a key sign of addiction. Drug addiction generates feelings of shame, which can cause people to hide their drugs. Hiding drugs is a way to keep their addiction hidden.A Change in Drug Tolerance
Along with increased drug use often comes increased tolerance. Tolerance is what happens when someone needs to take larger or more frequent doses of a drug to get the same high. Those who have built up a tolerance usually are drug dependent. Drug dependency leads to worse withdrawal symptoms. For these individuals, supervised detox is necessary for safety.Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are another sign that you may need rehab. Substance use makes it harder to deal with life’s stress, which can lead to panic attacks. Substance abuse can also cause an underlying panic disorder to emerge and worsen. At least 20% of people with a panic disorder also have a substance use disorder.4Changes in Weight
Drug addiction can lead to unexpected changes in weight. Both weight loss and weight gain can be signs of drug addiction. Drugs like opiates and stimulants can kill appetite, causing weight loss. Alcohol can also cause weight loss, but because it is high in empty calories, weight gain is more common.Changes in Sleep
Substance use can dramatically affect your sleep. In the short term, taking certain drugs can cause you to sleep more. Alcohol, marijuana, opiates, and benzodiazepines can all lead to feelings of drowsiness, but in the long term, these drugs lead to insomnia. Between 30 and 85% of people struggling with addiction experience insomnia related to their use.5Drug Rehabilitation Process
Recovery is a long process that requires patience and a lifetime commitment. Relapse is common, especially for those who choose not to get help from rehab and mental health facilities. For those that do, the rehabilitation process one goes through at rehab and mental health facilities can be broken into four parts.
Assessment
Before treatment begins, an assessment is done. This assessment provides a better understanding of you and your history with substances. The doctor will also take some time to get to know you and your goals for treatment. Honesty is key during this step of recovery. Being honest about your addiction here will ensure you get the right type of treatment later.Detox
After evaluation, the detox phase begins. Detox is the natural process that our bodies use to get rid of toxins from drug use. Detox is uncomfortable and is best done under supervision. Detoxing through programs at rehab and mental health facilities is safer than home detox. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, and even deadly. Using a detox program allows for symptoms to be medically managed.
Rehab
After detox, a transition is made to a rehabilitation program. These programs work to address the underlying causes of addiction. Participants are given new tools for coping, stress management, and continuous abstinence.Aftercare
Life after rehab can be confusing without the proper support. Aftercare is a necessary part of addiction treatment and rehabilitation. Aftercare usually consists of regular therapy and participation in support groups. This provides both the accountability and support needed to prevent relapse.
What Are the Best Rehab and Mental Health Facilities?
There are many rehab and mental health facilities that offer addiction treatment. The best facilities have four key pieces.
Safe Environment for Breaking the Cycle of Addiction
The best rehab and mental health facilities provide a safe space for overcoming addiction. It is almost impossible to heal in a triggering and unsafe environment. Rehab and mental health facilities provide an environment where healing is possible.Focus on Recovery
The focus of any treatment program should be recovery. Treatment aims to help people overcome addiction and be successful in recovery. A good treatment program focuses on building new healthy habits and relationships.Exploring Underlying Issues
Addiction often has underlying causes. Rehab and mental health facilities help people understand their underlying reasons for addiction. The trained staff at rehab and mental health facilities are there to support you as you explore your relationship with substance abuse.Peer Support
We all need to be a part of something larger, like a community. The best rehab and mental health facilities have a high level of peer support. Peer support fulfills the need for both community and accountability. Recovery in a community setting allows individuals to come together. Through these connections, individuals can help and learn from one another. Connections built through mentorship can also be powerful in preventing relapse.
Find Rehabilitation and Recovery for Mental Health Near You
Recovery at Iris
Treatment at Iris Healing®’s rehab and mental health facilities takes a holistic approach. Iris Healing® goes beyond addiction treatment. Iris has programs to treat conditions such as bipolar, schizophrenia, trauma, depression, and more. Therapies used in treatment include experiential therapy, equine therapy, and art therapy. We also incorporate practices like yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and sound healing.
Why Choose Us?
Personalized treatment plans at Iris Healing® offer the highest level of care. Our doctoral staff is here to support you every step of the way, providing round-the-clock care. Our high staff-to-patient ratio ensures that you are getting the support you need. Iris is also here for you after your residential stay. If you are searching for rehab and mental health facilities, we provide options for continuing care to support you in the future.
Contact Us
To learn more about the mental health care services we offer or to learn about enrolling in one of our treatment programs, contact us today. We are here to help and support you and your loved ones every step of the way.
Resources
- www.nida.nih.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2904966/
- https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh29-2/107-120.htm
- https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.540022/full
