The transition from experiencing a substance use disorder to a sober lifestyle can be difficult. For those who have never received treatment, the drug rehab treatment process may be a foreign and confusing concept. In 2021, approximately 61.2 million individuals, over the age of 11, reported that they engaged in the use of a substance. (1) In 2022, approximately 20.4 million individuals were diagnosed with a substance use disorder. (2) Of those diagnosed with a substance use disorder, only 10.3 percent received treatment. (3) Here at CuraSouth, we are dedicated and committed to increasing the number of individuals who receive effective substance use treatment.

What Is Drug Rehab?

Drug rehab is the treatment process for those who are experiencing addiction and dependency to alcohol and other substances. Drug rehab can include a combination of psychotherapy, medication management, and overall medical treatment.

Understanding Addiction Treatment & Long-Term Recovery

Addiction treatment helps individuals develop adaptive coping strategies to help combat addiction. Addiction changes the way that the brain and its reward system functions. The duration of an addiction treatment program may vary depending on the individual, the substance that they used, and the frequency of use. Long-term recovery programs typically last about 90 days, though they can range from 30 days to a year.

Initial Evaluation & Assessment

Once an individual seeks treatment, an initial assessment is given in order to determine which treatment option best meets their treatment needs. Here at CuraSouth we are dedicated to helping you develop a personalized treatment plan that is based on the assessment of your emotional, medical, and social functioning. The initial evaluation may include extensive assessments such as a medical examination, psychological, and psychosocial assessment.

Residential Inpatient or Outpatient Care

There are different types of rehab treatment care programs. Understanding the differences between inpatient and outpatient care can help determine which option may best for you.

Residential inpatient allows individuals to receive 24-hour care. Individuals reside at the facility and participate in daily scheduled activities. Residential inpatient care is usually completed by those who need long-term treatment. Individuals enrolled in a residential inpatient program attend therapeutic activities such as individual, group, family, recreational therapy and other educational or life skills training.

Outpatient care is considered a lower level of care compared to residential inpatient care. Those attending an outpatient program reside at their own private home or a sober living facility. Therapeutic sessions are attended weekly, biweekly, or monthly, depending on the progress of the individual.

Detoxification Process

Detoxification, or detox, is the process of the body riding the body of all substances. Detox can be uncomfortable due to the withdrawal symptoms that are associated with it. Depending on the substance, it can be dangerous to go through detox without being enrolled in a supervised detoxification program.

Medication Management & Detox

Medication may be used to help with the detox process. Different medications have been approved to be able to treat different substance use disorders. If given medication during the detox process, a psychiatrist and other medical professionals will monitor the individual and ensure that no serious side effects occur.

Medications that may be used during the detoxification process include:

• Librium
• Serax
• Vistaril
• Clonidine
• Ativan
• Suboxone
• Subutex

Counseling & Therapy Sessions

Counseling is a helpful tool to help individuals get to the root of their substance use. Individuals attending drug rehab treatment programs may attend different therapy sessions throughout the day. During individual therapy, an individual sits down, one on one, with a licensed mental health counselor and discusses their past, triggers, and other aspects of their life that may have contributed to their substance use. Therapy also gives an individual the opportunity to develop healthy coping techniques that they can utilize throughout their sobriety journey. Different therapy approaches can be used to help treat substance use disorders.

Therapeutic modalities used to help treat substance use disorders include:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
• Motivational Interviewing
• Experiential Therapy

Group Support Sessions

Group therapy is an important factor of drug rehab treatment. During group therapy, individuals attending a drug rehab program meet with a licensed mental health counselor and share their experiences with substance use. Here at CuraSouth, we utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Contingency Management Therapy as some of the therapeutic modalities during group sessions.

Family Involvement

Family support has been found to improve an individual’s overall treatment outcomes. (4) Family therapy allows for an individual attending drug rehab, and their family, the opportunity to work on their communication skills and healthy coping techniques. Here at CuraSouth, each family therapy session is conducted by a licensed mental health counselor. 

Family therapy techniques utilized by CuraSouth include: 

• Family Behavior Therapy (FBT)
• Functional Family Therapy (FFT)
• Multisystemic Therapy (MST)

Aftercare Planning

Aftercare planning helps an individual receive continued care following their discharge from a drug rehab treatment program. Aftercare planning helps reduce the risk of relapse.

An aftercare plan may include:

• Being transferred to a sober living facility
• Continuing medications that were prescribed by a psychiatrist to help with withdrawal symptoms
• Undergoing a psychological, clinical, and medical assessment once a month in order to track an individual’s progress

Nutritional Guidance

Nutritional guidance helps improve an individuals physical health following the extended use of a substance. Here at CuraSouth, licensed nutritionists conduct group therapy sessions focused on preparing nutrient-dense meals, which aid in the recovery process. 

The goals of Nutritional therapy include: 

• Helping stabilize and regulate mood
• Providing stress reduction
• Reducing intenses psychological craving of a substance
• Encouraging the development of a healthy lifestyle
• Encouraging the use of self-care techniques

Holistic Approaches to Treatment

Holistic approaches focus on a person’s spiritual, emotional, physical, mental, and social well-being. Holistic treatment can help increase one’s ability to experience uncomfortable emotions, alleviate certain withdrawal symptoms, improve stress management, and maintain overall physical health.

Holistic treatment options include:

• Yoga Therapy
• Mindfulness & Meditation
• Massage Therapy
• Acupuncture Therapy

Spiritual Care Services

12-step programs are spiritually based, peer support groups that help individuals who are experiencing substance use disorders. CuraSouth utilizes the 12-steps during our rehab treatment programs.

Relapse Prevention Strategies

Relapse occurs when an individual begins engaging in substance use following a period of sobriety. Relapse is common, with two-thirds of individuals who attend a drug rehab treatment program relapsing at some point. (5) Here at CuraSouth we offer relapse prevention training to help individuals maintain their sobriety over time.

Achieving Long-Term Sobriety

Achieving long-term sobriety requires change, patience, and discipline. Luckily, if you are experiencing substance use, you are not alone. Here at CuraSouth, we are committed to helping you or a loved one reach both your short-term and long-term treatment goals. With practice and the right techniques, long-term sobriety is possible.

Our Simple Admissions Process

Here at CuraSouth, we pride ourselves on being compassionate, empathetic, honest, and transparent. One of our Treatment Advisors is ready to speak with you to help guide you through the admissions process. Contact our 24-hour line to get started. A free, no obligation insurance benefits check can be provided upon your request. Start your recovery journey today with CuraSouth.