Health & Wellness

Understanding Rehab Services: Treatments, Methods, and Options

byThinkhow Contributor|February 23, 2021

Millions of Americans live with substance abuse and mental health disorders, and these conditions often have overwhelming consequences for the patients and their families. Inpatient and outpatient rehab services can provide a structured environment and help a patient set manageable goals for recovery. Before committing to any specific rehab, however, it’s important to research carefully and understand how different options work.

Different Types of of Rehab Services and Treatments

Inpatient (or residential) rehab programs require patients to reside at the facility for a set period of time, usually from 28 to 90 days. The exact period of resident will vary from patient to patient, and many centers allow patients to end their residence at will.

People with drug and alcohol problems will typically begin their treatment with detoxification (detox) to prevent withdrawal from causing health issues. The detox process varies from patient to patient, but in some cases, the person may receive medication to assist with withdrawal. Following the detox program, patients will often receive individual and group therapy sessions. These sessions are intended to help them acquire the skills they need to manage cravings, become aware of their habits, and develop an effective approach to their recovery. The overall process is similar for people with mental illnesses like depression.

Outpatient rehab programs do not have a detox component, but use similar therapeutic methods to treat patients. A person in an outpatient treatment can continue living at home and working. They are still required to engage with therapy, which may take place at a facility or in the patient’s home.

Rehab services may use a variety of treatments to help patients meet their goals. These treatments may include:

  • Family Therapy
  • Matrix Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Group Support
  • Contingency Management

Residential treatment centers provide more structure than outpatient programs, but they also restrict access to loved ones, and they’re often expensive. Many insurance providers cover some or all of the costs associated with either type of rehab, including treatments that aren’t medically necessary. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires a certain amount of coverage for medical detox, inpatient care, outpatient care, and follow-up counseling. However, patients should check with their insurance companies to learn how their coverage works.

Before entering rehab, each patient should research carefully and discuss the information they find with their primary care physician. The physician will evaluate the patient’s overall health and determine whether any medications could aid in rehabilitation treatment.

When Patients Should Consider Rehab

Patients should speak openly and honestly with their therapists or physicians when considering rehab. This is also true for family members and friends who believe that their loved ones could benefit from rehabilitation — discussing the matter with a mental health professional can provide helpful insights and establish a positive, goal-oriented path to treatment.

Each patient must make different considerations when deciding whether or not to use rehab services. Inpatient services may be appropriate when a person is unable to control addictions or when a person has mental health issues that could become dangerous. An inpatient facility can provide supervision, ongoing medical monitoring, and specialized treatment services that could reduce the risk of relapse. Some facilities also have accommodations that can reduce the stress associated with a longer stay (for instance, workout equipment and entertainment options).

Outpatient programs allow people to attend school, work, and see their loved ones regularly, and they also allow patients to practice and develop their emotional skills in their everyday lives. However, these programs do not provide 24-hour care, and people with substance abuse issues will sometimes need to complete medical detox before starting outpatient rehab. Withdrawal from some substances can cause life-threatening complications without medical intervention.

Finding Information About Rehab Services Online

Facing addiction and mental illness can be extremely difficult. With a thorough approach, research can help a person gather information about their condition and review their local options for rehab and therapy. Both inpatient and outpatient rehab services can provide important tools for living with addiction and mental illness.

By researching online, people can explore different types of facilities and learn about options for therapy. This can be beneficial when having open, honest discussions with a therapist or primary care physician. When researching, it’s important to look at a variety of resources, particularly when evaluating factual claims.

Rehab programs can serve an important purpose, but patients should work with their physicians to find appropriate options from reputable providers. A careful approach can make the process much easier and much less stressful.

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