If you are uncertain whether you or a loved one could benefit from addiction treatment, check out our Guide to Spotting Addiction. This guide is an excellent resource and can be used as a conversation starter for any individual who needs a compassionate push towards formal treatment.

Can I receive support for my mental illness along with my addiction?

Yes. We have found that mental illness and addiction are intricately linked. Because of this, all of our addiction programs are equipped with mental health professionals who lead individual and group therapy. These healing practices help those recovering from addiction get to the root of their substance abuse.

Both addiction rehab programs and 12-Step programs aim to address the heart of substance abuse. They include a holistic approach to the situation, including looking for a person’s triggers, changing the ways one interacts with the world, and encouraging the development of a robust and sober support system.

However, inpatient and outpatient addiction recovery programs offer even more comprehensive treatment than is possible in a 12-Step program.

12-Step programs are the perfect tool for those in the early stages of recovery or who have already gone through rehab or recovery before. These meetings provide a sober community and support from individuals who understand the experiences of other former, healing addicts. The opportunity to share, process, and rebuild in a safe place is compelling and healing.

Sometimes, addiction issues are more complex and intense than can be understood in short conversations and group situations. Furthermore, the multi-faceted care that comes from rehab settings can take the realizations further and ensure a more complete, sustainable recovery process.

It is common for addicts to need the attention and analysis of a trained therapist to fully work through their past traumas, mental health issues, and triggers. These addiction therapists can provide specific techniques to reprogram the addict’s brain and develop new habits. 12-Step meetings don’t have the resources to offer this kind of help or feedback.

Medical professionals can ensure the detoxification process is safe and provide medication and supervised treatment for mental health disorders that exist alongside the addiction, such as anxiety or depression. Individuals who detox alone and don’t treat their issues related to addiction risk relapse, further disease development, or death.

Alternative therapies, such as art therapy, music therapy, or yoga create opportunities to develop new skills and tools for processing. Talking is excellent and often one of the most beneficial forms of treatment. However, sometimes there are parts of the brain that you can only reach through more creative or spiritual modalities.

There is a place for both 12-Step programs and addiction rehab in the recovery process. However, without the tools, skills, and treatment provided from rehab facilities, addicts are less likely to find themselves successfully in recovery.

Research shows that between 40 and 60 percent of all recovering addicts relapse at some point. So, if you regress, you will not be the first or only person ever to experience a setback on your path to sobriety. You will, however, find yourself facing an essential choice after the fact – how you choose to handle your relapse.

Often, after a relapse, people feel as if they’ve failed. They’re tempted to give in and return to the grip of the substance that has taken over their life. They feel an overwhelming amount of shame and desire to give up.

Relapse has the potential to provide essential lessons that create an even stronger foundation for your life of sobriety – if you are willing to listen.
Understanding the situations and choices that lead up to your moment of weakness can help to clarify your triggers. You might find that you stopped attending meetings or therapy and, as a result, were not making sober living your most important focus. Your lack of a strong sobriety support system might become apparent. Maybe you will find that you didn’t honestly want to quit for yourself but instead did it for a loved one. Another common lesson is that you need more time in rehab and a stronger aftercare plan.

If you only used once, you might need the reality check from your actions and the ability to fall back on the tools and recovery plan you developed during rehab. You can attend a 12-Step meeting or schedule an extra therapy session. If you remain committed to your recovery, you might not need to return to rehab.

However, if you’ve fallen back into your regular old actions, then returning to rehab might be the best choice for you. More cognitive behavior therapy will help to retrain your brain and teach you to avoid reacting to triggers in the same way. Additionally, you’ll find yourself with an opportunity to develop a new aftercare plan that takes your relapse and experience in the real world after rehab into account.

Overall, relapsing does not mean you have failed at recovery. It does not say you will never be entirely sober. It just shows in which areas you may need more tools, support, and intentionality in your life.

If you fear your friend or loved one has a problem with addiction, they probably do. Especially if they’re demonstrating any of the following red flags:

● They change their behavior and habits without a good reason

● They change their behavior and habits without a good reason

● Their tolerance for the substance of choice builds

● They become slow to respond during a conversation or are increasingly forgetful

● Their appearance, hygiene, and self-care habits fall to the wayside

● They become prone to anger, aggression, or defensiveness

● They begin to have money problems

● They separate themselves from others and start to avoid social events

If your loved one meets more than one of these criteria, then the time to intervene is now. However, it would be best if you did not attempt an intervention alone.
An intervention specialist is vital in ensuring the conversation goes well. They can bridge communication gaps, keep conversations useful, and help to convince the addict to listen.

Having a trained professional around to handle outbursts is exceptionally beneficial, especially if your addicted loved one is prone to violence, mental illness, or has suicidal tendencies. Often, their presence prevents intervention situations from going too far south.

Intervention specialists know addiction and addicts better than you do. They’ll help you prepare and practice what to say – avoiding potential triggers. Interventionists will also help you feel ready mentally and emotionally for all possible scenarios.

You might know and love your addict more than anyone, but that does not mean you have the tools required to convince them to receive the help they so desperately need. They might have kept a traumatic experience hidden from you. You might be unaware of the mental health disorders whose symptoms they’ve kept at bay.

Your earnest, genuine efforts may end up misplaced, causing additional trauma, heartache, or harm. That is why a trained specialist must be present for your addiction intervention.

Every addiction treatment facility will be slightly different. However, most follow similar schedules and include the same types of programming.

Mornings will most likely begin early. Don’t expect to sleep in and laze around! After a healthy breakfast, there will probably be a group session, taking the form of a community meeting led by a therapist or a 12-Step style meeting.

After lunch, intensive therapies will begin. You’ll have some combination of individual behavioral therapy, group therapy, specialized treatment for other issues in your life, such as depression, anger, or stress, family therapy, or alternative therapies, including art or music therapy, dance or equine therapy, biofeedback or neurofeedback appointments, and exercise or yoga programs.

Afternoons often include a few hours of free time. You’ll be able to spend time alone with your journal or meditation practice. Group activities such as ping-pong, football, basketball, or kickball frequently occur as well.

After dinner, another 12-Step meeting will be available, which you’ll be strongly encouraged to attend. These meetings play an important role in forming sober connections and developing a new support system.

Lights out will be at a relatively early hour as sleep is an essential part of all aspects of addiction recovery. Plus, you’ve got to wake up early the following morning.

For specific schedules and program options, contact the facility you’re considering and ask. Addiction specialists would love to help determine if their programming is a fit for you and your needs.

Rehab requires enormous investments of time and money, as well as the need to put your life on hold for one month or more. Plus, it brings an overwhelmingly intense sigma upon anyone who participates, causing people to ask, “is it really worth it?”

As tempting and possible as it might seem, addiction treatment and rehab should not be attempted alone.
For starters, the detoxification process can be hazardous without medical supervision. As you become addicted to and dependent on a substance, your body accepts the presence of the drug as its new normal and adjusts accordingly. Removing that element from your body will cause withdrawal symptoms.

The following substances are the most likely to require a medical detox process:

● Prescription pain pills

● Prescription pain pills

● Alcohol

● Heroin

● Benzodiazepines

● Inhalants

● Methamphetamine

● Club drugs, such as ecstasy

This list is not comprehensive, and withdrawal symptoms affect everyone differently. Common withdrawal symptoms include:

● Anxiety

● Anxiety

● Hallucinations or visions

● Suicidal thoughts

● Seizures

● Tremors

● Nausea and vomiting

● Dehydration

● Heart failure

● Confusion

● Death

Medical professionals in inpatient detoxification facilities will monitor your symptoms and prescribe medications to alleviate them while decreasing your risks of something wrong happening.

Outside of the medical observation through the detoxification process, rehab provides a community to support you through the process and a large box of tools to help you recover and remain sober for the long term.

Rehab prepares you for all that the recovery process will bring: the individual therapy that helps you address your unique triggers and background, the group therapy that demonstrates you are not alone in what you’re feeling, and the educational programs that provide tools and plans to assist your sober lifestyle once you leave. Even the most devoted friends and loved ones cannot replace the help of a trained addiction service provider.

Choosing where to attend rehab is almost as critical of a decision as admitting that you need help and are ready to change. We’ve said it once, and we’ll repeat it:

The best addiction rehab program is the one that’s the best fit for you.
Research shows that the most effective treatment programs address a person’s specific substance abuse along with their mental, emotional, or social disorders. These needs look different for everyone. However, there are a few things to consider when looking at your perfect program.

Local programs
Local programs allow your family and close friends to visit and be part of your recovery process. Family therapy is more comfortable to facilitate, and outpatient programs become possible options to consider.

Staying close to home also saves money; you avoid travel expenses and can even live at home and continue to work.

The third benefit of local programs comes in your aftercare planning. Your treatment specialists will know the area and its resources well. You might even be able to begin forming sober friendships and developing your new dry support system before you’ve finished your program.

Distant programs
Traveling for rehab also brings many perks. First, you might be able to find a facility or program that has more experience with your unique addiction or situation. Additionally, your insurance company might not cover treatment at local rehabs but will pay the expenses for one further away.

Going away for rehab can also help establish your new mindset as you begin your path towards recovery. You’re physically embarking on a trip, just as you’re about to go through an emotional and mental journey as well.

Traveling also helps to ensure that no one will know you’re in addiction treatment unless you tell them. Being far away helps to protect your privacy and reputation.

You’ll also be less likely to leave to visit familiar places or old friends or dealers. They’ll be hours if not thousands of miles away. It’s a much harder decision to go away for treatment. Therefore, you’re more likely to see it through to the end.

It’s true: rehab will likely change the ways you spend your free time, the activities you participate in for fun, and even your friends. Falling back into the same friendships and habits often leads to relapse. Luckily, there are easy ways to ensure you continue to move forward and find more healthy ways to fill your days.

The best way to prepare for these significant changes in your social life is to create a plan before you finish or leave your addiction treatment program. Specifically, you’ll want to:

● Understand what triggers you and how to avoid becoming triggered

● Understand what triggers you and how to avoid becoming triggered

● Have an established support network of friends or family members who understand and encourage your dedication to sober living

● Find ways to stay active and avoid becoming bored or depressed

● Develop healthy eating and lifestyle habits

● Stick to a consistent sleep schedule

● Manage your stress levels

● Accept that avoiding certain people and situations that don’t support your sobriety will most likely be necessary

Once you’re out of rehab, work on finding new, sober friends and building a community you can lean on. This ensures you won’t find yourself lonely, isolated, or bored – three things that often trigger old habits and patterns. Go to 12-Step meetings, dry bars, or events that don’t involve substances, such as art classes or outdoor activities. Having supportive friends who understand your commitment to sober living and fun, healthy ways to pass the time is crucial to preventing relapse.

Completing rehab and beginning down the path to recovery is not social life suicide. Yes, things will change. However, you’ll most likely find yourself happier, healthier, and more fulfilled once you come out on the other side.

Once you’ve decided to get help for your addiction, you are on your way to creating a sober life for yourself. However, there are still a few steps to take before you officially enter rehab and begin the work toward recovery.

It might be tempting to drop everything and begin mentally and emotionally preparing yourself for rehab. Your future self will thank you if you don’t give in to those temptations. The rehab process is intense and draining. The last thing you’ll want afterward is to come home to a pile of unpaid bills, a messy house, and other undesirable tasks.

You’ll want to be sure that you do the following before you leave:

● Create a care plan for your home, family, children, and pets

● Create a care plan for your home, family, children, and pets

● Finish up work projects and prepare for your coverage

● Pay bills in advance or put them on autopay

When packing, try to pack light and only bring your most essential items. Extra things can cause distractions or keep you tied to your past self that you’re working to heal and leave behind. Your belongings will be there for you when you finish your treatment program.

A journal is a helpful tool for tracking your progress throughout the entire recovery period. Begin writing today, while you prepare. Write notes to your future self. Describe how you’re feeling. These entries will be powerful for you to look back on as a reminder of how far you’ve come through your addiction recovery.

An intervention is a formal group conversation between loved ones, an intervention specialist, and an addict. It follows a planned format to show the addict how their choices and actions have been affecting those around them. Typically, the goal of an intervention is to get the person struggling with substance abuse into an addiction rehab program.

Before an intervention takes place, loved ones should try to talk with the person one-on-one. However, if this doesn’t work, especially when the addict claims they don’t have a problem, then intervention might be the only option.

The first step in performing an intervention is finding an intervention specialist. Intervention specialists are trained in keeping the communication between the addict and loved ones open and moving. Without the specialist, the addict can become closed off or defensive, and the attempt, though well-intentioned, can make the situation worse. Third-party involvement is crucial in breaking down the addict’s denial.

Second, create the intervention team; this can include parents, partners, siblings, co-workers, close friends, grandparents, or children. If including children or elderly family members, prepare them for potentially extreme outcomes. There is no one-size-fits-all way to form an intervention team. It would be best if you did what’s best for the addict.

Third, prepare what you’re going to say. Everything should be written down and practiced. It’s hard to think clearly when tensions and emotions are high, and you feel put on the spot. Run your speech by the intervention specialist and other members of the team. The goal is to trigger a “moment of clarity” in the addict and open their eyes to all the harm, hurt, and betrayed feelings they’ve caused.

Fourth, choose a meeting place and time. The location should be somewhere the addict finds comfortable, familiar, and non-threatening. It should also be when the addict is sober, if possible.

Finally, be ready for anything to happen. There’s no way to know how your addicted loved one will react as a result of the confrontation. The goal is to keep the situation calm and peaceful; however, be prepared to call 911 or handle hostile, dangerous situations.

Interventions are not easy for anyone involved, but they are often the only tool to ensure your loved one gets the help and addiction treatment they need.

Addiction hurts more than the individual with the disease. It negatively affects their partners, family, and friends as well. This disease damages relationships in ways that seem irreparable – especially during the thick of recovery.

It’s important to know that as much as you want to fix your relationships, the other person wants it too. However, they have most likely been hurt or betrayed by you. Experiences like these don’t quickly heal.

If possible, find a rehab option that includes your family and support network. Many outpatient facilities, including Harmony Healing Center, build family therapy into the programming, allowing your loved ones to develop their own tools to navigate through your recovery process in addition to the skills and techniques you learn together.

In general, consistency matters most in rebuilding your relationships. The other person needs to feel that they can trust you to be kind and follow through with your promises. Other tips to keep in mind as you move forward with recovery and rebuilding relationships include:

● Follow through with your promises.

● Follow through with your promises.

● Be open to challenging conversations and clear communication.

● Show consistency in your new routines and dedication to turning your life around.

● Be patient and allow them time to heal.

Trust and relationships will not rebuild overnight. It’s a long process, much like recovery. The first step to rebuilding these relationships is enrolling in a rehab program and becoming clean. Then you can begin the work directly related to restoring your loved ones’ faith in you.

Even though addiction treatment can seem highly prohibitive, it doesn’t have to be. Options for financial assistance, more affordable programs, and payment plans are widely available. It’s essential to view rehab as a critical investment in yourself that’s worth whatever it takes.

Use your insurance plan.
Most people find that insurance is the easiest way to pay for rehab. Private insurance companies often pay for at least a portion of addiction treatment, and some cover it completely.

If you don’t have health insurance when you decide you’re ready for treatment, it’s not too late to apply, thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Insurance companies must accept you, even with your pre-existing addiction condition. These plans will cover between 60 and 90 percent of your treatment.

Medicare and Medicaid insurance plans also cover addiction treatment. To qualify for Medicaid, you must be one of the following:

• Over 65 years old

• Over 65 years old

• Younger than 19 years old

• Pregnant or a parent

• Within a certain income bracket

Medicare provides insurance for disabled individuals or those over 65 years of age.

Ask about financing or payment plans.
Most treatment facilities will work with you to find a way to afford rehab services. Some will offer payment plans while others provide financing options, sometimes through a third-party money lender.

Apply for scholarships and grants.
Depending on your specific addiction or circumstances, scholarships and grants are often available to pay for treatment as well.

Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grants (SBAG) are federal and state grants that cover rehab expenses for specific groups of people, such as pregnant and postpartum women and intravenous drug users.

Take advantage of your existing assets.
Selling any items that have monetary value can help pay for rehab. Consider anything that is replaceable and non-essential to your survival or well-being. Even if it’s hard to let go of, it might be the only way to get the treatment you need and deserve.

Home equity loans or a retirement account can also be used to cover treatment plans.

Talk with your treatment facility.
As soon as you’ve chosen a facility, discuss your financial situation candidly, and ask for their suggestions on how to make rehab possible. An open discussion ensures that there will be plenty of time to make all the necessary financial arrangements.

Find a non-profit or free treatment facility.
If all else fails, find a more affordable treatment facility. They provide the same care and treatment styles for reduced costs, work trade, or free. Keep in mind, the waiting lists for these programs and facilities are often quite long.

The ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act, was created to protect individuals from being discriminated against at work or losing their jobs as a result of a disability or illness. Individuals suffering from substance abuse addiction are protected under this act, meaning your employer cannot fire you because you choose to take control of your life and attend rehab. If they do, you can file a complaint against them with the United States Government.

The process of letting your employer know that you will be taking a leave of absence is straightforward. First, be open about the situation and let your boss know that you will be seeking help. He or she will be required to maintain confidentiality, so you don’t have to worry about your co-workers being aware of your plans if you’d prefer. Second, finish any major projects you’re working on and be sure that your boss or a co-worker can cover your tasks while you’re away.

If you cannot take a full leave of absence for financial reasons or other obligations, consider an outpatient addiction treatment facility. They have programs that can fit into your schedule outside of working hours and will allow you to continue your career.

For individuals on the fence, who feel as if a leave of absence will hurt their future and permanently damage their career, we encourage you to think about it from another perspective. Most research on employment and addiction shows that individuals who get help and begin the path to recovery either keep their jobs or find themselves with an even better one. Plus, once you’re no longer fighting the addiction demons, you will likely be more focused, organized and successful at everything you do.

Often, addiction treatment costs cause a bit of the sticker shock. However, it’s crucial to remember that, in the long run, addiction treatment does not cost anywhere close to the price of living with the disease.

Individuals suffering from the disease are more likely to miss work or change jobs than those not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Additionally, the amount of money spent on substances themselves or the inevitable legal issues and health problems that surround long-term substance abuse add up quickly. Those costs don’t include the immeasurable price of ruined relationships, broken dreams, or missed opportunities.

Prices of addiction treatment vary based on the type of care and facility. Inpatient facilities cost anywhere from $6,000.00 to $20,000.00 for a 30-day program or from $12,000.00 to $60,000.00 for longer programs. Outpatient rehab programs vary even more in price, typically ranging from $5,000.00 to $10,000.00 for a three-month program. Outpatient detox programs cost between $1,000.00 and $1,500.00. Medication treatment, such as Methadone, cost several thousand dollars each year. For example, Methadone treatment is around $4,700.00 for one year.

As you can see, these prices vary widely. However, they don’t consider low-income, nonprofit, or state-funded rehab options. For more information on affordable rehab or payment options, click to our answer for “how can I afford treatment?”

Finishing rehab is a significant milestone on the path to a life free from addiction. However, recovery is a daily commitment and requires a lifelong journey to maintain it. Some days will be hard, especially closer to recovery. Most relapses occur within the first six months after rehab. It’s essential that you adhere to the action plan created with your addiction support team before you leave rehab and return to the “real world.” It will be imperative to use your tools and community and avoid your triggers.

Life will be different after rehab as you adjust your lifestyle, routines, and social circle. It might seem lonely or boring at first, but there are plenty of entertaining activities to improve your quality of life that don’t include drugs or alcohol. Going to the movies, learning a new skill, or beginning a big project are all ways to spend time without exposure to substances.

After addiction recovery, participants are strongly recommended to find recovery meetings, like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, to connect with the local community who understands what you’re going through. Additionally, the 12-Step process reminds people of their powerlessness and tells them to rely on a higher power for accountability, support, and motivation.

Recent rehab graduates are also encouraged to continue individual therapy, creating opportunities to dig even deeper and keep working to understand the underlying issues that lead to addiction in the first place.

Unlike outpatient programs where you leave and go home every night, inpatient addiction rehab involves a safe, protected, monitored environment for you to go through recovery safely and without your external triggers. These programs involve around the clock medical care and emotional support.

Inpatient rehab programs are ideal for individuals who will experience a detoxing period, have other mental health conditions, or have gone through the rehab process before and relapsed. Most programs last at least 30 days; however many programs continue between 60 and 90 days.

These programs have the highest success rate of any other form of addiction rehab. The combination of a disconnected environment to heal and detox, constant medical professional presence, and a support system from others going through the same experiences as you help to strengthen the treatment.

Inpatient treatment programs differ based on the addiction served. When considering inpatient rehab, be sure the facilities have experience treating your specific addiction and other disorders. Every substance and disease is unique and requires slightly different care. Finding providers with expertise in your situation helps ensure your healing and success at becoming sober.

Society has created the false premise that addiction isn’t a problem until a person has hit rock bottom. That is just not true. This mindset is what keeps individuals from seeking help to become sober, even when they want or need it.

IF YOUR LIFE OR RELATIONSHIPS ARE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED BY YOUR USE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, THEN YOU HAVE AN ADDICTION.
Addictions are diagnosed on a spectrum from mild to severe. These eleven criteria combine to create our definition of addiction:

● Lack of control over substance use or life

● Lack of control over substance use or life

● A desire to quit using drugs or alcohol, but an inability to do so

● Going to great lengths to obtain the substance

● Craving the substance

● Failure to uphold one’s responsibilities

● Relationship problems with partners, family, or friends

● Loss of interest in activities or things that used to bring joy

● Using the substance to dangerous levels

● Situations continue to become worse and worse

● Tolerance towards the substance increases

● Withdrawal symptoms if the drug is not used regularly

Regardless of where your addiction disorder ranks on the scale, if you exhibit any of these problems, you need help.

It might be easy to think that a mild diagnosis isn’t a big deal because it could be worse. However, it’s essential to remember that addiction is a chronic, progressive disease. It will get worse without treatment. If you get help before the problem gets out of hand, recovery will be a much easier process.

If your problem is already severe, it is never too late. Treatment options exist for every level of the disease.

Outpatient addiction treatment programs will include some combination of the following therapies and programs:

● Individual therapy

● Individual therapy

● Group therapy

● Family therapies

● Alternative therapies such as art or music

● Education and life skills programs

● Support network creation

● Medication

The main difference between outpatient programs and inpatient rehab is, as the names would suggest, that individuals do not live or eat at outpatient facilities. This reduces the cost, leads to a much more flexible schedule, and allows for greater involvement of one’s family or loved ones.

The specifics of outpatient rehab programs depend upon the individual, substance abused, level of addiction, and program format. However, outpatient programs typically take one of three primary forms.

Day programs are the most intense of the outpatient rehab formats and require individuals to be present at the facility up to six hours at a time and often between five to seven days each week.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) have a more flexible treatment schedule but still, require participants to be dedicated to their mission. These programs offer both day and evening options so that individuals can continue to attend work or school and uphold their existing responsibilities. As patients reach their recovery milestones, they will be required to participate in meetings and appointments less frequently. Typical requirements begin around four times each week for a few hours at a time.

Continuing care programs are the least structured and individualized of all outpatient treatment programs and often take the form of support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. These programs are ideal for individuals who have already gone through rehab and need extra support sticking with sober life.