Drug & Alcohol Rehab Questions

Rehab helps people with substance use disorder (drug addiction) rebuild healthy, sober lives. When considering rehab for yourself or a loved one, it’s normal to have questions. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about addiction treatment programs.

General FAQs About Rehab

What Conditions Does Rehab Treat?

In general, rehab centers address addictions to all types of substances, including alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, and prescription drugs.

Many rehab centers also offer dual diagnosis treatment. That means they address addiction as well as co-occurring disorders, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder.

What Are The Signs You Need Rehab?

You may need rehab if you experience symptoms of addiction. These symptoms include:

• frequently craving alcohol or other drugs
• needing increasingly larger doses of a substance to feel the desired effects (also called tolerance)
• experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety or sweating, when you don’t use a substance (also called physical dependence)
• losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
• feeling unable to meet your responsibilities at work, school, or home
• feeling unable to stop using a substance despite wanting to

What’s The Difference Between Inpatient & Outpatient Treatment?

During inpatient treatment (also called residential treatment), you live at a treatment center and receive 24/7 care.

During outpatient treatment, you live at home and regularly visit a treatment center. There are multiple types of outpatient programs. At Northeast Addictions Treatment Center, we offer:

• a partial hospitalization program (PHP), in which you visit the center six days per week
• an intensive outpatient program (IOP), in which you visit the center three to five days per week
• a standard outpatient program, (OP), in which you visit the center at least once per week

How Do I Choose Between Inpatient & Outpatient Treatment?

In general, you should choose inpatient treatment if you have a moderate-to-severe addiction or a dual diagnosis. It’s also the best choice for those who lack a supportive home environment.

You may benefit from outpatient treatment if you:

• have a mild addiction and strong support system at home
• have already completed inpatient rehab
• can’t attend inpatient rehab due to work or family responsibilities

Does Outpatient Treatment Work Better Than Inpatient Treatment?

As described above, it depends on your needs. Both types of treatment have advantages and disadvantages. While inpatient care is more intensive, outpatient care typically costs less and allows you to continue living your normal life.

Ultimately, the most effective treatment option is the option that works best for your lifestyle.

What Should I Bring To Rehab?

Generally, inpatient rehab programs recommend that you bring:

• identification, such as your driver’s license or state-issued ID
• your health insurance card
• your prescription card or pharmacy card
• a list of emergency contacts
• clothes, including light and heavy clothes that you can layer according to the weather
• basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush, unopened toothpaste, and deodorant
• a journal or notebook
• stamps and envelopes for writing letters
• photos of loved ones

For more specific recommendations, contact the rehab center you plan to attend.

What Should I Not Bring To Rehab?

Most rehab centers ban the following items:

• alcohol and other drugs
• electronic cigarettes
• products containing alcohol, such as certain mouthwashes, hair mousses, and aftershaves
• weapons
• opened toiletries or hygiene products
• opened vitamins or supplements
• candles or incense
• electronics
• clothing with profanity or offensive imagery

Does Court-Ordered Rehab Work?

Some people attend rehab as a form of alternative sentencing for a drug-related crime. This is called court-ordered rehab.

Studies suggest that court-ordered rehab works just as well as voluntary rehab. In many cases, the legal pressure motivates people to remain in treatment and avoid relapse.

FAQs About Rehab Costs

How Much Does Rehab Cost?

Typically, inpatient treatment costs between $200 and $900 per day, while outpatient treatment costs $100 and $500 per day. Some programs offer financing plans or sliding scale payment options to help people afford treatment.

Does Insurance Cover Rehab?

Many insurance plans cover both inpatient and outpatient treatment. To determine how much coverage you can receive, reach out to your insurance provider and the rehab programs you’re considering.

Does Medicare Cover Drug Rehab?

Medicare often covers rehab. However, you may need to pay for some parts of treatment out of pocket. Also, before you begin treatment, medical professionals might need to verify that your rehab stay is medically necessary.

Does Medicaid Cover Drug Rehab?

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid must cover basic parts of addiction treatment, such as screenings and detox. However, the amount of coverage you receive depends on your Medicaid plan. In addition, some rehab centers won’t accept Medicaid as payment.

FAQs About Life In Rehab

What Is A Typical Day In Rehab Like?

The answer depends on your individual needs and the rehab program you attend. Most people spend the first week or so of treatment in medical detox. During detox, doctors help you manage withdrawal symptoms as you get drugs out of your system.

Once you finish detox, a typical day in rehab includes individual and group therapy sessions along with scheduled meals and free time. In your free time, you will have access to activities that boost your physical and mental health.

Depending on the rehab center, these activities may include:

• exercise
• yoga, meditation, and/or prayer
• journaling
• arts and crafts
• outdoor activities

What Kinds Of Therapy Does Rehab Offer?

Most rehab centers offer multiple types of therapy to help you manage cravings and improve your mental health. The most common types include:

• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help you change unhelpful beliefs and behaviors that contribute to your drug use
• dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which can help you manage difficult emotions using skills such as mindfulness and distress tolerance
• motivational interviewing (MI), which can help you become more motivated to stay sober
• family therapy, which can help you and your loved ones resolve conflicts and support your long-term recovery

Does Rehab Offer Medications?

Many rehab centers offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for people addicted to alcohol, opioids, or nicotine. During MAT, doctors prescribe medications to ease your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Some of the most common medications used in MAT include:

• naltrexone, which blocks the pleasant effects of alcohol and opioids
• disulfiram, which discourages alcohol use by causing unpleasant side effects (such as headache and nausea) when you drink alcohol
• Suboxone, which reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms

Does Rehab Include 12-Step Programs?

Sometimes. A 12-step program is a support group that encourages people to take specific steps toward recovery, such as seeking help from a higher power.

The most popular 12-step programs include Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), and Marijuana Anonymous (MA).

Most 12-step programs are somewhat spiritual. That’s why many rehab programs also offer non-spiritual support groups, such as Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) Recovery, Women for Sobriety, and Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.).

Can Loved Ones Visit Me In Rehab?

Most inpatient rehab centers allow visitors. Some even offer family therapy to educate your loved ones about the addiction recovery process. Other centers don’t allow visitors or only allow them after you finish detox.

Can I Send & Receive Mail In Rehab?

The majority of rehab programs let you send and receive mail. However, some programs prohibit it, especially during detox.

Can I Keep My Job While In Rehab?

In general, yes. Many people request Paid Time Off (PTO) to attend inpatient rehab. Others take advantage of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

This law provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off for employees seeking medical treatment. For more information, talk to your employer.

Also, if you attend outpatient rehab, you may be able to schedule your treatment sessions so they don’t conflict with work.

Can I Smoke In Rehab?

While many addiction treatment centers ban smoking, some allow you to smoke in designated areas at designated times.

FAQs About Recovery After Rehab

Does Rehab Cure Addiction?

While rehab can help you break free from addiction, you still face a risk of relapse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction relapse rates resemble the relapse rates for other chronic diseases, including asthma, diabetes, and hypertension.

To reduce your risk of relapse, many rehab programs offer aftercare planning.

What Is Aftercare Planning?

Before you leave your rehab program, your treatment team will work with you to create an aftercare plan. This plan will include strategies to help you maintain your recovery. Depending on your needs, these strategies may include:

• ongoing therapy
• ongoing MAT
• support groups
• transitional housing (also called “sober living homes”)
• assistance with education or employment

What Should I Do If I Relapse?

Reach out to an addiction treatment specialist right away. They can connect you with additional or modified treatment to get you back on the road to recovery.

To learn more about rehab programs, please reach out to Northeast Addictions Treatment Center. Our board-certified healthcare providers offer personalized, evidence-based care to help you or your loved one thrive.