Historically, “rehab” was a term used to describe treatment for alcohol and/or drug addiction. You often hear “drug rehab” or “alcohol rehab,” specifying the type of treatment the program offers. Many of today’s rehab programs …

Individuals need rehab if their lives have become unmanageable because of their addictive behaviors. Addiction is characterized by the inability to control the use of drugs, alcohol, sex, and/or gambling despite negative consequences. These consequences often include losing employment, family,…

Discuss your treatment needs with a health-care professional, e.g., an addictionologist, drug/alcohol counselor, psychiatrist, or primary care physician.  Also contact treatment facilities and discuss their treatment philosophies and processes.  Questions to ask include:

• Is the facility licensed?
• What is

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Most facilities do not allow individuals to leave campus without a staff member. A facility is either “locked” or “non-locked.” If an individual is not safe in a non-locked facility, he will be recommended to a locked facility.

It is essential to have a continuing care plan, which includes follow-up with medications, therapy, 12 Step meetings, etc. It is imperative to have a family doctor or psychiatrist involved if any medications are prescribed.

While there are many common threads among addictions, facilities offer different tracks in certain areas of care.

Every facility has different restrictions regarding personal items. Some facilities do not allow cell phones, computers, MP3 players, books, CDs, etc. Individuals entering treatment need treatment, not entertainment. Since the main focus of treatment should be recovery, outside influences and…

Prohibited items may include mind-altering drugs, liquids, and items that promote or glamorize addictive behavior, such as T-shirts, music, books, etc.

This treatment tool involves interaction between group members and a therapist/facilitator. The aim is to discuss and examine all aspects of the patient’s relationship with addiction while exploring avenues toward recovery. This interaction among group members, under appropriate guidance, has…

All treatment facilities have different requirements regarding family contact.  Most facilities do allow some telephone contact; however, this is often closely monitored.

Inpatient or residential treatment provides individuals with support 24 hours a day. An individual who is no longer safe in his home setting because of his addiction …