What Happens in Drug Rehab?

The thought of attending rehab can be very daunting. That’s why it’s reassuring to learn about what really happens in rehab, as it helps to dispel a lot of myths surrounding what it’s like to attend. 

The purpose of rehab is to offer treatments which are designed to help individuals overcome a drug or alcohol addiction. These treatments range from detoxification to rehabilitative therapies, each aimed at helping individuals achieve lasting sobriety.  

Far from the regimented and clinical image many people imagine, rehab is a warm and welcoming environment where everyone, from staff to fellow peers, are there to support individuals along their personal recovery journey.  

At New Leaf Recovery, we offer addiction rehabilitation in a private residential setting, where individuals have the time, space and professional support they need to change their life for good. So, if you’re wondering what happens in rehab, read on to discover what to expect. 

What Happens in Rehab: Detox 

One of the first things that happens in rehab is what is known as detoxification (or detox for short). This is the process of cleansing the body of all harmful intoxicants that built up during a period of prolonged substance misuse.  

Detox is the foundation for addiction recovery, as it allows the individual to recover physically from the addictive substance. 

During addiction, the body may become physically dependent on the substance. This means that the body has grown use to the presence of the substance in the body, and has become reliant on it to function normally.  

If intake was to suddenly stop, the body would be liable to producing a range of harmful withdrawal symptoms as it reacts to the absence of the substance. 

This is why detox is the first crucial stage of addiction recovery in rehab, as it provides the necessary support to manage these withdrawal symptoms safely, minimising discomfort to the individual. 

It can be dangerous to attempt to detox at home alone, as it places the individual’s health at risk and leaves them vulnerable to relapse. 

At New Leaf Recovery, we offer medically supervised detox with access to 24/7 medical and therapeutic support.  

However, rehab offers a lot more than just detox. What truly sets rehab apart is the range of rehabilitative therapies on offer, which seek to cure both the physical and psychological causes of addiction. 

Therapy: Addressing The Root Causes of Addiction  

When individuals attend rehab, they will spend a great deal of their time in therapy sessions which aim to uncover the psychological causes of their addiction.  

More often than not, psychological aspects are the root causes of addiction. These may include: 

Difficult Emotions: An individual may be suffering from mental health challenges, leading them to turn to substances to cope. 

Strained relationships: Difficult home life, social isolation, bad influences, or other relationship problems may push someone to seeking out substances. 

Life Stresses: Career strain, financial difficulties, or other life responsibilities may place great stress on the individual, leading them to turn to substances as a coping mechanism. 

These are just some examples of how addictions can develop, and it’s important to address these psychological causes if a sustained recovery is to be made.  

This is because addicted individuals may be at risk of turning back to the substance if they are not aware of what is causing their addiction. They may continue to use substances as a means of coping with difficult emotions or life stresses, or they may continue to place themselves in social situations which act as ‘triggers’ for substance use. 

The main purpose of rehab is therefore to provide therapies that allow individuals to gain a deeper understanding about their addiction, and why it occurred. It then seeks to educate individuals on how they can better control negative thoughts and difficult emotions, so that they can regain control of their decision-making.  

Finally, rehab seeks to equip individuals with all the tools and techniques they are going to need post-rehab to effectively manage triggers and cravings, thereby preventing a relapse. 

Rehabilitative Therapies 

So, what therapies are offered in rehab? At New Leaf Recovery, we offer a wide range of rehabilitative therapies designed to tackle the psychological, emotional and behavioural underpinnings of addiction. These include: 

Group Therapy 

Group therapy provides a supportive, non-judgemental environment where clients can share experiences with others who are also attending rehab. This provides a sense of community, where individuals can l earn from and gain inspiration from others. 

Led by qualified therapists, group therapy allows individuals to gain different perspectives of addiction, and achieve closure by reflecting on past events. 

 It greatly strengthens resilience and self-esteem, as it reminds individuals that they are never alone in their struggles, and they have the support of those around them who are on similar journeys. 

1:1 Counselling 

1:1 counselling provides a private space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions with the guidance of a dedicated therapist. 

Unlike group therapy, these sessions allow for a deeper dive into personal challenges where the root causes of addiction can be fully explored and addressed.  

This personalised approach helps clients gain greater self-awareness and receive a treatment plan that’s designed specifically around their needs. 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is a scientifically proven therapy for addiction. Unlike other therapies that focus on past events, CBT focuses on current challenges.  

CBT aims to help individuals identify ongoing negative thought patterns and behaviours that may continuously be fuelling their addiction. It then focuses on developing practical strategies for dealing with these negative thoughts patterns, seeking to challenging them so that lasting changes to behaviour can be made.  

Ultimately, CBT equips individuals with the skills they need to manage triggers and sustain long-term recovery, making it a cornerstone of many rehabilitation treatment programmes. 

Holistic Therapies 

These are therapies that are tailored around restoring mind, body and spirit. These complement traditional therapies, offering a more holistic approach to addiction recovery. At New Leaf, clients may take part in a mix of the following: 

• Meditation & Mindfulness 

• Art Therapy 

• Movement Therapy 

• Emotional Freedom Techniques  

These therapies help clients reconnect with their bodies and develop healthy coping strategies. Combined with nutritional guidance and lifestyle support, holistic therapies form an integral part of recovery. 

At New Leaf, a combination of the above rehabilitative and holistic therapies are typically offered as part of a bespoke treatment package tailoured around the needs of clients. 

The day-to-day life of someone who attends rehab can therefore vary significantly. It may start with a CBT session in the morning, followed by a meditation and group therapy session in the afternoon, with a completely different schedule planned for the following day. It is often said that no two days are ever the same in rehab. 

What Happens in Rehab: 12 Steps Programme 

The 12 step programme may also be recommended to those attending rehab. Initially developed by Alcholics Anonymous in the 1930s, it is a programme that is now widely used to treat a wide variety of addictions. 

The steps revolve around themes of honesty and introspection, encouraging the individual to face up to the realities of their addiction in a supportive environment.  

Individuals are guided through the steps with support from therapists and peers, providing a sense of communal support, encouraging open sharing and connection with others. It may also borrow from the approaches of CBT, meditation, 1:1 counselling and group therapy. 

By the end of the programme, clients will leave equipped with the foundations of the 12 Steps, and a clear plan forward for continuing their journey beyond treatment. 

Family Support 

During rehab, support for families also plays a vital role. Addiction doesn’t just impact individuals, but also impacts loved ones as well. At New Leaf, our family support in rehab focuses on education, communication, and healing. We help guide relatives in understanding the nature of addiction and how they can best support during the recovery process. 

Families may be invited to take part in therapy sessions, where trust can be re-built and channels of communication re-opened. Educational guidance is also offered, helping families to better understand the recovery journey and how they can help to create a stable environment post-rehab. 

What Happens After Rehab? 

Rehab Aftercare  

After completing a treatment programme, many centres will also offer dedicated rehab aftercare servicese to support recovery beyond rehab. At New Leaf, aftercare sessions help clients to apply what they’ve learned in treatment and build confidence in maintaining their sobriety in everyday life. 

Clients can continue to attend weekly group sessions or one-to-one support meetings. These are designed to reaffirm the messages and techniques of rehab to strengthen coping skills and prevent relapse.  

Aftercare is a vital part of the recovery process, as it essentially bridges the gap between rehabilitative treatment and independent living. This reinforces lasting change, paving the way to long-term sobriety. 

What Happens at Rehab: Reach Out To New Leaf Recovery Today 

As we can see, rehab is a transformative journey where the individual is placed at the very heart of the process. Through a bespoke range of treatments that includes detoxification, rehabilitative therapy, holistic therapy, and family support, rehab empowers individuals to make lasting change in their life, helping them to quit substances for good. 

If you suspect yourself or a loved one is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, it’s important to reach out for professional support you need. Get in touch with New Leaf Recovery today, and start your journey towards a brighter, healthier future.