Well, we couldn't really call it rehab because we didn't have a license to operate one, so it was a crisis management center that we labeled the Sober Valley Lodge. … its primary client achieved radical success –Charlie Sheen

Going Charlie's home “rehab” route isn't recommended.

Rehabilitation is hard enough but trying to get clean on your own…a herculean task.  The reality is most addicts need professional help in an environment that fosters healing.

If you realize you have a problem, congratulations! You've made the first step. Now comes the hard work of rehabilitation.

Once in, you may stumble. Rehabilitation isn't a one-size-fits-all process. You may try multiple methods for getting clean. You may drop out only to try another time. And you may go through rehab only to rebound once you're out. That's not uncommon.

Rehabilitation will likely be your life's biggest challenge. But you won't be alone. You'll have other addicts right there with you. And you'll have a small army of professionals trained to help you succeed.

Now let's look at what you can expect.

What is Rehab?
Rehab is a place to get clean, and where you'll learn how to stay clean. Rehabilitation facilities are staffed by a variety of licensed and certified professionals including doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors.

How rehab starts:

  • A counselor gives you a clinical assessment, asking lots of questions about your use, medical history, family history, work history, mental health and many others. This is so the counselor can design your treatment plan. 
  • If needed, you'll undergo a detoxification program monitored by medical professionals. During this process, you'll be given other drugs to lessen the effects of quitting cold turkey. Detox usually lasts about a week.
  • Begin treatment with a variety of methods including individual and group counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, jobs skills training, anger management, and others. 

Types of Treatment Programs

  • Inpatient Treatment programs are usually in special sections of hospitals or clinics and offer detox and rehab services. People with addictions and mental disorders most often use these programs.
  • Residential programs provide a living environment and treatment services from one month to a year. They are best for people with an unstable home life or who have limited family support.
  • Partial hospitalization/day treatment is provided in hospitals and clinics and lasts from 4 to 8 hours each day. Patients live at home.
  • Outpatient programs are offered in health clinics, hospitals, mental health clinics, residential programs and counselors' offices often meeting in the evenings and weekends from 1 to 3 days a week. Patients live at home and usually continue to work.
  • Methadone clinics offer outpatient, medication-assisted treatment for those addicted to opiates like Oxycontin, heroin and vicodin.

You're Not in This Alone
Drug and alcohol abuse can affect anyone. Addiction if anything is not discriminating.

Here are some smart, talented and successful people who've been in rehab: Ted Turner, Buzz Aldrin, Eminem, Randy Moss, Ted Kennedy, Ben Affleck, Johnny Cash, Truman Capote, James Gandolfini, Rush Limbaugh,….the list goes on. 

And here are some nation-wide statistics according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):

  • In 2009, about 12 million Americans had illicit drug dependence.
  • About 1 in 14 Americans was abusing alcohol in 2009.
  • Addiction treatment admission rates for opiates increased 345% from 1998 to 2009.
  • Addiction treatment rates for marijuana increased 30%.
  • Addiction treatment rates for methamphetamine were 53% higher in 2008 than in 1998.

Summary
Kicking an addiction is immensely hard on your own. Quitting drugs or alcohol is only the first step. You'll essentially need to re-program your body and mind.

A rehabilitation program under professional supervision is the most effective way to conquer your addiction. There are treatment options for everyone but you may have to try several before you find the one that fits you.

The most important thing is to start your rehab search right now. Search Recoverycorps.org's database for a rehab center near you. Need help selecting a rehab program? Click here.