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Define Rehabilitation
How do we define rehabilitation? Rehabilitation is a broad term that points to both the treatment for and recovery from addiction to alcohol or drugs. The purpose of rehabilitation is to address substance abuse, addiction, or dependency and find a solution for ending it permanently. The goal of rehabilitation is lifelong recovery from addiction without relapse.
Therapists use a variety of evidence-based and holistic treatment to guide a client through stages of recovery. A client comes to a treatment center, enters detox, completes rehab, and explores options for extended care beyond the treatment program.
Breaking The Cycle of Addiction Defines Rehabilitation
When a person continues using (or abusing) drugs or alcohol, the brain forms a dependency on the substance. We define rehabilitation as the ability to break the pattern of addiction between the mind and destructive behavior. Rehabilitation seeks to detach the brain’s dependency on the substance by interrupting the addictive pattern. This typically occurs in three stages:
Detox
Detox gives the client time to rid their bodies of the toxic substance. During detox, the body is cleansing itself, as the central nervous system readjusts to functioning without the drug. While this process is healthy, it can also cause a wide range of withdrawal symptoms that range from insomnia and nausea to hallucinations, anxiety, and shaking.
The detox period can last between three and ten days.
Rehab
Once the client completes detox, they enter the period of rehabilitation. During this time, they learn to identify the root causes of addiction while developing the skills to manage their symptoms. They may also discover and address any mental issues they have. A licensed therapist guides them through this phase until they complete their treatment program.
Aftercare
Once a client completes rehab, they are ready to re-enter their normal life. Aftercare gives them tools and resources that promote a lifelong recovery without relapse. A support network may include ongoing therapy, a sober living home, alumni or mentor program, and a support group or a 12-step program.
What is True Rehabilitation?
If you ask anyone in recovery to define rehabilitation, you may get a variety of answers. Even treatment professionals may offer different meanings. However, what everyone can agree on is that the goal of rehabilitation is lifelong recovery. Some common ways people define rehabilitation include:
- A commitment to get clean and stay clean for life
- A willingness to embrace change that leads to a better life
- The ability to resist triggers and temptations that cause a relapse
- Leading a healthy life as a better alternative to addiction
Regardless of how you define rehabilitation, taking the first step is the most important. Every step thereafter gets you closer to true recovery.
How We Define Rehabilitation at Northern Illinois Recovery Center
Your road to recovery starts at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. We offer detox, rehab, and aftercare as a part of our addiction treatment program. To learn how to define rehabilitation and find out more about our services and get started with your treatment, call 855.786.1978 today.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
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