Substance use disorders are mental issues that require rehabilitation by therapists. Rehab is the process of helping an individual grappling with a substance use disorder to stop cravings, the use, and compulsive seeking of the addictive substance. In Northern Illinois Recovery, we can help you or your loved one access a customized treatment plan.
The drug rehabilitation definition may change with the objectives set and may mean different things to different people. Generally, it is the ability to finish treatment, but it may also include maintaining sobriety after leaving a rehab center.

Drug Rehabilitation Uses Evidence-Based Approach

Recovery from substance use typically involves medications, counseling, and a change of the environment. Science-based approaches to treating substance use disorders often combine several programs, such as:

• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Sober living program
• Outpatient drug rehab
• Holistic treatment approach
• Group therapy program

For a full recovery from dependence on substances such as heroin, alcohol, and prescription opioids, you need a medication-assisted rehab program. It can be overwhelmingly painful and life-threatening if you decide to quit drugs without proper professional monitoring. Drug detox is a complicated process that should be done by an expert.

Rehab experts often use medications to help ease severe withdrawal. For example, methadone and buprenorphine can help treat addiction to heroin and other illicit opioids.

However, there are no perfect medications for treating dependency on prescription stimulants. So far, behavioral therapies are the only reliable option to help treat such mental issues.

The Role of Therapy in Addiction Rehab

Drug detox is the first but not the only stage of rehab. Getting rid of alcohol or drug chemicals from your bloodstream does not mean the problem is over. It would help if you addressed the psychological, emotional, and mental aspects of addiction too. Therapy comes in handy at this stage.

Drug rehabilitation therapy focuses on changing the thought processes that make you seek alcohol or drugs. It can help you learn how to confront your triggers and change the way you react to them. Therapy can also teach you how to live healthily with your condition.

Expect a customized approach that combines several standard evidence-based rehab therapies.

Residential Vs. Outpatient Rehab Care

If you have a severe substance use disorder, a mental health expert can advise you to move from home and live within the addiction rehab compound for the entire treatment period. Residential care is an ideal treatment plan for individuals without reliable social support. It is also appropriate for those with severe withdrawal and in need of round-the-clock professional monitoring and care.

Sometimes, asking a loved one to live within a rehabilitation facility’s confines during treatment may not be viable. Some individuals are sole breadwinners in their families. Hence, they cannot afford not to work. Other people have mild forms of mental issues that a rehab center can address through an outpatient program.

Outpatient care is a flexible drug or alcohol rehab plan that allows you to live at home and attend treatment during the day. A therapist can schedule therapy sessions at convenient times of the day, for example, at night, before work, on weekends, and at lunchtime.

Support Groups

Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and 12-step gatherings can reinforce your commitment to treatment and quicken your recovery. Support groups offer the necessary social support and provide a sense of belonging.

With support groups, you will learn how to confront your triggers and what methods others in your situation are doing to remain sober.

Contact Northern Illinois Recovery for Expert Rehab Services

Drug rehabilitation is often a long process that focuses on ensuring you stop using substances and learn how to prevent relapse. As such, you need a professional team by your side to overcome drug and alcohol abuse. If you need to learn more about rehabilitation definition, get in touch with our rehab center today. Contact Northern Illinois Recovery at 855.786.1978 to get started on your customized treatment plan.