Will I consume again if I leave rehab?
The rehabilitation process holds immense significance as it ultimately ensures a thorough recovery, addressing the underlying reasons that drive individuals to engage in substance addiction. The critical moment of leaving rehab can potentially trigger concerns about relapse and even the risk of overdose.
One of the challenges addressed in rehabilitation treatment is the risk of relapse, as returning to substance use heightens the potential for overdose. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the reality is evident: in 2021, over 106,000 people lost their lives in the United States due to drug overdoses, encompassing both illicit drugs and prescription opioids.
The decision to quit raises the pivotal question: Will I consume again if I leave rehab? The answer is not straightforward, as it hinges on various factors such as the type of treatment—inpatient or outpatient—the duration of the recovery program and the availability of emotional support, among others. For instance, our Nashua center offers diverse treatment programs tailored to individual needs. In our PHP treatment, we recommend 30 days or more in the talk therapies.
But even in such challenges, there’s always room for hope. No matter how daunting the struggle may seem, there’s always someone ready to offer support. In this GateHouse Treatment blog, we aim to dig deeper into what happens when leaving rehab, shed light on the ideal recovery duration, and give you reasons to mull over your decision carefully.
Why do People Leave Rehab Early?
Leaving rehab before completing the recommended treatment program is a decision that some individuals grappling with substance abuse make for various reasons. Despite the significant strides that addiction treatment centers have made in creating supportive environments, the journey to recovery remains a complex and personal one.
The decision to quit recovery ahead of time is due to a combination of factors that may include:
Lack of Motivation: Individuals may need help finding genuine motivation to complete the challenging recovery journey.
Unrealistic Expectations: Unlikely expectations about the speed of recovery or the intensity of the treatment process can lead to frustration and premature departure.
External Pressures: External factors such as family issues, financial stress, or legal concerns may compel individuals to leave treatment prematurely.
Emotional Struggles: The recovery process can bring up deep-seated emotions related to guilt, shame, and trauma. Facing these emotions can be overwhelming, and some individuals may choose to leave to avoid confronting these challenging feelings.
Lack of Social Support: A robust support system is crucial for successful recovery. Individuals lacking a supportive network may feel isolated during the recuperation process, making it more likely for them to leave early.
Resistance to Change: Recovery requires significant lifestyle changes; some individuals may resist or be unwilling to embrace these changes. The discomfort associated with adopting a new way of life can lead to a desire to return to familiar, albeit unhealthy, patterns.
Cravings and Relapse Urges: Despite progress in recovery, individuals may experience intense cravings triggered by environmental cues or stressors. The overwhelming desire to consume drugs or alcohol can be a powerful force, leading to leaving rehab.
What Happens After Leaving Rehab?
To answer what happens after leaving rehab, we must consider two scenarios: leaving rehab early and leaving rehab after the recommended time. Recognizing that the path to recovery is unique for each individual and that success is not guaranteed by merely participating in any program, the following situations could unfold.
Leaving Rehab Early:
Rehabilitation programs help individuals with various issues, such as addiction, physical injuries, or mental health conditions. These programs follow a structured plan to ensure gradual improvement and long-term recovery. Abandoning recovery treatment can impact in different ways, such as:
- Incomplete Recovery: Rehabilitation programs are typically structured to provide a gradual and comprehensive recovery process. Quitting may result in incomplete healing.
- Risk of Relapse: Leaving the program in advance increases the risk of relapse. Recovery requires time, support, and coping mechanisms. Abruptly ending treatment can disrupt progress and make it harder to resist unhealthy behaviors.
- Missed Education and Skill-building: Rehabilitation programs often include educational components and skill-building exercises to help individuals develop tools for managing their conditions. Exiting the program early means missing valuable lessons and strategies for maintaining long-term health and well-being.
- Potential Worsening of Health Conditions: For individuals undergoing physical rehabilitation, prematurely leaving the program can worsen existing health conditions.
- Psychological Impact: Individuals may experience feelings of guilt, shame, and frustration, which can contribute to a negative cycle that hinders their ability to seek help or re-engage in rehabilitation later.
Completing Recovery Treatment:
After completing a treatment program, individuals enter a critical phase of recovery that involves transitioning back into regular life. The post-rehabilitation period is essential for maintaining the progress achieved during treatment and preventing relapse. During their time in rehabilitation, individuals acquire valuable coping strategies and tools that empower them to navigate the challenges of daily life without resorting to harmful behaviors.
- Transition to Aftercare: Professionals recommend plans to support individuals as they reintegrate into their daily lives. Aftercare may include scheduled counseling sessions and support group meetings.
- Follow-Up Care: Depending on the nature of the rehabilitation, individuals may need follow-up care, such as medical check-ups, therapy sessions, or additional treatments.
- Implementation of Relapse Prevention Strategies: Individuals can apply the relapse prevention strategies learned during rehabilitation actively. This strategy involves identifying triggers, developing coping mechanisms, and planning to navigate challenging situations.
- Employment and Education: Many individuals focus on reestablishing their careers or pursuing education after completing a recovery program.
- Family and Relationship Rebuilding: The post-rehabilitation phase often involves efforts to rebuild relationships strained by addiction. Open communication, trust-building, and sincere efforts to repair connections are essential aspects of this process.
How Long Should a Rehabilitation Process Last
The duration of the recovery process can vary significantly depending on the individual’s specific needs and the type of addiction. Generally, detoxification can take a few days to weeks, helping patients manage withdrawal symptoms.
After detoxification, individuals, in collaboration with healthcare professionals, assess and determine the most suitable treatment program. Whether inpatient, outpatient, medication-assisted treatment, talk therapy, or a combination, tailoring the approach to the individual’s unique circumstances enhances the effectiveness of the recovery journey.
However, according to the American Addiction Centers, rehab can range anywhere from 30 to 90 days, with a standard addiction treatment program often being 30 days. Severe addictions may require more extended periods.
Moreover, a Social Science and Medicine study suggests that individuals who underwent a well-structured, long-term treatment or support plan had a 23.9% higher likelihood of abstaining from or moderating their consumption than those who received a shorter standard treatment.
6 Reasons Why Rehab Helps You Achieve Recovery
When an individual recognizes that they are grappling with substance use issues, any professional is likely to advocate for a rehabilitation process. Why? Because rehabilitation programs aim to tackle the underlying problems associated with substance abuse, mental health challenges, and physical injuries.
Here are six reasons recovery programs are crucial in guiding individuals toward healing.
1. Structured Treatment Plans
Recovery programs offer structured treatment plans tailored to the individual’s unique needs. These plans typically include a combination of counseling, therapy, and other evidence-based interventions to address the underlying issues contributing to addiction or mental health challenges.
2. Professional Guidance and Support
It provides access to trained and experienced professionals, including counselors, therapists, and medical staff.
3. Safe and Supportive Environment
The rehabilitation setting provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals can focus solely on their recovery. Being removed from external triggers and negative influences allows for concentrated efforts on personal growth, healing, and learning new coping mechanisms.
4. Peer Support and Community
Rehabilitation centers create a sense of community among individuals who share similar experiences. Peer support can be a powerful motivator, fostering a supportive network.
5. Holistic Approach to Recovery
Many programs take a holistic approach, addressing not only the immediate symptoms of addiction or mental health issues but also the broader aspects of well-being.
6. Education and Skill Building
Rehab equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for long-term recovery. Educational components of rehabilitation programs help individuals understand the nature of their conditions, identify triggers, and develop practical tools to navigate challenges and maintain their progress beyond the confines of the program.
GateHouse Approach to Addiction Treatment
Leaving rehab is a decision that can profoundly impact an individual’s journey to recovery. Understanding the reasons behind early departures, the challenges that may arise after leaving, and the optimal duration of a rehabilitation process is crucial.
Whether it’s your initial experience with addiction treatment or your final one, you’ll find at GateHouse Treatment the empathetic care you need. We prioritize your health and well-being, striving to impart the techniques and tools essential for sustaining lifelong sobriety.
It’s always possible to start your journey toward healing. You can reach us on our contact page or call us at (855) 448-3588 to learn about our addiction treatment options, including holistic approaches and more intensive programs.
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