It is important to remember that once a person admits their addiction to drugs, entering a treatment program is only the beginning of the journey to sobriety. A good and effective drug rehabilitation program will have a treatment protocol that is structured and tailored to the individual, while maintaining some basic components. There are four main phases that are critical to ensuring a successful long-term outcome for the person in recovery.
The first phase of a drug rehabilitation program is patient assessment. This phase is done when one enters the treatment facility and means that the physicians, psychologists and other therapists can design a unique program for the individual. Patient assessment can take some time, but is an important part of the treatment program.
The next phase of the drug rehabilitation program is behavioral and psychological therapy. This is possibly the most important part of the treatment process. Behavioral therapy is crucial for the patient - understanding the reasons behind their addiction to drugs can be the proponent for ultimately achieving sobriety. Psychological therapy is also important and can be achieved either in an individual or a group setting. Often, experiencing therapy sessions in a group setting can be more beneficial, as it allows the addict to listen to and think about another addict's journey. Learning empathy and compassion are surprisingly important components of recovery. Behavioral and psychological therapy usually lasts for the entire time in a treatment program, and ideally, should continue once the recovering addict leaves the treatment program.
The next main phase of a drug rehabilitation program is medication. Entering a quality rehabilitation program with licensed physicians allows the recovering addict to receive medication in a safe setting for co-occurring disorders, like depression and anxiety, in a safe and controlled setting. Constant monitoring by the physician is so important for feeling comfortable during the recovery process.
The last phase of a drug rehabilitation program is exercise. Recovery is not just about ridding the body of the toxic drugs in your system, it is about getting your whole body healthy. Regular exercise can only enhance the recovery process. Research has proven that exercise helps clear your mind of negative thoughts, and strengthens every part of your body.
The four phases of a drug rehabilitation program work in concert to help achieve the goal of sobriety. Once all of these phases are successfully completed, the recovered addict can feel secure in the knowledge that their hard work and perseverance achieved something powerful - a clean and healthy life!
