Frequently Asked Questions

An intervention is required when a person’s substance abuse has begun to disrupt the ability to function normally on a daily basis. According to the criteria in DSM-5, signs that it may be time to seek treatment include:

• Inability to keep up with daily work, school, and other responsibilities due to substance use
• Diminished interest in activities that used to be enjoyed
• Extensive time and resources spent seeking the substance
• Relationship damage due to substance use
• Inability to stop using the substance even in light of negative consequences
• Strong cravings for the substance
• Withdrawal symptoms that occur if substance use is stopped

These and other negative effects on the person’s behavior and ability to thrive indicate that a substance use disorder may be present, and it’s time to seek professional help to diagnose and treat the issue.

Rehabs are structured treatment programs aimed at helping those struggling with addiction. Substance use disorders (SUDs) are complex problems and there are various types of treatment programs available to help.¹ Rehab can help those with SUDs work toward a healthy, happy, and sober lifestyle.

In many instances, addiction rehabs are somewhat flexible in their treatment offerings, which may be tailored to the needs of each individual. Rehab often involves some combination of detoxification (detox), group and individual substance use therapy, relapse prevention education, and aftercare planning prior to program completion in order to help people maintain long-term sobriety.

An important early part of many addiction rehab efforts is detox. During detox, the body rids itself of the toxic influences of drugs or alcohol. While the detox experience will vary greatly based on the specific type and frequency of substance used, many substance withdrawal syndromes can be unpleasant, if not dangerous. Proper treatment in a medically supervised detox program can alleviate the discomfort and mitigate some of the risks associated with withdrawal.

There isn’t always a set treatment duration that applies to everyone when it comes to rehabilitation. Many rehab facilities offer 30-day programs.

However, some individuals benefit from longer treatment programs, such as 60-day, 90-day, or even longer-term residential treatment to further develop and maintain a steady recovery path.^3,5 When determining the appropriate length of treatment, treatment professionals will take into consideration the history and severity of the addiction; specific substances used; any co-occurring medical, mental, or behavioral health conditions; any previous treatment experiences; and the physical, mental, emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual needs of the individual.

When determining the appropriate length of treatment, treatment professionals will take into consideration the history and severity of the addiction; specific substances used; any co-occurring medical, mental, or behavioral health conditions; any previous treatment experiences; and the physical, mental, emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual needs of the individual.

Research shows that most people dealing with substance use need to be in treatment at least 3 months to considerably reduce or stop their drug use and that longer involvement in treatment often brings the best outcomes.⁸  For some, longer programs afford them the opportunity to focus on the root causes and behaviors behind the addiction and more time to practice sober living behaviors.

Rehab helps people learn how to cope with drug cravings and get through those tough times when the temptation to relapse is strong. It can also teach people skills to prepare for the day-to-day struggles of recovering from addiction and how to address the people or situations that may have contributed to or exacerbated the substance problem in the first place.

Long-term recovery, however, may involve ongoing counseling or therapy in individual and/or group form, along with the attendance of 12-step or other support group meetings.^1,2 Some individuals find additional activities to be key for supporting their ongoing recovery. These activities may include meditation, yoga, exercise, or art.

Many good treatment programs offer their own types of aftercare programs or work with you to develop a solid aftercare plan prior to leaving treatment to help support successful long-term recovery.

Relapse should not be viewed as a failure but should instead be seen as an obstacle to overcome on one’s lifelong journey to sobriety.⁶ It provides an opportunity to reassess one’s path and get back into a program that offers the support and help needed to maintain sobriety.

Many people who are struggling with addiction undergo more than one course of professional treatment before they are able to find their footing in their recovery journey.⁶ Ultimately, the only person who can manage your addiction in the long term is you, and rehab will help you build the skills necessary to maintain sobriety.

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary program through your employer, which provides confidential assessments, limited counseling, and referrals to treatment at no cost to the employee.

While you may experience some fear of losing your job if you attend rehab, you may, in fact, be more likely to lose your job if you don’t get help. If you are struggling with a substance use problem, it could already be affecting your productivity at work.

By avoiding addiction help, your struggle may eventually become apparent since continued substance use could result in noticeable deficits in your work performance.