Few people are enthusiastic about going into an alcohol rehab clinic or drug rehab. It is not something we dream about as a child – ‘when I grow up I want to go to rehab’. We are more likely to react as in the words of the Amy Winehouse song. “They tried to make me go to rehab but I said ‘no, no, no’. “ So we tend to go to rehab somewhat reluctantly but also in fear of what to expect. And that is without taking into account the fear we have of giving up the alcohol or drugs.
What to expect when arriving at the rehab
So what usually happens when you arrive at the alcohol or drug rehab centre? You will be welcomed and some details will be taken such as your personal details, your drinking and using history and any medical information necessary, such as prescribed medication. You will see the doctor who will check out your general health and decide what if any medication you need to detox. And you will be introduced to your fellow peers who will share the start of your recovery journey with you.
You will also be shown your bedroom at some point. Of course, many people arrive at a private addiction rehab centre in no fit state to give any information or, in some cases, even to walk through the door. Most private clinics will not be phased by this and will get the information they need from an accompanying relative or friend – or they will wait until you are sufficiently compos mentis to give it yourself. The important thing is that you are willing to be there (even if you would rather not be!).
Giving the clinic full and honest details is essential
After your booking in, what happens will depend on the addiction rehab centre you have chosen. Once sober or in a fit state of mind, at some point a more detailed assessment will be taken with you, obtaining more detail about your personal history, drinking and/ or using, the impact on your life and other relevant information for treatment. You may find that the private rehab treatments will also get background information from your family and other people that love and care about you.
This is to make sure they get the full picture and not just your version of the story. Which may be accurate from your perspective but you may not have been aware of the full impact of your drinking or using on the people who love you. This gives them the chance to have their say, as well as gives you the chance to realise why this damaging behaviour cannot continue). Information from the family may be used in the therapy sessions, including group therapy.
Why group therapy works
Group therapy is the key component of most treatment centres’ programmes. Many people think they need one to one therapy to offload their woes. But one to ones tend to result in just that – a one way street for offloading. Group therapy is a lot more interactive and powerful. Your peers will challenge you on your perspective of life – as you will challenge them. ‘It takes one to know one’. By gaining insight into your behaviour and attitudes, why they are so and why and how they need to change, you will take the first steps toward recovery and a happier future.
In most treatment centres, you will also be introduced to the 12 Step Programme and the fellowships of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous etc. This will be fundamental to your ongoing recovery. You will also be educated through workshops on aspects of recovery. Such as resentment, anger management, spirituality, relapse prevention, etc.
A good rehab clinic is not a spa. You may even need to do some cooking and cleaning. It is about starting to live our lives as they should be lived – a bridge back to happiness. You will be expected to work hard. Possibly even from day 1 if you are not too ill and your detox operates as it should.