What can you expect from an alcohol and drug abuse treatment center?  Well there are a number of typical things to expect that are pretty much found at nearly all rehab centers.  Let’s take a look.

1) A medical detox unit.

Pretty much every rehab has to have a detox unit.  There are some rehabs out there that do not, but then they cannot take new clients who need detoxification, and instead have to send them to another facility first.

Some drugs do not require detox.  For example, cocaine, crack, marijuana, lsd, or mushrooms do not really require detox.  Pretty much everything else does.  This is especially true of alcohol and benzodiazipines, such as Vailum and Xanax.  Those drugs in particular are very dangerous to come off of and can actually be fatal if the detox is not done properly.

Opiate drugs, too, have a particularly tough withdrawal process that is very uncomfortable.  This is why heroin addiction rehab is so important for those who are struggling to get through withdrawal.  A medical detox unit can give medication that can help ease the client through these withdrawal symptoms.

2) A residential unit.

Most rehabs have a residential unit where people stay for a few weeks and attend groups and lectures every day.  This is going to be quite similar at all rehabs.  Group therapy sessions that are led by a therapist will be nearly universal.  Addicts and alcoholics can talk about the issues that led them to using.

3) 12 step meetings.

Over 90 percent of alcohol and drug abuse treatment centers are going to have 12 step meetings as the basis of their recovery methods.  This is both good and bad.  For some people this will work out great, and they can continue on with 12 step meetings after they leave treatment.  For other people, they may be looking for an alternative to the 12 step program that can still help them to recover.

4) Counselors and therapists.

Pretty standard stuff here.  Almost every rehab will assign you a therapist or counselor who can talk with you individually and help you with specific issues, as well as to help set up a plan for after you leave rehab.

5) Aftercare plans, such as IOP and long term rehab.

Most treatment centers will attempt to direct you to more recovery resources after you leave treatment, as well as to come up with a recovery strategy that will work for you in the long run.  They might suggest more group therapy, or even living in long term rehab.