Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Programs for Alcoholics

You probably already have some ideas about what rehab is like for alcoholics. There is a lot of group therapy, storytelling and hand holding along with one-on-one sessions with a psychologist who helps you come up with an “action plan”.

While it’s true many inpatient rehab programs use these resources and strategies to help people overcome addiction, there’s much more to rehab and alcoholism recovery than just sharing your struggles and hoping you’re able to stay sober after you complete your program.

Knowledge takes away the fear of rehab by preparing you for what’s ahead. While programs vary among each rehab facility, these things you probably didn’t know about alcohol addiction treatment are present just about everywhere.

Staying Isn’t Mandatory, but It Could Save Your Life

While it’s encouraged to remain at an inpatient rehab facility for at least 30 days, you aren’t a prisoner or hostage; you may be considered a patient under the care of the facility’s medical staff and psychologists, but you still have free will. Your decision to get help isn’t a one-time deal; every day, you make the choice to commit yourself to recovery and staying sober.

If you choose to go to an inpatient rehab facility, there will be many rules you’ll have to follow in order to get the most out of your treatment. Many people fear rehab because they think they’ll be trapped, but a rehab isn’t a jail and you aren’t there as punishment. The staff are there are only interested in your well-being and helping you break free from addiction. This means that in most cases, they’re willing to go above and beyond to help you feel as comfortable as possible.

Although you can leave anytime you want, it’s highly recommended you stay in a rehab program for the full duration of your treatment. Leaving early puts you at risk for things like relapse and insurance refusing to cover an incomplete treatment and receiving a large bill.

Trying to go through withdrawal on your own puts your life at jeopardy. Professionals in rehab facilities are trained to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms and swiftly respond to any medical emergencies. They can also help you cope with the physical and emotional side-effects of withdrawal to make the experience much more tolerable.

Financial Assistance is Available

Most patients pay for rehab with their health insurance. Many of these insurance plans are employer-sponsored.

Alcohol and drug addiction haven’t always been considered pre-existing conditions by insurers. Most people who wanted to seek professional help for their alcohol or drug addiction had to pay entirely out of their own pockets. However, the Affordable Care Act changed the way insurance providers have to treat addiction services and treatments.

Under the ACA, insurance providers must treat addiction treatment with the same level of seriousness they do any other medical illness or injury. With this in mind, many insurance plans offer coverage for addiction-related services such as:

• Addiction consultation and medical evaluation
• Intervention
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Family and personal counseling
• Clinic visits
• Home wellness visits
• Anti-craving medications for alcohol like Naltrexone

Contact your insurance provider and ask them what their coverage limits are for addiction treatment. Then, reach out to a rehab and find out whether they accept your insurance and how much it will cover.

For those who don’t have health care coverage or who are underinsured, many rehabs have financial planning options that make it easier to pay for treatment yourself in small increments. Even with insurance, you might face out-of-pocket expenses or a high deductible. Talk openly with your rehab and discuss your financing options. Just because there’s a bill attached doesn’t mean you have to forgo treatment.

You Can’t Have Electronics in the Beginning

Rehabs used to be much more strict about personal electronic devices in the facility; many people would go 30 days or longer without any cell phone or internet access. Nowadays, the model has changed to typically disallow or restrict electronic access during detox or residential treatment.

There are two primary reasons rehabs don’t want you using your cellphone or laptop: First, there’s a lot of temptation involved when you’re still actively talking to connections who drink or use drugs; second, posting to social media during your stay can violate the privacy of other patients and staff members.

People who are attending a partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP) or similar type of outpatient alcohol addiction treatment usually have full access to their cell phones, tablets, laptops and other electronics.

Treatment Doesn’t End Once You Leave Rehab

Nowadays, many rehabs identify the importance of continued treatment after the initial 30-day treatment. While some people may choose to stay longer, most people complete a month of inpatient rehab before they are discharged and head back home.

Although you’ll undoubtedly be feeling better and more confident once you’ve left rehab, old temptations give way to relapse, which makes outside resources and support vital to recovery.

You may not be able to afford one-on-one therapy sessions for months after rehab, but many facilities include group therapy in their cost of treatment. A good rehab facility will also make sure you have direct contact to them and are able to gain access to necessary resources and services after you’ve completed your stay.

Make sure that you take the time to research a rehabilitation facility thoroughly. Ask questions about the treatment options both during and after a patient leave. A good rehab will demonstrate awareness of post-rehab struggles and have definitive steps in place to ensure you have the best chance of staying sober.

Learn More about Alcohol Rehab Today

You’re bound to have questions, and we’re always here and ready to help you. If you want to know more about your treatment options for alcohol addiction, call us today at 866-754-9113. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and get you started on the road to recovery.