Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing modality. And in recent decades, it’s also grown popular in the U.S. Millenia of use show that it can safely treat a wide variety of conditions.
Many rehabs offer acupuncture as part of a holistic approach to recovery. It isn’t meant to replace traditional options like talk therapy and medication, but it can still be an effective and important part of treatment.
Electrical stimulation, also known as “electroacupuncture,” moves electrical pulses through the needles. One study found that this slowed down heart rate, increased relaxation and tranquility, and decreased tension and distress.
Laser acupuncture uses light instead of needles. This option may be best for people who don’t like needles, and it’s proven just as effective as traditional acupuncture.
Acupuncturists are licensed professionals with extensive training. If you get acupuncture in rehab, you may have regular sessions throughout your time there. The clinician will likely create a long-term plan of care, and track your progress after each treatment.
What Happens During an Acupuncture Session?
In your first acupuncture session,4 the practitioner will take your health history. You’ll describe any current symptoms, and they’ll perform a physical exam. During the session itself, your provider will use needles to stimulate acupuncture points. There are about 350 of these points located on 14 meridians on the body, each with a different purpose. The clinician will plan needle placement around your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Next, you’ll lie down in a calm and quiet treatment room. The acupuncturist will insert needles into various parts of your body. These needles are much smaller than the ones used in most medical procedures. While you may feel some discomfort when they’re first put in place, the process is rarely painful.
In most acupuncture sessions, the provider will then leave you alone for 10-20 minutes. You can use this time to relax, meditate, or process any emotions that come up. Then the acupuncturist will return and remove the needles. They may ask you about your experience, or even perform another physical exam.
Because this is a holistic treatment, it can help you heal every aspect of yourself. This includes physical, emotional, and spiritual concerns. Acupuncturists aim to achieve this by improving the flow of qi, or vital energy.
Qi moves through the body via meridians, or distinct energetic channels. If the meridians get blocked, the flow of qi is interrupted. Acupuncture uses needles to break up these blockages. This helps qi flow freely again, and reach a state of equilibrium. Once your qi is in balance, you can reestablish physical and spiritual wellness.
Side Effects and Limitations
Most people find that acupuncture doesn’t hurt.4 Some clients experience numbness or a small amount of pain or tingling. This is actually called “de-qi,” and may be a sign of successful treatment. If you’re a candidate for acupuncture, there is a very low risk of serious side effects.
However, this treatment isn’t safe for everyone. You should avoid acupuncture4 if you have any of the following conditions:
an active infection, especially involving the skin
cancer
a decreased white blood cell count
psychosis or delusions
Make sure you talk to your provider about any concerns before your first session. You can also consult with your doctor to make sure this treatment is safe for you.
How Effective Is Acupuncture?
Experts have been using acupuncture to treat various health concerns for centuries. Despite this, Western scientists call for more scientific data on the subject. This is partly because the research that’s currently available shows promising results.
It not only helps with ongoing issues; acupuncture can also treat acute pain.5 Research even suggests that for some clients, it can replace opioid use. This may be especially helpful for clients healing from addictions related to chronic pain.
One of those centers is The Hope House Scottsdale. “Addiction disconnects mind from body, so we work on reconnecting the two,” explains Brenna Gonzalez, clinical director. Her team uses acupuncture to help clients strengthen the connection between mind and body. This treatment can have a powerful impact on people in every stage of addiction recovery.
Acupuncture is a powerful treatment method. This therapy balances your energy, helping you gather strength for your ongoing recovery journey. If you’d like to take a holistic approach to healing, this therapy might be a good fit.
Browse our list of rehab programs that offer acupuncture to learn more about their amenities, treatment philosophies, and other alternative therapies.
Cocaine addiction can wreak havoc on a person’s life. And once you’re caught in the cycle of substance misuse, healing may seem out of reach. That’s a misperception. Recovery is always possible. For some people, rehab for cocaine addiction is the best place to start.
“Cocaine is the most commonly reported illicit stimulant used in the U.S.”1 Because its abuse is so common, this drug has been the subject of widespread research. As a result, many treatment programs are well-equipped to help patients recover from cocaine misuse.
The Prevalence of Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine is a stimulant2 derived from the coca plant native to South America. It can briefly increase a person’s energy, self-confidence, sociability, and mood. Because the effects of cocaine3 are so short-lived, it can quickly become habit-forming. Long-term use may cause less desirable effects, such as cause paranoia, hypersensitivity, and irritability.
The history of cocaine4 is strongly connected to mental health. In fact, its popularity can be traced back more than a century. “In 1884, Sigmund Freud detailed his experiments with cocaine, recommending it for treatment of opiate addiction and melancholia.” However, he did not account for its negative effects, and reportedly struggled with addiction for much of his life. Unfortunately, his endorsement of the drug helped make it socially acceptable for some time, for both medical and recreational purposes.
Reported drug abuse statistics5 paint a clear and distressing picture of cocaine use today. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 2% of people in the U.S., or 5.5 million people, reported taking cocaine in 2018. As of 2022, more recent data is not yet available. Researchers also caution against comparing current data about drug use and health6 with surveys taken before 2020, since the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way surveys are conducted.
Cocaine use can have serious ill effects on both physical and mental health. Deaths caused by cocaine overdose in the U.S.7 have skyrocketed in recent years, increasing from nearly 4,000 in 1999 to nearly 16,000 in 2019. Because cocaine increases blood pressure8 and heart rate, it may cause strokes or respiratory failure. “Even first time users may experience seizures or heart attacks, which can be fatal.”
Because of these potential outcomes, cocaine misuse is extremely dangerous. However, patients don’t develop substance use disorders by choice. You may be highly susceptible to addiction despite your own better judgment, or desire to remain healthy. And some patients may be at a higher risk for developing a psychological dependence on cocaine.
Risk Factors for Cocaine Addiction
Certain demographics are especially vulnerable to cocaine misuse. Patients who exhibit one or more of the following risk factors may be at higher risk for this condition, or may require specialized care.
Adolescence
Teenagers may be more susceptible to developing cocaine addictions.9 Relative to adults, “adolescents show greater intake of cocaine, acquire cocaine self-administration more rapidly, work harder for the drug and are less sensitive to increases in price.” In layman’s terms, young people do more of this drug than adults, and are willing to work harder to obtain it.
Adolescents also face social pressures that may not impact adult behavior. Specifically, many teenagers develop substance use disorders10 while trying to fit in with their peer groups. Parents of adolescents should take note of any drastic behavioral changes, as these may indicate the onset of addiction. Teens with substance use disorders may show less interest in activities they used to enjoy, pay less attention in school, or start spending time with new friends who encourage these behaviors. By itself, any one of these signs may be a normal part of adolescence; however, sudden and extreme behavioral changes can be a cause for concern.
Novelty-Seeking Personality Traits
According to one study, “cocaine addiction has been associated with several distinct behavioral/personality traits.” For example, novelty-seeking behavior is associated with cocaine abuse.11 And in particular, people with sensation-seeking tendencies may be more vulnerable to cocaine use. However, people with high impulsivity are more vulnerable to cocaine addiction.
These traits may be genetic, learned, or influenced by a person’s environment and life circumstances. More research is needed to understand the link between personality, behavior, and substance use disorders.
During normal brain activity, this neurotransmitter is released, binds to dopamine receptors, and is then recycled by a protein called the dopamine transporter. “If cocaine is present,” however, “it attaches to the dopamine transporter and blocks the normal recycling process, resulting in a buildup of dopamine in the synapse, which contributes to the pleasurable effects of cocaine.”13
In the short term, this can be enjoyable. In the long term, however, cocaine use can change brain function.14 The drug causes neurochemical imbalances, which make it difficult for the patient to feel a sense of pleasure or achievement without substance misuse. Over time, “the brain will gain a tolerance to feelings of pleasure and it will take more and more of the drug to achieve the same level of euphoria.”
What’s more, the act of abusing any substance affects dopamine levels.15 This is because the experience of ingesting a drug can trigger the release of the chemical, whether or not that drug has an effect on dopamine levels. This feeds into the cycle of addiction, in which the patient continues using illicit substances in order to feel any sense of reward. This effect is amplified with substances that have a direct effect on dopamine to begin with.
Treatment for Cocaine Addiction
Substance use disorders are treatable. No matter how long you’ve been using cocaine, or what impact it’s had on your life, change is always possible. And because its misuse is so prevalent, experts have been perfecting cocaine addiction treatment options16 for decades.
At present, “there are no medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat cocaine addiction,17 though researchers are exploring a variety of neurobiological targets.” However, there are a number of effective therapeutic and behavioral interventions. And the first step toward healing is to learn about the options available.
Detox
Cocaine withdrawal18 may or may not have any physical symptoms. Unlike alcohol and opiates, detox from this substance is rarely life-threatening. That being said, it can be extremely uncomfortable and psychologically distressing.
If at all possible, it’s best to go through this process under medical care. If you attend a detox program, you’ll be closely monitored by a team of doctors, nurses, and therapists, possibly including a psychiatrist. Patients may receive non-addictive prescriptions to help them manage the symptoms of withdrawal. This experience can also help you transition into a longer-term rehab program.
Studies have shown that long-term rehab for cocaine dependence can be extremely effective.19 By attending a residential program, patients can take time away from triggers and difficult life circumstances, which may have been caused or exacerbated by their substance use. During that time, they can begin talk therapy, attend support groups, and make plans to live a healthier, more sustainable life after treatment.
Psychotherapy
Several therapeutic modalities can be effective in treating cocaine misuse. Researchers are most optimistic about contingency management (CM), a behavioral therapy that activates the patient’s reward system.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has also been shown to help these patients, although it may not be as productive as CM. This might be because CM has a more direct impact on brain chemistry, whereas CBT is skills-based.
Long-Term Recovery From Cocaine Addiction
Patients with a history of cocaine abuse can improve dramatically. In fact, detox and recovery from cocaine misuse can help you recover brain function.21 One 2017 study provided “early evidence that individuals with cocaine use disorder have the potential to at least partially reverse prefrontal cortex damage accompanying cocaine misuse, and regain associated cognitive abilities important for executive functions when cocaine use is stopped or significantly decreased.” In other words, you may be able to physically heal your brain during recovery.
But healing isn’t just about physical improvement. It’s also the process of building a better life. And in order to achieve that, patients must stay focused on recovery even after completing inpatient treatment. This ongoing commitment to healing may include regular talk therapy, attending support groups, or other modalities. For example, some studies have found that “greater participation in self-help programs” is an important factor in sustained recovery from cocaine dependence.221
Building a Better Life
When you have a history of substance misuse, recovery is often a lifelong process. That being said, it is absolutely possible to live a fulfilling life without cocaine use. Healing can even be fun! As you recalibrate your internal system of rewards, it’s important to do things you find enjoyable and exciting.
As you learn to make healthier choices, you can also begin building a new kind of confidence. And, best of all, you won’t be held back by the destabilizing pattern of substance abuse. Over time, you may find that joy is both more accessible and more sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cocaine Addiction Treatment
What are the treatment options for cocaine addiction?
Treatment options for cocaine addiction often include a combination of behavioral therapies, counseling, support groups, and medication in some cases. Individualized treatment plans are designed to address the specific needs of each person seeking recovery.
How long does treatment for cocaine addiction typically last?
The duration of treatment for cocaine addiction varies depending on factors such as personal progress, treatment goals, and circumstances. Treatment usually ranges from 2 weeks to 60 days. Some people benefit from longer treatment and ongoing aftercare support.
What should I look for in a luxury rehab for cocaine addiction?
When searching for a luxury rehab for cocaine addiction, it’s important to consider factors like clinical expertise, the level of personalized care, comfort, staff credentials, and confidentiality. It’s also important to verify accreditation and success rates. Most centers list accreditations directly on their site; CARF and the Joint Commission are the most common accreditation bodies.
McKay, J. R., Van Horn, D., Rennert, L., Drapkin, M., Ivey, M., & Koppenhaver, J. (2013). Factors in sustained recovery from cocaine dependence. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 45(2), 163–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2013.02.007 [↩]
Detoxing from substance misuse can be challenging and even dangerous. To do so successfully, most people need professional care. And because recovery looks different for everyone, that care might include medical treatment, talk therapy, or holistic healing. You can find all of these modalities at detox centers in California.
The Golden State is known for its natural beauty, amazing weather, and focus on holistic health. Many California luxury rehabs also cater to elite clients. Both detox and long-term recovery programs in this area can offer support to meet your unique needs.
Recovery Begins With Detox
Alcohol and drug detox1 is the process of interrupting the physical or psychological dependence on substances. It will almost certainly be physically uncomfortable, and it may also have greater risks. Detoxing from certain substances, like alcohol and opiates, can be dangerous without proper medical supervision.
As you progress through the various stages of detox, you may experience symptoms such as anxiety, difficulty sleeping, tremors, and intensified cravings. Because of these concerns, it’s best to begin this process in a detox facility with trained staff on hand. Many private residential treatment centers employ medical doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, and talk therapists. This team of experts is there to keep you safe and comfortable throughout the process.
During inpatient detox, you may have access to several therapeutic modalities. For example, you may be prescribed non-addictive medications to help alleviate symptoms of withdrawal. You might also speak with a talk therapist, or even connect with fellow clients. Gratitude Lodge, for example, has a strong focus on community care. According to their team,
Most luxury rehabs offset the discomfort of detox with extremely comfortable surroundings. You will likely have a private room, a TV, and even access to wifi while in detox. Some programs actively encourage clients to stay in touch with friends and family during their stay, getting support from loved ones at every stage of healing.
Who Is a Candidate for Detox?
Anyone ready to stop misusing substances is a candidate for detox. No matter which substance you’ve been using, whether you have a physical dependence on it, or how severe your substance use disorder is, detox can be a helpful place to start. That being said, it’s not necessary for everyone. Some clients may be able to safely detox without close medical supervision, depending on their specific history of substance use.
There are many different ways to approach detox, and some of them can be inappropriate or even unsafe for certain clients. When you’re ready to begin this process, start by learning more about the various programs available.
Medical Detox for Physical Dependence
Certain substances are more likely to cause physical dependence,3 which occurs “when a person requires one or more drugs to function. Abruptly stopping the substance may cause physical symptoms of withdrawal.” If you’re physically dependent on a substance, it’s extremely important that you stop using it under close medical supervision.
Detoxing from alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines can be especially dangerous to attempt on your own. If you struggle with any of these substances, it’s best to begin recovery by consulting with a medical professional. Depending on your specific health history, you may be given certain medications to help with detox.4 It’s absolutely vital that these medications be prescribed by an expert who is well-acquainted with your health history.
Because withdrawal from alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines can have such challenging side effects, some programs focus on helping clients heal from using these specific substances. AToN Center, in San Diego, is one such detox center. They offer a 3-to-1 ratio of staff to clients,5 ensuring that every resident gets the attention they need and deserve. After detox, clients may decide to enter their longer inpatient program, which treats a greater diversity of conditions.
Located in San Diego, AToN Center’s residential grounds are designed to promote comfort throughout the detox and recovery process.
It’s important to remember that detox, like the rest of recovery, is an extremely personal process. Although you may be temporarily focused on your physical symptoms, you can also expect to go through a series of extreme emotions. Because of this, it’s important to find a program that also offers support for mental health.
Holistic Detox for Psychological Dependence
The physical symptoms of detox can be overwhelming, and even dangerous. But the emotional aspect of healing is just as important. Some substances, like crack cocaine, have minimal physical withdrawal symptoms.6 Despite this, the cessation of any illicit substance can have an extreme and immediate impact on brain chemistry and mental health.
Detox may be an appropriate way to begin recovery, even for clients without physical dependence on substances. Although certain programs, like AToN, only treat physical withdrawal, other rehab centers are open to anyone with a substance use disorder.
And even if you have no physical withdrawal symptoms, you may still face some serious risks. Many clients experience severe mental health symptoms during detox,7 such as depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, and more. When you begin recovery, it’s absolutely vital to get the care you need, especially at first, while your brain chemistry is changing quickly. You don’t have to do it alone or in isolation. On the contrary, you can choose to have this experience in a beautiful, inspiring setting.
Attending a Detox Program in California
Rehab programs in California tend to offer holistic detox, with a focus on sustainable health and wellness. Many of these treatment facilities offer personalized treatment, which honors the unique goals of each individual client. Because of this, California’s detox centers offer a wide variety of services.
Medical Care in a Natural Setting
Many people entering recovery have more than one diagnosis. You may have a co-occurring mental health diagnosis, a chronic physical illness, or a condition that developed in response to substance misuse, like a nutritional imbalance. And any of these conditions may require medication that impacts the process of detox.
It’s absolutely possible to recover from more than one condition at a time, but doing so requires expert medical care, tailored to meet your needs. At Monarch Shores, for example, clients work with an on-staff doctor who “will design an individually tailored medication regimen that reduces any discomfort or pain, any gastrointestinal issues, reduces or completely eliminates tremors and shakes, allows you to sleep, reduces anxiety, and improves cognitive functioning.”8
Clients can soak up the views of Southern California’s beautiful coastline while detoxing at Monarch Shores in San Juan Capistrano.
And in beautiful, temperate California, this medical attention doesn’t have to be isolating. Even if you spend most of your detox inside the facility, you can enjoy a view of the surrounding landscape. And when you’re ready, you may be able to spend some time exploring or simply relaxing in the fresh air. For many clients, communing with nature is an extremely important part of holistic healing.
Drug-Free Detox
Some clients may prefer to detox in an even more natural way, without using any medication. This strategy may be a good fit for people without co-occurring disorders, who want to have a more spiritual experience of recovery.
This type of holistic healing can do more than help you detox; it can also teach you healthy, sustainable habits for self-care. At The Holistic Sanctuary, in Baja California, clients follow a personalized treatment plan that may include massage, Reiki, yoga, nutrition counseling, and other similar modalities. Clients receive no medications, although they may have access to alternative treatments such as ibogaine therapy.
Drug-free detox is not appropriate for everyone. If you’ve been using alcohol, opiates, or benzodiazepines, this can be extremely dangerous. The same is true for people with additional diagnoses that require daily medication, including physical and mental health concerns. If you’re interested in this type of healing, be sure to get approval from a medical doctor in advance.
Whatever medications you do—or don’t—use during detox, remember that physical healing is just one facet of recovery. Some California rehabs offer complementary therapies that are designed to treat physical, mental, and behavioral health.
Complementary Therapies
Sometimes the detox process offers more than just medical attention. Detox programs here may combine medication-assisted treatment with psychotherapy and holistic approaches like massage or music therapy to ease withdrawal symptoms and improve the detox experience.
Certain experiential therapies may be too physically strenuous for clients in detox. Your healthcare team will be on hand to help you decide which activities will best support your recovery process. In early detox, you may benefit most from relaxing with a good book, listening to music, or just sleeping. Following this, many clients benefit from talk therapy, nutrition counseling, and similar modes of healing.
Detox Is Just the First Step
Detox is an effective way to begin recovery, but it’s only the beginning. There are some dangerous myths about addiction treatment,9 including the idea that detoxification “cures” substance use disorders. On the contrary, although it can be successful in cleansing the person of drugs and withdrawal symptoms, detoxification does not address the underlying disorder, and thus is not adequate treatment.” One study in particular found that patients who followed detox with formal inpatient treatment had “significantly better” outcomes.10
Some clients choose a long-term rehab facility before they even enter detox. Otherwise, you may be able to plan your next steps during this initial stage of recovery. At most luxury rehabs, your providers will help you plan for the future, ensuring your continuity of care after detox.11
Life After Detox
Your experience of detox can set the tone for the rest of your recovery process. Although it only lasts a short time, you may have experiences that inform some important long-term decisions. Because of this, it’s important to choose a detox program that aligns with your values.
There’s no right or wrong way to go about recovery. Although it’s not necessary for everyone, detox can be helpful for anyone. If you’d like to begin this process in an environment that focuses on holistic health, one of California’s programs might be a good fit.
Is medical supervision necessary during detox at California luxury detox centers?
Yes, medical supervision is crucial during detox, especially when coming off of substances like alcohol and opiates. These substances can have dangerous withdrawal symptoms, and detoxing without proper medical supervision can be risky. Detox centers employ trained staff, including medical doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, and therapists, to ensure clients’ safety and comfort throughout the process.
What are the benefits of holistic detox at California luxury detox centers?
Holistic detox combines medical care with a focus on sustainable health and wellness. These centers offer personalized treatment, honoring each client’s unique goals. Clients receive expert medical care in a natural setting, where they can enjoy beautiful surroundings and commune with nature. Holistic detox also provides an opportunity to learn healthy, sustainable habits for self-care and may include complementary therapies like massage, yoga, and nutrition counseling.
When it comes to addiction treatment, there’s no one, universal approach. Psychologists and medical experts today have a better understanding of substance use disorder treatment than ever before. We now know that everyone’s path to recovery is unique and that there are many different ways to heal.
Some people want to keep up with daily responsibilities and have a strong support system at home. For these people, an outpatient program may be the best fit. Others might find their support network lacking, or face everyday stressors that could hinder their recovery efforts. In these cases, attending a residential rehab might be a more effective choice.
Residential rehab, also known as inpatient rehab, isn’t just for people who need distance from their everyday environment. Residential treatment provides you with round-the-clock care, the opportunity to fully focus on achieving your sobriety goals, an empathetic community of people undergoing similar experiences, and other supportive aspects, from on-site detox opportunities to a peer support network.
1. On-Site Detox Opportunities
Residential rehab can be an appropriate option for clients who require specialized treatment, including those who are concerned about substance withdrawal. It can be physically and psychologically uncomfortable or even dangerous to quit certain substances cold-turkey following prolonged use. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), withdrawal symptoms from substances like opioids, alcohol, and stimulants1 can range from anxiety, headaches, and nausea to delirium, hallucinations, and seizures. For this reason, undergoing detox under the supervision of experienced professionals is the safest option.
With this in mind, some inpatient rehabs provide on-site detox services. Completing a safe, medically supervised detox at the same location as your program can result in a smoother transition into treatment.
In contrast, Boston Medical Center’s HealthCity platform reports that the period following detox can “be a dangerous time if it doesn’t lead to continued treatment.”2 This is because the possibility of relapse combined with the risk of unintentional overdose. In a study by the Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center, out of 30,681 patients who were admitted to a detox facility, those who didn’t receive any treatment in the month following the detox program had the greatest mortality rates.3 By 12 months after detox, 2% had died. On the other hand, “the greatest mortality reduction, 89%, was seen among the few patients who received both medication and an inpatient residential stay within the month following detox.” These rates show a vital benefit to continuing treatment as soon as possible post-detox.
The length of an average detox program is 3 to 7 days. However, if you’re detoxing from certain substances like benzodiazepines, withdrawal symptoms can persist even after you’ve completed the program. In these cases, it’s valuable—and potentially life-saving—to have access to experienced medical staff on campus. Any continuing withdrawal symptoms can then be addressed and treated alongside therapy to help with deeper issues. Some residential rehabs that don’t offer on-site detox work closely with detox centers in the area and can help with the transition from detox to addiction treatment.
2. A Structured Schedule
Whether it’s pressure at work or friction at home, day-to-day life is full of triggers. These triggers can lead to substance use that disrupts your daily schedule. In turn, a lack of structure in your day can produce ripe conditions for engaging in damaging habits. This is where residential rehab programs can offer unique support. When you live on-site at a facility, you’ll be following a fully scheduled treatment program.
A typical schedule at a residential center often includes opportunities for individual therapy, group meetings, and recreational activities. Medical support is also incorporated into the day’s program. Most residential programs also allow participants some downtime to unwind and digest what they’re learning. But regular schedules are strongly featured, though the level of intensiveness may vary from program to program. This routine can serve to close the gaps in time that allow cravings to grow and instead help you fully concentrate on your recovery. Time and attention that you would otherwise spend on household, family, and job responsibilities can go on pause during inpatient treatment. All scheduled activities share the goal of providing opportunities for you to give attention to yourself and your needs. At the end of the day, the most important item on your agenda at residential rehab is to work on changing your life.
Sierra Tuscon offers an example of a well-structured day at rehab.
“The residential treatment structure at Sierra Tucson makes for a busy day. Typically, individuals will wake up somewhere between 6:30 and 7:00. They receive support from nursing and our residential safety coaches in the morning, followed by breakfast and then a lodge meeting. Later in the morning, they’ll go to group lectures, group therapies, complete a two-hour process group and then they’d have a number of individual appointments. When the day starts to close down, they go for dinner and join wind-down group activities, which are meditative or artistic expressions. Finally, they end with a lodge meeting, connecting with peers, and say gratitude for the day. We start the day by setting intentions and end the day with gratitude.”
– Dr. Chasleen Chhatwal, Chief Medical Officer, Sierra Tuscon
3. A Helpful Change of Scenery
A change in environment can have a positive impact on brain chemistry,4 according to research published in the journal Nature Neuroscience. “New and diverse experiences are linked to enhanced happiness, and this relationship is associated with greater correlation of brain activity, new research has found.”
Going away for addiction treatment may provide you with the motivation you need to work on your relationships with the goal of rebuilding them when you return. On the other hand, creating physical distance can encourage emotional separation from bad influences. The time away can be a good start in distancing yourself from destructive relationships, whether you’re beginning to create permanent boundaries or taking a break to regroup and consider your options.
A change of scenery can also be a catalyst for a change in perspective. In fact, behavioral health experts recommend that we “place ourselves in situations and locations that spark growth.” But what if our regular environment seems to spark only negativity? Spending time away in different surroundings and participating in new experiences can help us view life through a different lens. This, in turn, can assist us in moving away from a negative mindset and toward a more positive outlook on life.
It’s worth noting, too, that triggers may not necessarily come from toxic relationships or stressful situations. They may also come from the mundane sights, sounds, or smells that are present in our everyday environments. Physically stepping away from these possible triggers can do a world of good and can help you find freedom from some of the basic, yet sometimes unnoticed, habits of addiction. You’re less likely to encounter some of those signals that trigger cravings when you’re in the organized, healing-focused environment of a residential facility.
4. An Immersive, Sober Environment
Residential rehabs provide a sober living environment. In most accredited rehab centers, you wouldn’t have access to the substances that could jeopardize your recovery. These centers provide an environment that’s carefully formulated to be conducive to your sobriety. This confidence can help you cope emotionally during the challenging phase of coming off of substances and transitioning into the deeper work of recovery.
5. An Understanding Peer Support Network
According to studies conducted by the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) on groups and substance abuse treatment,5 “Groups intrinsically have many rewarding benefits—such as reducing isolation and enabling members to witness the recovery of others—and these qualities draw clients into a culture of recovery. Another reason groups work so well is that they are suitable especially for treating problems that commonly accompany substance abuse, such as depression, isolation, and shame.”
These benefits can be attained in the residential rehab setting. Some are hesitant to seek treatment because of the stigma associated with substance abuse. But entering a residential treatment environment can connect you with people who truly understand the suffering that addiction brings. Clients benefit from the social dynamics at rehab facilities since they provide group support and opportunities to improve interpersonal and communication skills.
The professionals you’ll meet on campus act as understanding guides, while your recovery peers’ shared experiences create a sense of camaraderie. This environment fosters a valuable sense of connection that, in turn, can be empowering. Even meals shared with people who can relate to what you’re going through can provide comfort when you need it most.
6. Personalized Care
A person in residential treatment can truly focus on themselves, free from the constraints they left at home. It might seem difficult at first to put other obligations aside along with destructive habits, but one-on-one therapy sessions can help clients begin caring for themselves again. Opportunities to express your feelings in a confidential setting with a trustworthy therapist can help you stay on course throughout the process. Studies even show that building rapport between counselor and client can contribute to a higher possibility of continuing recovery.6
Residential rehabs offer a wide variety of programs that can cater to different clients’ needs. Since you’ll be spending considerable time at a facility, you may find it helpful to choose a treatment format that suits your personal philosophies. Many residential facilities, for example, include faith-based rehab programs; others may offer a form of animal-assisted therapy or a pet-friendly environment. Other centers may place a greater emphasis on family participation. With so many options, clients have a better chance of finding the right center for their unique set of needs. This can provide a measure of comfort during a challenging time.
7. Incorporated Complementary Therapies
According to the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), complementary therapies are non-mainstream therapy approaches7 that are used together with conventional treatments, such as talk therapy. If non-mainstream therapy is used instead of conventional medicine, it’s considered “alternative therapy.” The research shows that “most people who use non-mainstream also use conventional health care.”
Following are some examples of complementary therapies:
An important aspect of many residential rehabs is the incorporation of complementary therapies as an integral part of the treatment experience. Residential facilities that utilize these therapies recognize that this can help clients learn more about themselves by breaking old patterns and experiencing something new. Complementary therapies can integrate different aspects of a person’s thinking besides just the psychological component involved in talk therapy.
In some circumstances, talk therapy may not be as conducive to healing. Those who have experienced trauma, for example, may even risk becoming retraumatized by talking about their experiences. This is why, for example, many PTSD sufferers drop out of exposure-based therapy before seeing any results.
On the other hand, complementary therapies allow clients to access their emotions in a different, relaxing, or fun context. This can actually help them become more receptive to treatment. For example, art therapy can immerse you in the process of creative expression and open the door for breakthroughs that you may have never expected. These benefits can be a key part of the therapeutic experience and are part of the program at many residential treatment centers.
Complementary therapies are important for healing.
“In the wintertime, we’re able to go out and take advantage of skiing or snowshoeing and hiking in the mountains. In the summer we have activities like fly fishing and rafting, so that individually and together, clients can also have fun. Fun and play are super important to getting well.”
Whitney Armistead on All Points North’s hospitality team adds, “We offer a lot of holistic approaches to our clients’ healing process, including massage, Reiki, detox facials, a float tank; anything we can do to help our clients relax and help reset their bodies.”
Unplugging from your everyday surroundings for a time can be a wise choice in taking the first steps toward recovery. Making this significant life change requires time, focus, and the support of experienced treatment professionals.
Residential rehab can help by affording you the time and space you need to focus on getting well. This immersive environment provides a way to disconnect from potentially toxic relationships and surroundings, as well as important opportunities to share this journey with others who understand what you’re going through. And the complementary therapies and recovery-friendly facilities at residential treatment centers can provide enjoyable ways to access and heal new parts of yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Rehab
What are the benefits of residential rehab?
Residential rehab offers several benefits:
• On-site detox at some centers • Round-the-clock support • A structured environment • A break from triggers • Access to medical professionals • Personalized treatment plans • Therapeutic activities • Peer support
These benefits enhance the chances of successful and long-lasting recovery.
What kind of treatment plans are offered in residential rehab?
Residential rehab offers treatment plans tailored to individual needs, although the level of personalization depends on the center. Treatment plans often include evidence-based therapies, individual and group therapy, and complementary therapies. Types of therapies and treatments vary based on the facility.
How does residential rehab provide 24/7 support?
Residential rehab provides round-the-clock support through a team of dedicated professionals. They offer continuous monitoring, guidance, and assistance. This level of support helps create a safe environment for individuals to navigate their recovery journey.
Detoxification is the first step in addiction treatment for many people. We’re here to help you learn more about what it entails, what it feels like, and whether or not you can detox at home.
Understanding Detox
How Does Detox Work?
Detoxing is the process of allowing substances to leave your system and managing withdrawal symptoms that may follow. Your substance use history will affect your detox experience and determine whether or not you need medication-assisted treatment.
A few hours after you stop using substances, your body begins to recalibrate as they leave your system. During this adjustment period, you may develop withdrawal symptoms, which occur in stages:1 early, peak, and late.
Early stage: Generally 6 to 12 hours–or even up to 30 hours after you’ve stopped using–mild withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or difficulty sleeping may occur.
Peak stage: At the peak stage, symptoms are at their worst and can include vomiting, tremors and chills. This usually occurs 72 hours after you’ve stopped using opiates or 24 to 48 hours after you’ve stopped drinking. Because of the discomfort, relapse is likely during this stage. It’s important to have a strong support system around you, along with medical supervision.
Late stage: At this stage, your body is starting to get used to the absence of substances. Any withdrawal symptoms you may have had will start to die down.
Why supervised detox? Remember that the purpose of a supervised detox is to minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms and ensure you’re safely clearing your body of substances.
When Is Detox Required?
Whether or not you need detox depends on your history of substance use, including factors such as the type of substance used as well as the duration and level of use.
Withdrawal from certain substances, such as benzodiazepines or alcohol, can be life-threatening. That, combined with the physiological effects of frequent exposure to substances,2 means it’s recommended to receive a medical evaluation from a medical professional before attempting to detox.
You may want to consider getting an evaluation for detox if you notice the following signs of substance or alcohol abuse, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5):
Cravings for substances
Using more substances than you plan to
Inability to cut down or stop substance use
Taking substances for longer than intended
Trouble maintaining relationships due to substance use
Continuing to use substances, even when it negatively impacts your life
Can I Detox From Drugs at Home?
For your safety, it’s never recommended to detox from drugs at home without supervision.
Not all substance detoxification is lethal. However, withdrawal from certain substances, such as alcohol withdrawal, can potentially be life-threatening.3 More serious symptoms include hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens.
It’s always safest to detox under the supervision of specialized, experienced medical professionals.
You don’t always have to go through detox at a hospital or rehab facility. If you have a strong support system at home and your condition doesn’t require hospitalization, you may be able to opt for outpatient detox.4
How Long Do I Need to Detox For?
How Long Does Detox Typically Last in Rehab?
The duration of the detoxification process in rehab depends on your substance use background and the substance you’re detoxing from. On average, detox takes 3 to 7 days.
The time it takes to detox from commonly used substances varies:
Alcohol: 5 to 7 days
Benzodiazepines: One day to several months until treatment is introduced
Opiates: Up to 7 days (however, it’s possible to develop post-acute withdrawal symptoms5 that last weeks, months, or even years)
Cocaine: Up to 7 days
Heroin: 5 to 7 days
Detoxing From Different Substances
Alcohol
Do I Need to Detox From Alcohol?
Whether or not you need to detox from alcohol depends on how long and how much you’ve been drinking.
The media often portrays people who are addicted to alcohol as living disarrayed lives. The truth is, addiction can affect anyone—many people suffer from high-functioning alcoholism. If you notice signs of alcohol addiction, you may consider getting an evaluation for detox:
drinking more, or for a longer, than intended;
trying to stop drinking, but being unable to;
spending a lot of time drinking or dealing with the aftereffects of drinking;
continued drinking even when it negatively interferes with work or relationships;
and more.
Alcohol detox carries a high risk for potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, like delirium tremens (DT).6 It’s safest to detox from alcohol under medical supervision.
If you plan to attend rehab, most residential facilities require you to be substance-free for a certain period of time before starting treatment. You can find out whether or not you’ll need to detox from alcohol during the admissions process. You have several options for detox, including on-site detox at certain luxury rehabs.
Side effects like delirium tremens (DT) can lead to chronic memory disorders or life-threatening seizures. DT side effects often don’t show up until 2 to 3 days after you’ve last ingested alcohol.
It usually takes about 5 to 7 days to detox from alcohol.
What Does Alcohol Detox Feel Like?
Most people experience varying levels of discomfort when detoxing from alcohol. As alcohol leaves your system, you can experience mild to severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms:9
Sleep disturbances, like insomnia
Nausea
Vomiting
Sweating
Irritability
Tremors
Headaches
Anxiety
Visual and auditory disturbances
Cardiovascular complications, like rapid heart rate
Muscle pain and stiffness
The discomfort alcohol withdrawal causes can lead people to relapse, especially if they try to detox alone at home.
When you detox under medical supervision, clinical staff help monitor your condition, soothe your symptoms, and offer round-the-clock support. Detoxing under medical supervision enhances both your safety and comfort.
Benzodiazepines
Can I Detox From Benzodiazepines at Home?
You should never try to detox from benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” alone at home.
It’s also not recommended to quit cold turkey following long-term use; a large number of people have reported negative and long-lasting side effects of benzo withdrawal.12
How Long Does It Take To Detox From Benzodiazepines?
It takes one day to several months (until treatment is introduced) to detox from benzodiazepines. Withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, vomiting, and nausea peak within the first 14 days after you last ingested benzodiazepines.
What Does Benzodiazepines Detox Feel Like?
Detoxing from benzodiazepines can present a wide range of uncomfortable side effects. Because detoxing from benzos can be so uncomfortable, one of the goals of medically supervised detox is to help soothe patients’ discomfort while ensuring their safety.
Some of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines13 include Valium, Xanax, Halcion, Ativan, and Klonopin. They have similar withdrawal symptoms, however, Xanax may cause more severe symptoms.
When you detox from benzodiazepines after your body has become physiologically dependent on them, you may experience mild to severe withdrawal symptoms:
Headaches
Increased anxiety
Sweating
Racing heartbeat
Insomnia
Muscle spasms
Nausea or vomiting
Restlessness
Hand tremors
Aches and pains
Benzos withdrawal symptoms occur in stages and depend on your history of substance use.
Stage 2: Peak withdrawal symptoms occur in the second stage, which many people describe as the most difficult phase to overcome. This usually lasts 10 to 14 days.
During detox, as substances leave your system, you’ll begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. The extent of these symptoms depends on your substance use history, severity of use, and whether you’re detoxing from immediate-release opioids17 (such as morphine) or extended-release opioids18 (such as methadone), as defined by the CDC.
Opioid withdrawal symptoms19 are often uncomfortable. They can include anxiety, rapid heart rate, muscle pain, runny or watery eyes, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, and more.
Opiate withdrawal can be lethal.20 It’s always recommended to detox under the guidance of an addiction-specialized healthcare professional.
With short-acting opioids, withdrawals typically begin 8 to 24 hours after your last use. With long-acting opioids, withdrawal symptoms can onset 12 to 48 hours after the last use.
How to Detox From Opioids
While usually not life-threatening, opiate withdrawal can be lethal. Therefore, you should always detox from opiates under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
Whether you detox at a hospital, private detox center, or on-site at a residential rehab facility, you should have healthcare workers available to you 24 hours a day.
If you were using short-acting opioids, withdrawal symptoms will onset 8 to 24 hours after your last use. For long-acting opioids, withdrawal symptoms present themselves 12 to 48 hours after last use.
Mild opioid withdrawal management: If you have mild withdrawal symptoms, treatment providers will ensure you consume 2 to 3 liters of water a day, along with vitamin B and C supplements to replenish lost fluids. They will also observe and monitor your symptoms 3 to 4 times a day using a Short Opioids Withdrawal Scale (SOWS).21
Moderate to severe opioid withdrawal management: Clinicians will follow the same management techniques as with mild withdrawal cases. However, they may also use medication to minimize the severity of symptoms.
It should be noted that while detox is the first step in addiction treatment, it should be followed up with an addiction treatment program to create lasting changes to addictive behaviors.
How Long Does Opioid Detox Take?
It may take up to 7 days for opioids to fully leave your body. However, withdrawal symptoms may last longer than that.
For immediate-release opioids, withdrawal symptoms can last 4 to 10 days. For extended-release opioids, withdrawal symptoms can last 10 to 20 days
Depending on your opioid use background, it’s possible to develop post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS).22 These can last weeks, months, or even years after you’ve last taken opiates. Some of these symptoms include memory issues, irritability, and depressed moods.
There is treatment for PAWS, which can be administered over the period of time you’re experiencing symptoms. Aftercare is critical to addiction treatment. If you’ve completed a treatment program, your aftercare counselor or therapist can help you identify PAWS symptoms and recommend a treatment plan. Or, you can search for rehabs that offer detox programs and speak to an intake specialist about PAWS treatment.
Cocaine
How long does it take to detox from cocaine?
It takes up to 7 days to detox from cocaine. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms are generally more psychological than physical and can include agitation, depression, anxiety, and other effects on your mood.
Where can I Detox?
You can detox at several different types of facilities. While it should be noted that not all at-home detox is lethal, detoxing from certain substances can pose life-threatening risks. It’s always recommended to detox under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
You can undergo substance abuse detox at several types of facilities:
Benzodiazepines withdrawal timeline: Withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines usually last 10 to 14 days. However, some people can develop post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS), which is a return of withdrawal symptoms several months after last use.
Opioid withdrawal timeline: For immediate-release opioids, withdrawal symptoms can last 4 to 10 days. For extended-release opioids, withdrawal symptoms can last 10 to 20 days. Depending on your substance use history, it’s also possible to develop PAWS from opioids. These symptoms may last weeks, months, or even years after you’ve last taken opioids.
Cocaine withdrawal timeline: Withdrawal usually begins 90 minutes following the last dose. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms,24 such as irritability and cravings, can last up to 10 weeks depending on your level of dependency.
Detox Costs
How Much Does Detox Cost?
The cost of detox This depends on the substance you’re detoxing from, the level of care, the length of treatment, and the detox facility.
In the U.S., the cost of detox at a private luxury rehab can range from less than $10,000 to over $75,000 per month. Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most of these private rehab centers accept insurance.
During rehab, you’ll have the opportunity to take a step back from unhealthy habits. By creating space between yourself and your daily life, you can gain a new perspective. If you go to rehab in Mexico, that distance can be both physical and philosophical.
Many of Mexico’s luxury rehab centers take a holistic approach to healing. During your stay, you won’t just attend talk therapy; you might also change your eating habits, get physical exercise, or take up meditation. These programs may even offer medical treatments that aren’t available in most areas, such as ibogaine therapy.
When you consider the area’s vibrant culture and beautiful landscape, it’s easy to see why so many facilities emphasize healthy lifestyles. Luxury rehabs in Mexico take full advantage of these resources, offering clients the opportunity to explore the countryside during treatment.
Mexico Is More Than a Tropical Paradise
Many people think of Mexico as having a tropical climate.1 And indeed, more than half of the country is located south of the Tropic of Cancer. As a result, the weather in that area is temperate, varying little from one season to the next. However, depending on your elevation, the average daily temperature may be as high as 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) or as low as 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius). North of the tropics, in regions like Baja California and the Sonoran desert, temperatures vary more widely throughout the year.
The country has some highly populous areas, like Mexico City, as well as many rural destinations. While some rehab centers are close to downtown districts—and may even take their clients on shopping trips—most are located in remote areas. This gives clients the opportunity to retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life, and to commune with the natural world. In these programs, clients are often invited to explore the surrounding landscape, using experiential therapy as one mode of healing.
Depending on which program you attend, you may have access to a wide variety of seaside activities. At Twilight Recovery Center, for example, clients may go scuba diving. These experiences allow you to commune with nature while also getting exercise.
Mexico offers a variety of seaside activities, like snorkeling and scuba diving.
Substantial research supports the idea that exercise can benefit people in recovery from substance use disorders.3 While they may be physically challenging, these experiences are both safe and closely supervised. They also give you the opportunity to develop or improve a skill, build relationships with your cohort, and observe your own emotional responses in a new context.
For people who prefer not to engage in sports, there are many other ways to enjoy the beach. In some seasons, you may be able to go whale watching or witness the release of sea turtles. Some rehabs also take clients on fishing trips and boating tours. These experiences may be more accessible for some clients, depending on their physical condition.
This experience is “more than just a break from treatment.” It also lets you practice building relationships, without the pressure of connecting with other people. Many clients report that horses mirror their own behavior and emotions. This has important implications for people who are learning, or relearning, how to regulate difficult feelings in new contexts.
Hiking
Many rehab programs take their clients on regular excursions to visit naturally beautiful areas. Clients at Rē Precision Health, for example, may get the chance to explore waterfalls, beaches, and even the jungle.
Practitioners at this facility strongly believe in the healing effects of nature. This view is supported by a growing body of research, which demonstrates “significant associations between nature experiences and positive mental health outcomes”5 Like so many of the therapies available at Mexico’s rehabs, this holistic experience allows you to engage both body and mind.
This natural medicine, extracted from the African iboga shrub, “has great potential,” according to experts. “Small studies have suggested it can dramatically reduce drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms.”6 However, ibogaine is difficult to access in the United States. If you’re located in the U.S., and you’d like to use it to aid with recovery, you may have to travel abroad.
It’s especially easy to find ibogaine treatment in Mexico. Some rehab centers, like Iboga Quest, specialize in this type of therapy. Although the program is centered around ibogaine, it is offered in combination with well-known Western techniques. During the treatment process, clients are closely monitored by a medical team throughout the experience.
Clear Sky Recovery is another program offering this type of treatment. According to their team, the experience of ibogaine treatment may last for up to 24 hours, or sometimes even longer. During that time, the client enters a dreamlike state, and has the opportunity to relive core memories and gain new insight into their own psyche.
Ibogaine can be extremely effective for many clients. However, it “is not a miracle cure,” cautions Álvaro de Ferranti, Founder of Tabula Rasa Retreat in Portugal. “It is, however, an incredibly effective detox tool and an addiction interrupter.”
“The beauty of ibogaine is that it allows someone to resolve issues deep down.”
With or without the use of ibogaine, many treatment programs take a similarly holistic approach to wellness. For example, you might talk about core memories in therapy, or access a dreamlike state through mindful meditation. There are countless natural ways to delve deep into your emotional experience. And these techniques are easy to find in Mexico’s rehab centers.
Holistic Treatment in Mexico
Holistic recovery may incorporate a variety of therapeutic techniques. Sometimes these methods are offered alongside evidence-based strategies. Some 12-Step programs even utilize holistic strategies alongside groups like A.A. and N.A. In other rehab centers, clients only engage in these natural methods instead of using more clinical strategies.
Natural Detox
Narconon Latin America, which is founded on the principles of Scientology, guides clients through an entirely drug-free detox process. This may be a good fit for clients who want to engage in total abstinence as part of recovery.
However, it’s important to note that this type of detox may not be physically safe for all clients. Make sure you check with your doctor before undergoing this type of treatment, to make sure it doesn’t represent a significant risk. Some clients may need to use prescription medications in order to stay healthy during detox and recovery.
If this detox style isn’t right for you, there are many other ways to use natural and holistic methods during recovery.
Mindfulness Practices
Several rehabs in Mexico teach mindfulness techniques, such as yoga, breathwork, and meditation. These activities may be integrated into your daily schedule, or they may be electives.
Mindfulness practices, such as yoga, are often incorporated into treatment programs at rehabs in Mexico.
These skills are known to improve attention, compassion, and resilience to stress. They are especially useful for people in recovery. Connecting to your current—and ever-changing—emotional state may help you consistently make healthy choices. This skill may become a lifelong practice that you continue long after completing in-patient treatment.
It’s extremely common for people with substance use disorders to experience nutrient deficiencies. However, “there is no special nutritional assessment or guidance” for people in recovery. To support your unique dietary needs, your team may help you develop a customized nutrition program,8 which will dictate your diet during residential treatment.
Life-Long Aftercare
Oceanica Treatment Center, in Sinaloa, Mexico, is a resort-like rehab that offers highly personalized treatment. Their program is tailored to meet your changing needs during every step of the recovery process—even after you finish inpatient treatment.
Most luxury rehabs help clients plan for aftercare, and some offer even more extensive aftercare services. Oceanica Treatment Center goes above and beyond. “Once clients finish the residential phase, weekly monitoring is provided via telephone. Monitoring includes contact with family members (if the client allows) and provides support during the recovery process. The aftercare program also has weekly therapeutic groups that are in person or virtual. This aftercare process lasts 6 months, but Oceanica maintains relationships with the graduates for a lifetime through virtual communication or in-person alumni get-togethers.”
Recovery is a lifelong process, and like any healing journey, it comes with ups and downs. This approach ensures that you’ll always have the support you need, even after you leave residential rehab.
Traveling to Rehab in Mexico
If you’ll be traveling internationally to attend rehab in Mexico, make sure you talk to your rehab program’s admissions team before planning the details of your trip. Regulations vary from country to country, and may also be based on your country of citizenship. Since 2020, travelers have been subject to even greater restrictions, which may continue to change significantly over short periods of time. It’s important to research local and federal regulations in advance. Note that different airlines also have their own safety protocols; make sure to choose one that meets your specific needs.
If you’re a U.S. citizen flying into Mexico, you’ll need a valid U.S. passport book; passport cards may not be accepted. If you’re traveling by car, you may need a special vehicle permit. This is subject to change depending on where you cross the border. You’ll also need to obtain a tourist visa if you plan to stay in the country for more than 180 days. Although this exceeds the length of most rehab programs, it may impact your plans for aftercare.
For people who are just beginning detox and recovery, it’s important to streamline the travel process as much as possible. In order to minimize these logistics, most rehab facilities offer transportation to and from the nearest airport. It’s best to work with the staff at your rehab facility to plan the details of your trip. Remember that even before you arrive at rehab, you’re allowed to ask for the help you need.
Mexico’s Rehabs Make Recovery Meaningful
The act of traveling to rehab empowers clients to gain a new perspective on their daily lives. Physical distance not only separates you from potentially difficult situations; it can also give you much-needed emotional space. In that space, you can learn more about your own needs, goals, and values in a brand-new context.
In Mexico, residential treatment will also teach you how to live well, naturally. Your time there may focus less on medical treatment and more on the skills you need to navigate the world without substance use. These techniques are intended to be sustainable, accessible, and tailored to support a lifestyle you love.
As powerful as holistic healing can be, it’s not the right strategy for everyone. Some clients may need more medical support during detox and recovery. Others may benefit from highly clinical therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). If you have reason to think you’d benefit from this type of approach, holistic therapy may be ineffective, or even counterproductive.
You have nothing to prove by choosing one rehab facility over another. This is a time to focus on your own mental health, above almost anything else. No matter how much a certain philosophy appeals to you on paper, it may or may not actually be the appropriate way for you to approach healing. If natural wellness sounds like the best possible way for you to begin recovery, a rehab in Mexico is likely to be a good fit.
The cost of luxury rehab in Mexico depends on factors such as treatment duration, level of treatment, amenities, and more. Some rehabs cost under $10,000 for a 30-day program. A majority of Mexico luxury rehabs cost between $10,000 to $25,000. These offer upscale amenities, luxurious accommodations, and highly specialized treatment.
What types of addiction treatment are available in luxury rehabs in Mexico?
Addiction treatment in Mexico covers the full spectrum of care. You can find detoxification programs, residential rehabs, outpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), and sober living. Many programs offer a range of treatments, including individual and group therapy, holistic approaches, complementary therapies like equine therapy, 12-step programs, family counseling, and aftercare planning to promote long-term recovery.
Rehab should feel like a safe space, where you’re supported, listened to and your recovery comes first. Many addiction treatment centers do place your recovery at the forefront. These quality rehab centers employ experienced professionals, offer a robust treatment program and apply a variety of therapies to help you find a life free from addiction. While success rates of different approaches and programs vary, the positive news is, long-term studies have found that treatment works.1
At the same time, there are a few rehab industry players who don’t have patients’ best interests at heart. From the Florida shuffle2 to fake hotlines, different exploitative practices have been brought to light in recent years. It’s important to be wary of these malpractices to protect yourself from drug rehab scams, which unfortunately exist.
Certain markers can help you determine whether an addiction treatment center is using unethical marketing practices or is taking part in questionable schemes. On the other hand, there are also signs that indicate a rehab center is legitimate and reputable. Learn how to identify both the red flags and the green lights.
Watch Out for Common Addiction Treatment Center Scams
If you’re struggling with addiction or mental health issues, choosing to get help is a big, courageous step to take. During your search, you deserve to receive unbiased information that will help you make an educated decision regarding your recovery. Unfortunately, not all rehab recommendations are unbiased and some treatment centers engage in unethical marketing practices.
Patient Brokering: What Is It and How to Spot It
Patient brokering is when someone receives a commission to actively recruit and refer patients to a specific treatment facility.
How Does Online Patient Brokering Work? A fake website or online ad includes a hotline that directs your call to a call center. A call center agent (not a treatment provider or dedicated admissions specialist) receives compensation for each referral they place. Treatment centers involved in these kickback schemes will place a bid for patients and agents will refer patients to the highest bidding center.
In short, call center agents pose as caregivers and sell leads to the highest bidding rehab.
Is Patient Brokering Legal? In the United States, the Anti-Kickback Statute prohibited referrals from any source to federal-supported healthcare programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE.
Since the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act4 was passed in 2018, it’s now “a crime to knowingly and willfully solicit, receive, pay, or offer payment for referrals to a recovery home or clinical treatment facility”, according to congress.gov. This means that referring patients to an addiction treatment facility in exchange for a referral fee is illegal nationwide in the United States. Penalties can include a fine of up to $200,000 and imprisonment for up to 10 years.
In the United Kingdom, patient brokering violates the 7 Principles of Public Life,5 a set of principles applied to anyone who delivers public services, including those in the healthcare sector. On top of that, The General Medical Council (GMC) prohibits doctors from receiving referral payments.
How to Protect Yourself Against Addiction Treatment Scams
While Google’s announcement marks a step in the right direction, you can also proactively protect yourself against addiction treatment scams:
Watch out for free helplines. A website may appear to provide unbiased information about treatment centers but then require you to call a hotline. Oftentimes, these hotlines are a source of referral fees, meaning agents receive compensation for placing someone in a specific facility.
Ask the rehab center for specific information. During your initial call with a rehab, see if their admissions team can answer specific questions about the center and their program. If you’re unsure what to ask, we’ve detailed questions to ask when calling a residential treatment center. Be wary if their answers are vague or if they don’t specify details about their program. You can also be upfront and ask the treatment center about their stance on referral fees.
Be upfront with your therapist or doctor. If your therapist or doctor recommended a treatment facility to you, you can politely ask them if they’ve received any benefits or compensation for the recommendation. Feel free to respectfully voice your concerns about the referral process.
Look for These Signs of a Legitimate Addiction Treatment Center
While it’s unfortunate that a few bad apples exist in the rehab industry, there are a number of good addiction treatment centers that have your best interest at heart. Below are some telling signs that a treatment center is more likely to be legitimate.
They Have a Positive Reputation
There are many ways to check a rehab center’s reputation. You can start by asking around. See if your primary care physician or psychiatrist has an opinion on a program you’re interested in. If you’re calling different centers, you can check if the center you’re looking at is in good standing with other treatment facilities. Read their online reviews, both on their own website and on Google.
It’s usually a positive sign if a rehab is a member of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP). NAATP’s code of ethics9 prohibits referral payments.
They Employ Qualified Staff
Rehabs in the U.S. are required to employ addiction treatment professionals who meet certain licensing or credential requirements, depending on the state. You should look through a treatment center’s team webpage to see if they employ licensed clinicians. Our deep-dive on the qualifications of rehab employees can help you pinpoint what job titles or credentials to look for.
They Offer Specific Details About Their Program
Usually, reputable rehab centers are happy to answer specific questions about their center or program. They’ll give you a sample schedule so you can see what a day, or week, in their treatment program looks like. They have detailed information regarding the admissions process. They’re transparent about costs and have no qualms about discussing insurance coverage.
Start Your Search for a Reputable Rehab
The decision to ask for help for substance use issues is brave—it’s one that marks the beginning of a transformative life journey. In your search for a rehab, you deserve to receive unbiased information in order to make a knowledgeable decision about treatment. By being aware of industry malpractices, you can take steps to protect yourself from rehab scams. If you look for rehabs using an unbiased platform, you’re more likely to find reputable treatment centers with programs that could be a good fit for you.
Note: LuxuryRehabs.com financially supports the site through sponsors, who pay for placements which are clearly marked throughout the site. We do not and have never accepted a fee for referring someone to a particular center.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab Scams
What is patient brokering?
Patient brokering is when someone gets compensated for referring patients to a rehab. Rehabs involved in illegal kickback schemes pay third parties to refer patients to their center.
Is patient brokering illegal?
Yes. In the United States, it’s illegal to refer patients to an addiction treatment center in exchange for a referral fee.
How do I check if a rehab is legit?
Signs of a legitimate rehab include:
• A positive reputation online and in the medical field • Accreditations, for example from the Joint Commission •A qualified treatment team • Admissions staff with detailed program knowledge
In any organization that provides essential services, the experience and expertise of the staff is paramount. This is perhaps even truer for addiction treatment facilities. Clients at rehab are trusting treatment professionals to help them navigate the challenging, and often vulnerable, journey to recovery.
Rehabs staff executives who run day-to-day operations, treatment professionals (both medically licensed and not) who provide rehab services like detox and counseling, and support staff who guide clients through their day-to-day experience.
When you’re looking for an addiction treatment program that’s a good fit for you, it’s important to consider the qualifications of their team. Here, we take a closer look at who works at rehabs and what job titles, roles, licensing, and certifications they may have.
Who Works at Rehabs?
In the U.S., drug treatment facilities are state-regulated. This means that treatment professionals at rehabs must meet various licensing and credential requirements as determined by the state.
Following, you’ll find more information about the various employees at addiction and mental health rehabs, by area of expertise.
Medical Professionals
Medical and mental health professionals have medical training and licensing. Not all rehab facilities house medical team members, but many luxury programs do. These highly qualified professionals oversee aspects of treatment like detox, health screening at intake, and managing medication. Depending on the program, they might also help clients address co-occurring physical health problems while in residential care. They may or may not have specializations specifically related to addiction treatment.
Medical Doctors
Luxury rehabs with on-site detox facilities often staff doctors who oversee detox programming and safely guide patients through withdrawal.3 They may also review and administer clients’ regular medications, as well as oversee their general physical health and wellbeing. Some rehabs also have an addiction medicine physician,4 which is a doctor with an advanced education in addiction, on-site.
Nurses
There are actually several different rankings and certification requirements for each rank of nurse. The highest ranking, advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), must have a master of science in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice. In descending order or rank, registered nurses (RN) have either an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor of science in nursing; a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed nurse practitioner (LNP) must complete a one-year program pass a state licensing exam; and lastly, certified nursing assistants (CNA) obtain a certification after passing a 4-12 week program and earning their state license.
Another clinical role you may see is a behavioral health technician,5 which are also called paraprofessionals, psychiatric technicians, and mental health technicians. These professionals support doctors and nurses by assisting clients with daily tasks, implementing treatment plans, and recording client behavior. Behavioral health technicians are required to have a bachelor’s degree, but most states do not require specific licensing.
Note on Detox Programs: When evaluating a detox program, a strong qualification to look for is if the doctors and nurses staffing the facility are specialized and/or experienced in addiction.
These formally educated therapists can have a range of certifications and job titles:
Counselor or Therapist. The difference between counselors and therapists6 is their respective training and degree requirements. Therapists receive training on connecting with clients and generally require a master’s degree, while counselors draw from their own experiences to connect with clients and require a bachelor’s degree. Neither of these professionals can recommend or prescribe medications, but they can refer you to other professionals for medical evaluation or treatment.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). These therapists are qualified to work with people to help improve their family relationships, which can be important in rehab since family dynamics can often trigger or enable disordered behavior. In most states in the U.S. a master’s degree or doctorate degree is required to become a LMFT. You can check your state’s licensure requirements on the Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards7 website.
Psychologist (PhD, PsyD). Psychologists have doctoral-level training and state licensing. They assess, diagnose, and treat people who have mental health disorders and are highly trained to help people understand and change their thought patterns and behaviors.
Psychiatrist (MD). Psychiatrists hold medical degrees. Similar to psychologists, psychiatrists provide mental health counseling but can also prescribe medications as they’re qualified to monitor clients for side effects.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Social workers act as case managers and liaisons for clients and their families and help them navigate the rehab system. In the U.S., clinical social workers8 have master’s degrees and passed licensing exams to be able to independently diagnose and treat mental disorders, as explained on the Social Work Licensure website.
Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS). In this role, a person can choose to specialize in a specific field of addiction, like adolescent addiction. Again, certification requirements for addiction professionals9 vary per state, but the National Certification Commission for Addicted Professionals (NCC AP) provides different levels of national and international credentialing.
Other Clinical Professionals
This group of rehab staff includes any non-medically qualified clinicians who still work with diagnosing and treating patients.
Dietitians, Nutritionists, and Similar Rehab Staff Members
Nutrition is a key component of rehab. Throughout your treatment experience, your mind and body go through intensive changes, and proper nourishment helps restore your bodily systems to health. Because of this, many rehabs house dieticians and nutritionists, who may hold a range of job titles and certifications:
And others like nutrition coach, health coach and fitness instructor
In the U.S., dietitians are certified to treat clinical conditions and specific health conditions, like eating disorders. In order to practice, a dietitian must be certified from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.11 On the other hand, nutritionists in the U.S. aren’t always certified, and if they are, certification requirements differ from state to state.
Holistic and Complementary Medicine Practitioners
Holistic and complementary medicine are similar practices, with a few distinct differences. A broad term, holistic describes non-mainstream “treatments and practitioners12 who don’t work within the system of conventional medicine.” Conversely, complementary medicine means any treatments or therapies used in addition to and alongside other conventional medical and psychological therapies.
Rehabs may staff a wide array of holistic and complementary medicine practitioners, depending on their program focus:
Homeopathic and naturopathic doctors and herbalists
Energy medicine practitioners
Somatic therapists
Personal trainers
Important Information About Wellness Therapists
There are a lot of different ways to become a holistic or complementary professional, which vary greatly on location and position type. Some positions require certifications, but in general there are no license requirements regulated by governing bodies.
In the U.S., the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health was formed within the National Institutes of Health to test the safety and effectiveness of complementary treatments.13 This center publishes guidelines to help people choose the best treatments for them.
Admissions
Admissions staff are the first point of contact for people inquiring about rehab programs. They are essentially the rehab’s sales team, though they can play a very hands-on role in helping clients and their loved ones get information, plan for treatment, and arrange logistics such as travel.
Luxury rehabs also typically involve general workers in their clients’ treatment experience. These supportive peers may greet clients and help them get settled in when they arrive, transport clients to group outings, or be on hand to answer questions as clients make their way through the program. This position doesn’t require any special certification. In fact, many times these staff members are former clients or people in recovery who nonetheless play an important role because of their frequent interaction with clients.
In general, a lower staff-to-client ratio is a sign of rehab program quality, as this allows clients to receive more individual attention throughout their stay. “Luxury centers also allow, through their higher cost, the kind of extra staffing that is helpful in management of certain people’s cases,” explains McLean Hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Frederick Goggans.
Rehab Executive and Administrative Teams
A private rehab’s executive staff are the leaders who run the organization. This person or group of people is responsible for implementing the center’s business strategy as well as establishing the client’s journey through their particular program. Depending on the program size, you may or may not have much interaction with this part of the rehab’s team. However, the higher-level decisions they make have a direct impact on the center’s overall culture and, as a result, your treatment experience.
Rehab executive teams can consist of one or several people including but limited to the following positions:
Founder or CEO
President
Chief operating officer
Program director
Clinical director
Small boutique or family-owned luxury rehabs may only have one person acting as an executive. An intimate team does not necessarily mean you’re getting lower quality care (just as the opposite is also true). But if there is only one executive staff member, make sure that person’s credentials are legitimate.
Important Information About Rehab Executive Staff
In general, you’ll want to consider the answers to the following questions when reviewing the qualifications of a rehab center’s executive staff:
What Degrees Do They Hold?Formal education is a standard requirement for running a business, though some executives gain their positions through professional experience and connections. Either way, this information can usually be found on the team page of a center’s website.
What is Their Professional Experience?Direct work experience related to the rehab space can be just as valuable as an education. Consider this the same way you would look at someone’s resume: if they don’t have any previous experience in the field related to their current role, you might wonder how they got their position.
Do They Have Executive Skills? The success of a company is often steered by the leadership of its executives. In general, a rehab executive should have strong management and leadership skills in addition to field-specific expertise, a strong stance on addiction treatment ethics, excellent communication and presentation skills, and proactivity when it comes to the rehab’s staff and client satisfaction.
Making Sure You’re in Good Hands
A rehab facility is successful when the many different staff members cohesively work together to make the program run smoothly. Some of these people you’ll see and closely interact with every day on your recovery journey and others you might not.
Having a general idea of what to look for in the qualifications of rehab staff is one factor that can help you feel more confident in your decision to go with a particular program.
Discover a luxury rehab that fits your needs by exploring our list of facilities around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab Staff
Who works at rehab facilities?
Rehab facilities employ a diverse range of professionals to support the treatment and recovery process. These include medical professionals, mental health and clinical professionals, holistic and complementary medicine practitioners, admissions staff, support staff, and executive teams.
What qualifications do medical professionals at rehab facilities have?
Medical professionals at rehab facilities have medical training and licensing. Depending on the program, they may oversee aspects such as detox, health screening, medication management, and addressing co-occurring physical health problems. Medical doctors and nurses play essential roles in providing medical care and support.
What types of mental health professionals are found at rehab facilities?
Rehabs employ various types of mental health professionals, such as counselors, therapists, licensed marriage and family therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers. These professionals guide clients through psychotherapy sessions using different treatment methods to address mental health disorders.
If you’re hesitant about calling an addiction treatment center for the first time, you’re not alone. We understand how it can feel like another hurdle to clear on your way to getting reliable residential care.
But whether you’re seeking treatment for yourself or for a loved one, and whether you’ve researched inpatient rehab centers for weeks or not at all, that initial phone call is the first step to actively getting help. Plus, talking to an admissions specialist will help you determine if a particular treatment facility is the right fit for you.
Knowing what to expect when you get on the phone with a rehab center can give you the confidence you need to make that first call. Keep reading to learn more about inquiring at a residential treatment center.
Who Answers the Phone?
When you call a rehab center, you’ll talk to an intake or admissions specialist. Sometimes a receptionist will answer first and redirect your call.
It’s important to know that, in general, a rehab’s admissions staff performs the same functions as a sales team. Their job is to sell their rehab center’s treatment to potential clients. Yes, they want you to get the help you need, but typically they want you to get that help through their program. This is especially true if you call a hotline that’s trying to refer you to a rehab center for a fee.
Residential rehab admissions staff are usually trained to help people going through various mental, emotional, and physical struggles when they call. And all rehab staff should have ethical standards for interacting with potential clients and helping them get the treatment they need.
Still, there’s no guarantee you’ll receive unbiased information when calling a treatment center. Knowing which questions to ask, and what questions to be prepared to answer, will empower you to get the facts you need and to determine for yourself if the rehab you’re calling is really the right one for you.
What Happens When You Call?
Usually, the admissions specialist will begin the call with a series of questions to learn more about you, your medical and substance use history, and your current condition. This series of questions is often referred to as an “initial assessment,” and is quite standard between different facilities. Initial assessments usually occur via telephone. But you can also do it in-person if you visit a rehab center to see their facilities.
Note: This initial admissions assessment is different from your check-in assessment, which is a much more in-depth evaluation performed by licensed mental health professionals and medical staff when you arrive at an inpatient facility for your stay.
The purpose of the rehab intake assessment1 is for the center to determine what level of care you need and any logistics that need to be arranged for your treatment. As the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes, this assessment helps “pinpoint places where there are—or may be—concerns.”
Having an in-depth conversation about your background and concerns also allows the rehab to determine which standard length of stay is appropriate for you and if their core program needs to be adjusted to meet any of your specific needs. For example, if you’re struggling with sex addiction and not a substance use disorder, you might be scheduled to join Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous meetings instead of Narcotics Anonymous meetings during your stay.
During your intake assessment you’ll also have the chance to ask any additional questions you have, like details about the center’s facilities or specific therapies offered. And remember—everything discussed during this phone call is to help you decide if the rehab center is the best match for you.
Basic Questions Inpatient Rehab Centers May Ask
When you call a rehab, the questions you’re asked may vary slightly from center to center. This is because each addiction treatment center’s intake questions1 “depend on the types of clients treated and the kinds of services offered,” as explained in a SAMHSA report on Treatment Improvement Protocol.
No matter who you call, you’ll probably be asked to share most of the same general information. This includes your basic demographics and background, your medical and family history, and your substance use history.
According to another SAMHSA report on Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons with Co-Occurring Disorders, you should also be prepared to discuss any “medical issues (including physical disability and sexually transmitted diseases), cultural issues, gender-specific and sexual orientation issues, and legal issues,” which will further aid the treatment matching and planning process.2Rehabs may ask you questions about the following topics:
Basic demographics and background
How old are you?
Where are you from?
What is your racial and ethnic identity?
What is your gender and sexual identity?
What, if any, is your religious background?
Do you actively follow any religious practices?
Medical history
Do you have any current or past physical health conditions (like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc.)?
When were you diagnosed and how old were you?
What treatments did you receive?
What were your treatment results?
Did you, or do you currently, experience any complications during treatment?
Do you have any current or past mental health conditions (like depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.)?
When were you diagnosed and how old were you?
What treatments did you receive?
What were your treatment results?
Did you, or do you currently, experience any complications during treatment?
Have you had any major or minor surgeries?
Did you, or do you currently, experience any complications due to these surgeries?
What are your current and past prescription medications?
Have you ever had any negative reactions to medications?
Family history
Do/did any of your parents have problems with alcohol or other drug use?
Does your partner have a problem with alcohol or drug use?
Do any of your second- or third-degree family members have a history of substance or alcohol use disorders?
Do your relatives have any other notable physical or psychological conditions?
Substance use history
What substances do you currently use?
What substances have you used in the past, but are no longer using?
How long have you been using substances and/or alcohol?
Do you have any co-occurring conditions or dual diagnoses?
Are you, or have you ever taken any prescription medications to treat substance or alcohol use disorder?
Have you ever had any negative reactions to medications?
Even if you don’t have the answers to all these questions, or some of them are difficult to discuss, understanding your complete personal and family history is the starting point of addiction treatment.1“The assessment examines a client’s life in far more detail so that accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment placement, problem lists, and treatment goals can be made,” explains the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment in a SAMHSA report. “Usually, a clinical assessment delves into a client’s current experiences and her physical, psychological, and sociocultural history to determine specific treatment needs.”
After discussing your general background and history, you’ll have the chance to ask any of your questions about rehab in general and about that facility’s staff, policies, and programs in particular.
What to Ask a Residential Rehab Center
Before your first phone call with any rehab center, it’s a good idea to write up a list of questions you want to ask. In addition to helping you feel even more prepared, this ensures you’ll get all of the information you need to make an educated decision about your treatment.
You may have more questions than those listed below, but these are a good starting point to help you make the most out of your call.
Learning More About Residential Rehab—The Basics
How much does treatment cost?
“How much is this going to cost me?” is the first question on most people’s minds when they call a rehab center. Knowing the costs of treatment upfront will allow you to financially prepare for inpatient rehab, which in turn can give you the mental clarity to fully focus on your recovery while you’re in treatment.
In the United States, the Affordable Care Act requires most insurance policies to cover up to a certain level of treatment. Heather Charlet, Director of Admissions at Gallus Detox Center in Colorado, explains that coverage “depends on each individual’s policy and what their out-of-network benefits are. We run a verification of benefits for every patient that has insurance to see what we’re able to cover.”
“We also have self-pay rates that are guaranteed, regardless of what they may need during their stay. They don’t get back bills when they’re with us: the cost is the cost.”
Many people seeking treatment want to get the help they need as soon as possible. Because of the extensive number of treatment centers available, waitlists are generally not common in the U.S. But in Europe and Australia, where relatively fewer luxury rehabs are sought after by those wanting top-quality treatment, having to wait to check into treatment can be a real concern.
Because addiction is by nature an urgent issue, whether a center has a waitlist or not may determine if you can, or want to, attend treatment at that facility. Knowing this information right away can save some time in making your decision.
Tell me more about your center’s treatment philosophies and modalities.
The path to recovery is an incredibly personal journey: What works for one person may or may not work for another. That’s why so many different methods are used to treat substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
Faith-based, 12-Step, non-12-Step, and holistic rehabs are examples of rehab treatment approaches that underpin entire programs and may appeal to different types of people. Meanwhile, treatment modalities, or therapies, can range from conventional, such as talk therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, to complementary therapies like art therapy and adventure therapy, to name a few.
The best treatment options for you will depend on your past treatment experiences, your substance use history, and even your personal interests. Maybe you already know what kinds of treatment methods you’re interested in trying or continuing. Or perhaps having a variety of modalities is important so you can try something new or discover your preferences.
Learn this information so you can reflect on whether the center’s overall approach resonates with you, whether you’re interested in doing any of the particular therapies, and to decide if the treatment philosophies align with your personal beliefs.
How qualified is your staff?
Knowing who will be helping you throughout your time in treatment is just as important as knowing what modalities are used. These staff-related questions will help you get a clearer picture of the people overseeing your treatment:
What kind of professionals will I be interacting with on a day-to-day basis?
Who will be on my treatment team?
What are their qualifications?
Learning More About Residential Rehab—The Details of Your Stay
What types of clientele does your program serve? Do you offer the specific specialized services I need?
These two questions are important for several reasons:
Some rehab centers are tailored to the particular needs of specific clientele. There are luxury rehabs that cater to executives and wouldn’t be appropriate for teens, for example.
If you identify with ethnic or sexual minority groups you may require specific resources to address your minority experiences. For example, a transgender person may have trauma around their lived experiences and would likely need an LGBTQ+ affirming environment to safely process this during treatment.
There may be other specialized services that you know you need for a successful treatment experience, such as co-occurring disorder treatment or trauma-informed care.
Whether or not these apply to you, asking this question helps you make sure the rehab center can adequately serve you. In addition to having resources to address certain experiences, the main value of being in a program with similar clientele is that this can create an atmosphere of collective safety and comfort that allows you to do vulnerable therapy and group work.
Do you offer on-site detox?
Some people require detox before they begin inpatient treatment. And some residential rehab centers, like Cypress Lakes Lodge and Camino Recovery, are equipped with the facilities and medical staff necessary to offer detox services on-site. Alternatively, other centers may offer detox off-site through partnerships with local medical facilities.
There are different settings for detox treatment and varying levels of care,3 which is why you should discuss if the rehab center can provide you with the appropriate detox program. If needed, detox is an essential step in beginning treatment. In a report on detoxification, SAMHSA describes that “this phase of treatment frequently requires a greater intensity of services initially to establish participation in treatment activities and […] increase the patient’s readiness for and commitment to substance abuse treatment.”
Please remember that when done incorrectly or on your own, detox can be potentially harmful to both your physical and mental health. Because of this, it’s important to consult with your physician or a qualified medical professional when making any decisions about detox.
What does the initial check-in assessment include?
Most addiction treatment centers will carry out additional in-person physical and psychological assessments when you first arrive. The more extensive these check-in assessments are, the better, because this information is used to determine your treatment program.
“What we find a lot of times is people come to us with multiple comorbidities, very complex situations, so we use an intensive assessment center to fill out our continuum of care,” says Jerry Vaccaro, President of All Points North Lodge. “We firmly believe there has to be multiple options for people who require treatment, so they can plug in where their needs are.”
How many clinical hours does your program include?
A key indicator of a rehab center’s value is how many individual therapy sessions you’ll actually receive per week. The more time you get to spend with your counselors and therapists, the more help you’re directly receiving. Some treatment programs consist mainly of group therapy sessions, while others include more one-on-one time with practitioners. Asking about program details like this upfront can help you avoid unpleasant surprises when you arrive.
What are the center’s policies and expectations with regards to contacting loved ones? To what extent am I allowed to use my laptop or cell phone?
Relationships with your partner, family, and friends are an essential part of your life and recovery. Don’t let fear of not knowing whether you’ll be able to maintain your relationships with your partner and/or family be the roadblock that stops you from getting help.
If relationships are an important factor for you, ask the center what their outside device or communications policies are:
To what extent is my family going to be brought into treatment?
Do you have a family program? If so, what does this look like?
Will my partner/family be able to visit?
Am I going to be able to maintain my relationships while I’m in treatment?
Will I be able to video call or chat with my loved ones?
Will I be allowed to use my personal device for these calls?
Learning More About Residential Rehab—Important Facts About Aftercare
Is it possible for me to extend my stay if necessary?
Most inpatient rehab programs have set lengths of stay that typically range from 30 to 90 days. Your admissions specialist can help you determine what length of stay is appropriate for you. Still, you never know what’s going to happen and if you’ll feel fully prepared to check out once you’ve reached the benchmark time spent in treatment. And while most centers are happy to allow clients to extend their stay, if yours is waitlisted, this may present an issue. It’s helpful to know whether your center allows their clients to continue receiving residential treatment if required.
What kind of continuing care, if any, is provided?
Most people require ongoing support and care after their stay at a residential rehab. “What happens after treatment is probably the most important question about treatment, because that’s what people go back to after they leave from treatment,” says Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus in Zurich, Switzerland. “The whole concept of aftercare is maybe even more important than the treatment itself.”
Certain components of continuing care, such as ongoing therapy and a strong support network, are essential to relapse prevention. But aftercare options vary greatly between rehab centers. Some centers may not offer continuing care, or may offer these services at an additional cost. So make sure you find out as much information as possible about your rehab’s aftercare program.
Ask the Questions That Matter to You
Asking all of the questions above is a great way to suss out whether a residential rehab center feels like a good fit. These questions may lead to more questions that are specific to your personal needs. For example, if you know you’re going away for a month to receive treatment, maybe you already know you’re going to need specific accommodations or allowances. Or if you have certain issues to address while you’re in treatment, you need to make sure the center can adequately help you. Don’t be afraid to ask all the questions you have! Only you can decide if a center is going to be able to meet your needs and offer everything you’re looking for during your stay.
What Happens Next?
Once your initial assessment is over and all of your questions have been answered, you’ll likely receive treatment and length of stay recommendations from your admissions specialist. At this point, you can also schedule a visit to tour the facility, if it’s feasible for you, before you make any final decisions.
Your admissions specialist will then review the results of your intake assessment with you. This may happen later, over the phone, or even once you’ve checked in to the facility. It’s extremely beneficial to know your results, because “personalized feedback on the risks associated with [your] own use of a particular substance and how [your] consumption pattern compares to norms—especially for [your] own cultural and gender groups—is a powerful way to develop a sense of discrepancy that can motivate change,” according to a SAMHSA report on Enhancing Motivation for Change in Substance Abuse Treatment.
Lastly, if the facility isn’t the best fit for you, or if you decide it’s not possible at this time for you to physically attend residential rehab, you can ask for additional recommendations. The admissions team might connect you with other resources depending on their level of expertise. Ideally, they would be able to point you in the right direction.
“In my role as admissions coordinator, I help families find treatment for their loved ones,” clarifies Quinn Tremblay, Admissions Coordinator at McLean Fernside. “I guide them through the process, since a lot of families are new to addiction treatment. Sometimes this includes getting them to insurance-based programs, or even helping them get services through their community or state.”
Once you’ve chosen the rehab center that’s the best fit for you and doesn’t have a wait period (or if it does, has a wait period of less than 4 weeks), the admissions team will also help you organize the logistics. This may look like your intake specialist giving you practical, specific advice or taking action on your behalf, like helping you request time off of work for treatment and arranging your travel to the center.
A rehab admissions specialist should be able to assist you with anything on your to-do list prior to check-in:
No matter where you’re at in the process of seeking help, it’s okay to not have all of the answers. The first phone call to a residential rehab is a key first step towards getting the help you need. Before you pick up the phone, be the most prepared you can be with up-to-date, accurate information about residential rehab so you can confidently make an educated choice about which center is the best one for your unique wants and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calling a Rehab Center
What happens when you call a drug rehab?
An intake specialist will ask a series of questions to learn more about you. This helps them determine the level of care you need and other treatment details. It’s also a chance for you to find out more about the center.
What questions should I ask when choosing a drug rehab?
These questions can help you make the most out of your call:
An intake or admissions specialist picks up. Sometimes a receptionist will answer and redirect your call. All rehab staff should follow ethical standards when interacting with potential clients.
Detoxing from alcohol or other substances is often the first step in addiction treatment. In fact, many people have their first-ever encounter with the treatment system through detox. And as with any first step, this stage of recovery can profoundly impact the rest of your journey.
As you plan for treatment, you may find yourself asking these questions:
Do I even need to detox?
Where do I detox?
Where can I get help planning my detox?
That’s why we’ve created this guide to drug and alcohol detox, which covers the need-to-know information.
We’ll start by examining the purpose of detox and how it fits into your recovery journey.
What’s the Purpose of Detox?
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines detox for substance abuse treatment1 as “a set of interventions aimed at managing acute intoxication and withdrawal.”
During detox, your body withdraws from alcohol or drugs. For this reason, some medical bodies like the American Society of Addiction Management (ASAM) have actually replaced the term “detoxification” with “withdrawal management.” Alcohol withdrawal can potentially be life-threatening,2 so we can’t discuss detox without stressing the importance of safety. It’s safest to detox under medical supervision, with the support of specialized, experienced professionals.
It’s also important to note that while detox is often the first step towards sobriety, it’s not a lasting solution to changing addictive behaviors.
According to SAMHSA’s Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment manual, “Detoxification, in and of itself, does not constitute complete substance abuse treatment.” Additionally, it stresses that proper treatment involves “ongoing therapeutic services ultimately intended to promote recovery for substance abuse patients.”
Followed by a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at sustainable sobriety, safe detox can serve as a crucial first step towards lasting recovery.
Whether or not you need detox depends on the history of your substance use, including the length, level of use, and type of substance used.
Receiving an evaluation from a medical professional is recommended, especially if using benzodiazepines or alcohol as withdrawal from these substances can be life-threatening. You can ask your primary care doctor or psychiatrist to connect you to the right resources. Rehabs also offer over-the-phone detox assessments as part of the intake process, then a more in-depth evaluation with a clinician.
“The detox process typically starts when a loved one, or the person who needs to come in, calls. We talk to them, get some basic information, then complete an over-the-phone assessment for about 20 or 30 minutes. We ask them a series of questions: their basic history, medical history, and their substance use.”
As a rule of thumb, if you notice signs of substance or alcohol abuse as outlined in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), you may want to consider getting an evaluation for detox. Some signs of substance abuse include:
Cravings to use substances
Inability to cut down or stop substance use
Taking more substances than you plan to
Using substances for longer than intended
Continuing to use substances even when it puts you in danger or otherwise negatively affects your life
When you consult with a medical practitioner, they’ll determine your safest detox option by performing assessments such as:
A body exam to check for symptoms like rapid heart rate and shaky hands
Blood and urine tests
Toxicology screening
Do You Need to Detox Before Rehab?
Most residential rehabs require you to be substance-free for a certain number of days before coming in. You can find out if detox is recommended for you during your initial assessment during the admissions process.
What Can You Expect From Detox?
Your substance use history will affect the withdrawal experience, how long you can expect to detox, and whether or not you’ll need medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
A few hours after you stop using, your body begins to adjust to substances leaving your system. This adjustment process can lead to the development of withdrawal symptoms. It might sound daunting, but keep in mind that the purpose of a supervised detox is to minimize the severity of these symptoms and ensure you’re safely clearing your body of substances.
Depending on the substance, this occurs 6 to 12, or up to 30 hours after you’ve stopped using. Milder symptoms like anxiety and irritability will start to show.
Peak Stage
This stage occurs 24 to 48 hours after you’ve stopped drinking, or 72 hours for opiates. Symptoms are at their worst and can include tremors, chills and vomiting. Relapse is most likely at this stage, so having a strong support system and medical supervision is advised.
Late Stage
The body is getting used to the absence of substances and withdrawal symptoms begin tailing off. If you’ve been on a medical detox, medication can be tapered down.
On average, detox takes 3 to 7 days. Opiates and benzodiazepines are known to take the longest to withdraw from and it can take up to 14 days for withdrawal symptoms to peak.
In more serious cases, your doctor might recommend medication-assisted treatment:5 medication combined with counseling and behavioral therapy.
Detoxing From Different Substance Addictions
Withdrawal effects vary by substance, with some posing more dangerous side effects than others. We explore detoxing from different substances below.
Detoxing From Alcohol
Alcohol detox poses a high risk with potential for severe withdrawal side effects like delirium tremens (DT), a life-threatening side effect of alcohol withdrawal6 that can cause seizures. Delirium tremens symptoms usually show up 2 to 3 days after someone last ingested alcohol.
Symptoms include anxiety, nausea, tremors and other psychological and physical symptoms.
Symptoms include muscle pain, anxiety, rapid heart rate and other psychological and physical effects.
The opiate detox time frame is up to 7 days. Those who are detoxing can develop post-acute withdrawal symptoms9 lasting weeks, months or even years.
Detoxing From Cocaine
Cocaine withdrawal is known to be more psychological than physical.
Symptoms include agitation, anxiety, depression and other effects on mood.
The time frame for cocaine detox is up to 7 days.
How Do Different Facilities Handle Detox?
You have several options for detox, so it helps to know what each entails.
Substance Abuse Detox at Hospitals
After a medical evaluation, your doctor will suggest the best course of treatment. Usually, family and friends aren’t allowed to visit during substance abuse detoxes. However, clinical staff are there to soothe your symptoms and offer round-the-clock support. They should also keep you informed of the status of your progress.
Detoxing at a Residential Rehab Facility
When you contact an inpatient rehab, you’ll complete an over-the-phone assessment during the intake process. This is usually followed by an in-depth evaluation with a clinician, during which they’ll recommend a detox plan. Some on-site detox centers offer counseling during detox to ease you through its discomforts. And when you’re finished detoxing, you’ll have a smoother transition into treatment.
What to Expect at a Private Detox Center
Many rehabs don’t have in-house detox facilities, but will refer you to a detox center and help you with transfers and other necessary logistics. Admissions staff at private centers can provide an assessment and answer your questions about cost, what to expect in treatment, and your estimated length of stay. Private detox centers are fully equipped to handle everything related to detox, and some may specialize in certain types of cases.
Douglass Weiss, President & Chief Customer Officer of Gallus Detox Centers, discusses these special cases:
“If a patient is a longer term user or a higher level user of a substance, detoxing can be very difficult and has a significant mortality risk to it. When you have patients taking multiple substances, you have to be prepared in order to deal with those side effects. Residential treatment centers don’t have that level of expertise. So we’re equipped to take the patients that they can’t handle.”
How Detox Is Handled at Home (Outpatient Detox)
If you have a strong support system at home and your condition doesn’t require hospitalization, you may be able to opt for outpatient detox.10 Similarly to the other options, you’ll go through an initial assessment and outline your detox plan with a health professional. You’ll then visit a hospital or clinic daily (weekdays only), either during the day or evening. Outpatient detox programs usually range from 3 to 14 days, with sessions that run from 15 to 30 minutes. However, if your detox program includes a day hospital program,11 your sessions may last several hours. Keep in mind that outpatient detox is only done under the supervision of a medical professional working at the treatment facility you’ve signed up with.
This arrangement works for people who want to keep up with work or family responsibilities while getting the addiction treatment they need.
Understanding Your Detox Options
For many people, detoxing is a crucial part of the recovery journey. Given the importance of this step, it’s best to be equipped with accurate, up-to-date information surrounding it. The good news is, our understanding of detox from substance abuse has grown tremendously. Today, a number of different detox programs are available across the globe and it’s easier than ever to find one that fits your needs. And the more you understand about how detox works and what options are available to you, the more equipped you’ll be to find a solution.
Detox is the process of removing drugs or alcohol from the body. It’s often the first step in addiction treatment, and it can be a challenging process. However, detox is an important part of the recovery process, and doing so under proper care can help to reduce the risk of relapse.
What are the risks of detoxing at home?
There are many risks associated with detoxing at home. Some of the most common risks include seizures, severe withdrawal symptoms, and relapse.
What are the benefits of detoxing in a medical setting?
Detoxing in a medical setting can improve your safety, comfort, and chances of success as medical professionals monitor you for any complications and provide treatment if needed.It’s also more likely to be successful than detoxing at home, as your care team gives you the support you need to stay sober and can help your develop a plan for long-term recovery.
