Hangover anxiety, or hangxiety, isn’t a diagnosis, but rather how you feel after a night of drinking alcohol. A hangover has physical symptoms like nausea and a headache, but you can have mental effects as well.
Drinking responsibly likely won’t lead to these negative feelings; however, if you’re consistently drinking a lot and feeling hangover anxiety, then it may be time to look for help. Getting treatment for alcohol addiction can help you get a handle on your drinking, so you don’t have to wake up with worry the next morning.
When you start drinking, alcohol drives a surge of endorphins in the brain2, which feels good at first. Then, after this rush, there’s a decrease in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) which leads to a form of withdrawal. This is what we commonly refer to as a hangover.
This withdrawal affects you physically and mentally, including provoking anxiety and depression symptoms. Hangover anxiety can look different for everyone, but these are some common symptoms:
Restlessness
Anxiousness
Ruminating on yesterday’s events
Heart racing
Feeling guilt
Difficulty concentrating
What Causes Hangover Anxiety?
After your endorphins drop, your brain can quite literally feel exhausted the next day. Your body uses a lot of energy trying to maintain homeostasis after being affected by the alcohol. And cortisol, the stress hormone, releases after drinking3, making you feel even more anxious.
These factors can also exacerbate hangnxiety symptoms:
1. Social Anxiety
You might use alcohol as a “social lubricant” if you experience social anxiety. This can cause you to drink more than you should. Though for those few intoxicated hours you may feel less anxious, these feelings return as the alcohol wears off. And if you have a hangover from excessive alcohol consumption, your anxiety can skyrocket. Alcohol will enhance whatever emotional state you’re in, so if you’re anxious, it’s going to come back in full swing.
Alcohol causes poor sleep quality5 because it messes with your rapid eye movement (REM) cycle. This, in turn, negatively affects your mood because getting proper sleep is vital for good mood and functioning.
Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) is negative thought patterns that are recurring, unproductive, and common in disorders like anxiety and depression. It’s also a part of emotional dysregulation. These patterns of thinking are associated with prolonged negative emotional states6, so this can exacerbate symptoms when you experience hangover anxiety.
How to Cope with Hangxiety
The best way to avoid hangxiety is to avoid drinking, especially in excess. Doctors recommend drinking a minimal amount of alcohol because excessive alcohol consumption can lead to various health problems such as liver damage, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
However, if you do decide to drink, there are a number of ways you can cope with your hangover anxiety and make this experience manageable:
However, drinking responsibly, or being abstinent, can help you avoid these feelings all together.
How to Have Fun Without Alcohol
Life can be just as fun, if not better, without alcohol. You’ll feel healthier and more energized, which can help you do more outdoor activities like hiking or kayaking. You’ll also save a lot of money from not buying drinks, which you can spend on new experiences like travel or exploring the area you live in.
You can also talk with your therapist and dig into the real reasons why you’re drinking alcohol. Why are you having this drink? And why do you feel like you need to drink so much? This can reveal deeper issues that you can work through together.
When to Seek Professional Help for Your Drinking and Anxiety
Taking a step back and assessing the role that alcohol plays in your life, especially if you have pre-existing anxiety or depression, is crucial. If you’re using alcohol as a crutch, and as a coping mechanism to suppress difficult feelings, then it may be time to reach out for help.
Mental Health Treatment Options
Alcohol is a depressant, so it can aggravate your existing conditions. If you drink to escape your anxiety or depression, treating the root cause of your disorder can help mediate this issue.
Attending an outpatient program can teach you skills to help you replace your drinking with healthy coping techniques. You’ll explore how drinking has been a way to hide from uncomfortable feelings, and then you’ll learn how to face those hard emotions. You’ll likely practice different talk therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to learn new positive ways of thinking.
Virtual treatment for anxiety and depression can be a great way to learn these tools with more flexibility. You can prioritize healing and see how it fits into your life.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Options
Detox with a licensed professional may be the first step in your sobriety journey. Safely ridding your body of alcohol can help you feel clear minded and ready to tackle treatment. Different levels of residential or outpatient care can help you replace your unhealthy coping mechanism, drinking, with positive habits.
A great option post-treatment is sober living homes. These programs are less structured than residential rehab, and provide a comfortable place for you to focus on your recovery. While living here, you’ll likely attend an outpatient program, go to work or school, and grow with other companions in recovery.
Life Without Worry in the Morning
Drinking socially and safely is perfectly acceptable, but if heavy drinking and hangxiety is a normal thing that you’re getting addicted to as a coping mechanism, then it’s time to get help. Life can feel so much more fulfilling without hiding behind alcohol. Embrace your true self and find freedom through rehabs for alcohol addiction.
The Midwest is central to the U.S.—and not just geographically. This major travel hub is accessible to visitors from around the world. And in spite of the weather (or maybe because of it), its people are known for their kindness and hospitality. Whether you’re traveling from near or far, rehabs in the Midwest will make you feel at home during recovery.
That might be due to the region’s weather. Travel experts say temperatures in the Midwest “can swing 100 or more degrees between winter and summer.”6 When it’s warm out, residents spend as much time outside as possible. And in the colder months, people come together to keep warm. Random acts of kindness—like shoveling a neighbor’s driveway—strengthen relationships year-round. This attitude informs the way many Midwestern rehabs approach treatment.
Community Care
Addiction wreaks havoc on relationships. At many centers in the Midwest, treatment helps you improve your interpersonal skills. Some centers even offer family programs, so you and your loved ones can heal together.
Family Therapy
You may be the person entering rehab, but you’re not the only one who needs to heal. The team at Banyan Heartland recognizes this. In their program, loved ones get direct support from family specialists7 throughout the 1st year of recovery. These experts understand that treating the whole family system is an essential part of healing.
Positive Sobriety Institute, in Chicago, has a different approach to family therapy. Their program is a 3-day lecture series. Multiple families come together to learn about addiction and connect with each other. The goal is to improve communication and make your transition out of rehab as smooth as possible. If your family knows how to support you, you’ll all be better prepared for the future.
Most rehab centers define “family” broadly. Yours may include your parents, partner, children, or close friends. And during recovery, you might find that you need to step back from all of them. That’s okay. Sometimes it’s even necessary. And if you decide to take a break from those relationships, there are plenty of other ways to find support.
According to experts at Hazelden, the Minnesota Model “began with the revolutionary idea of creating a humane, therapeutic community.”9 In this framework, people in recovery support each other, instead of only relying on their providers. Clients work through the 12 Steps and engage with their communities during rehab. This can help you to practice essential life skills, and to imagine your future.
Experiential Therapies
Talk therapy is an essential part of treatment, but it’s not the only way to heal. It’s also important to learn healthy coping strategies that you can keep using after rehab. Experiential therapy lets clients have fun, learn about themselves, and try out new hobbies. And in the Midwest, there are some beautiful ways to do just that.
Live in Style, and Enjoy Adventure Outings
Throughout this region, major cities punctuate vast rural areas. In almost any town, you’re just a short drive from nature. Some rehab programs, like Evolve Indy, take full advantage of this. On the one hand, clients are allowed to use cell phones and go on shopping trips during treatment. And on the other, you can go ziplining in the wilderness. In the Midwest, it’s easy to balance the need for creature comforts with a longing for adventure.
The Heartland’s Natural Beauty Can Help You Heal
Other rehabs, like Top of the World, immerse clients in nature throughout treatment. This ranch sits on 315 acres of countryside in rural Illinois, close to the Mississippi River. Clients can explore hiking trails10 or bike along Miller Creek. Programs like this one might be a good fit if you want a break from urban (or even suburban) life. During rehab, you’ll learn to quiet your mind and enjoy the serenity around you. This can even be part of your treatment plan. Data shows that spending time outdoors helps people recover from addiction.
Lakes are beautiful at any time of year—but it’s hard to take a boat out when they’re frozen. Many of the outdoor adventures the Midwest has to offer are only possible in warmer seasons. But when you decide to start rehab, you may not have time to wait. And you don’t have to. The centers in this area have systems in place to make recovery accessible, at every time of year.
Flexible Treatment Options
If you want to avoid harsh weather, this area won’t be a good fit for you in the winter. The region gets very little daylight in the colder months. In December, northern areas like Minneapolis, MN, can see as little as 6 or 7 hours of sunlight per day. Temperatures can go well below 0 °F, depending on your exact location. Most people prefer to spend the season indoors, enjoying warm drinks and good company. But the inclement weather doesn’t need to interfere with your plans for recovery.
Virtual Therapy
Many Midwestern rehab programs offer more flexibility than you might find in other regions. This is important for clients with limited mobility. Even if you’re snowed in, or physically healing from the effects of addiction, you can still access the support you need.
Some facilities, like Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center Chicago, offer virtual treatment. Clients from 21 states can connect with providers online,12 getting “the same level of trusted care available at our in-person treatment centers.” And that doesn’t mean you’ll be getting the exact same type of care. These specialists have additional training in telehealth. For example, they’ll understand that you’re living on your own, and that you have a life outside of therapy.
Perhaps because of its focus on community, the Midwest has many outpatient programs. These rehabs allow you to stay in touch with local friends and family during recovery. If those relationships are healthy, they can be a valuable source of support.
It’s also easy to drive to the Midwest, depending on the season. If you’re coming from close by, it may be more cost-effective to get a ride to treatment. Just be sure your driver feels safe navigating inclement weather. And if it’s too snowy to drive, you and your support person can even take the train to most major Midwestern cities.16
As easy as it is to get around in this area, you shouldn’t travel to treatment alone. This is a delicate time, and it’s vital to have social support. And you don’t have to rely on your loved ones. Talk to the admissions team at your rehab about travel options, so they can help you get to treatment safely.
Find Your Community in Midwestern Rehabs
No matter where you’ve been, or what you’ve been through, there’s a place for you in the Midwest. This welcoming culture tries to make everyone feel at home, whether you’re a visitor or a long-time resident. If you live nearby, it makes sense that you would want this kind of comfort during treatment. And if you’re coming from afar, the Midwest is a great place to get the emotional support you need. Browse our list of luxury rehabs in the Midwest to learn about their treatment models, housing options, outdoor activities, pricing, and more.
The popularity of telemedicine1 has skyrocketed in the past few years. It’s clear to see why this type of treatment became important in 2020: online appointments allow people in recovery to get the care they need, without taking unnecessary risks. Online treatment programs also limit the number of people on-site at a rehab facility, protecting both staff and clients.
However, online mental health treatment isn’t just for times of quarantine. Even before COVID-19 made social distancing a primary concern, “telehealth initiatives provided a platform to combat the shortcomings of cost, quality, and access ingrained in American health care.”2 Online therapy is a vital component of accessibility. Oftentimes, those who most need treatment also have the hardest time traveling to see a healthcare provider. For these clients, telemedicine makes it possible for them to get much-needed care.
What Is Telehealth?
Telehealth, or online medical care, is an especially valuable resource for vulnerable populations. Substance use disorders can affect anyone, including elderly and immunocompromised clients, those with mobility issues, and people whose schedules make in-person therapy impossible. For example, a CEO or high-level executive might be able to take an hour-long break for a therapy session, but unable to take 3 hours off so they can commute to and from the office.
When you think of online addiction treatment, you may imagine something like a Zoom call, with the client and provider talking through a screen. That’s certainly a big part of telemedicine, and most talk therapy sessions do fall into this category. But there’s much more to online healthcare than video chat.
Telemedicine can include any type of online health management.3 For example, you might track your daily caloric intake through an app and share it with your nutritionist, or you might communicate with your psychiatrist via email. Many patients opt in to text message reminders about upcoming appointments. All of these fall under the umbrella of online healthcare.
Is Your Privacy Protected During Online Therapy?
Many clients are rightfully concerned with their privacy, and the confidentiality of the therapy they receive. And of course, any kind of online communication has an inherent security risk. A hacker is unlikely to get their hands on any information you share in person, behind closed doors, with no recording devices in the vicinity. Thankfully, several regulations control the privacy of clients’ health history.
Most of the time, healthcare providers are legally obligated to protect any client data obtained during treatment, whether that treatment occurs online or in person. However, some of these rules have changed since the pandemic. In the U.S., for example, the government has allowed more flexibility to healthcare providers who are moving their practices online. In some cases, lawmakers may be more lenient regarding HIPAA regulations for telehealth.4 This is intended to make virtual treatment accessible for clients whose providers may not have been set up for online healthcare prior to COVID. It gives doctors and counselors a little more leeway, so they don’t have to stop seeing patients entirely while they learn how to use various online platforms.
It’s likely that these regulations will change over time, as we continue to adjust to this new era. Clients engaged in online addiction treatment programs should stay apprised of this. Ideally, you’ll check in with your providers on a regular basis to make sure that their specific practices meet your needs for confidentiality.
Feeling safe with your therapist is paramount; a lack of trust will almost certainly interfere with your recovery. Step one, as always, is to find the right type of treatment and the right provider for you. After that, there are still a number of factors to consider as you decide if telemedicine is a good fit.
Pros and Cons of Online Rehab
Like any other form of communication, online rehab has its pros and cons—it’s certainly not appropriate for everyone. However, the very act of considering online therapy is an opportunity for you to evaluate your own priorities. By deciding whether online therapy is right for you, you’ll likely learn more about what you need out of any treatment program.
Advantages of Remote Therapy Sessions
Accessibility
Online therapy is one of the most accessible forms of healthcare. All you need is an internet connection and a computer, tablet, or even a phone. You’ll be able to contact your medical team from home, from the office, or from the other side of the world. You won’t have to cancel appointments if you’re sick, or if the weather is bad. It also allows for more flexible scheduling, because it completely eliminates travel time.
Accountability
Some clients, especially those who are new to recovery, may struggle to make and keep their appointments. This can be especially true if in outpatient treatment. If your appointments happen virtually, you’ll have fewer excuses to cancel. If you forget an appointment, some therapists will call or text you a reminder. Then, instead of having to reschedule or pay for unused time, you’ll be able to hop on the call within just a few minutes.
Group Dynamics
Online mental health treatment makes it possible for clients to engage in group therapy with people who are physically distant. Clinical Director Brenna Gonzalez explains howThe Hope House Scottsdale uses technological tools for long-distance family therapy:
“The theatre room is equipped with telehealth equipment, so we can include family members in a client’s treatment program. Returning home to family support is really important, so it’s key to ensure family members understand what’s going on with their loved ones during treatment.”
The Hope House in Scottsdale, Arizona has an on-site theatre room fitted with telehealth equipment.
Continuity of Care
Virtual therapy appointments often allow you to stay in contact with the same treatment team even when you move from one location to another. This is especially important for clients who travel to residential rehab in another state or country, and want to proceed to an aftercare program at the same rehab center when they return home.
At some rehabs, online treatment is a routine component of aftercare. Ryan Soave, the Director of Program Development at All Points North Lodge, describes the role telehealth plays in their continuing care:
“In our full continuum of care, people come out of detox into our residential facility, then they step down to the partial hospitalization program, all the way through into intensive outpatient and the telehealth program.”
Not every rehab facility offers this. Some programs may suggest you engage in online aftercare with the same facility, but a different medical team. If you live in the U.S. and travel to another state for rehab this can get especially complicated, as the U.S. has strict laws governing therapy for out-of-state clients.5 Make sure to learn what your options are before you begin inpatient therapy, so you’ll know what to expect going forward.
Potential Drawbacks of Attending Addiction and Mental Treatment Virtually
Limited Physical Care
Virtual therapy can address many serious issues, and may be appropriate for some physical exams. However, it has noteworthy limitations when it comes to physical care, especially in the treatment of substance use disorders. For example, it’s not an effective way to perform medical detox. That process should be closely supervised by an in-person team of doctors and nurses.
Online therapy is an effective way to talk to a therapist or other provider. However, there are many powerful and effective types of therapy that can only happen in person. During on-site or inpatient treatment, you may have access to art therapy, group activities, and even massage or acupuncture. Experiential therapy can greatly benefit your physical and mental health. These opportunities invite clients to learn about healthy social dynamics while creating happy memories. And it’s just not possible to go whitewater rafting via video chat!
Online Rehab Programs Can Be a Great Fit for Some Circumstances
Because of its physical limitations, some clients may benefit from telemedicine as part of a combination approach to recovery. You may choose to see some providers online and others in person. You may plan to maintain long-distance therapeutic relationships after complete inpatient treatment. If you’re interested in online therapy, be sure to talk to your medical team and ask whether they think it might be right for you.
Before you begin this type of online treatment, take some time to understand your own interest in it. Recovery is a time to reconnect with yourself and to start building healthy relationships. For some people, virtual treatment programs are appealing mostly because it allows you to stay in isolation. If that’s true for you, it might not be the best fit.
If you have other concerns—such as physical health issues, scheduling, or various forms of accessibility—don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. For many people, online appointments are the only way to access high-quality care. If in-person treatment just isn’t an option for you, telehealth may make it possible for you to begin recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Addiction Treatment
Is telehealth effective for substance use disorders?
Telehealth is an effective option for addiction treatment, providing accessible and convenient care via online platforms. It offers a safe and private way to receive therapy, making it especially beneficial for vulnerable populations and those facing travel constraints.
Is privacy protected during online therapy?
Online therapy ensures privacy through legal obligations and regulations, and most healthcare providers strive to maintain confidentiality. Clients should stay updated on specific practices and communicate their concerns to their therapists to ensure their privacy needs are met.
What are the pros and cons of online rehab?
Online rehab has advantages such as accessibility, accountability, group dynamics, and continuity of care. However, it has limitations in physical care, potential confidentiality risks, and the lack of certain experiential therapies. Assessing personal priorities and consulting with your treatment team can help determine if online treatment is a suitable choice.
Addiction can affect anyone, including public figures and those in high-profile positions. For these clients, concerns around confidentiality can be one of the biggest barriers when it comes to seeking treatment.
Because of this, privacy is among the most important considerations when choosing a rehab.
The good news is that you have options. In general, rehabs are at least held to clinical standards of patient confidentiality, and due to the sensitive nature of addiction treatment, most are located in discreet premises and take measures to protect your privacy. Some premium programs cater specifically to clients who need extra seclusion, with many featuring private villas and exclusively one-on-one treatment sessions. Other treatment centers also focus on confidentiality and understand that for certain clientele, like celebrities and recognizable figures, anonymity is essential.
Understanding the protection you’re entitled to in clinical settings, and learning what to look for in a residential rehab, can give you the peace of mind you need to focus on your recovery.
Why Privacy Matters
Recovery is a highly personal journey. If opening up to others about your struggle isn’t something you feel comfortable with, that choice is completely valid.
While mental health stigma is decreasing1 thanks to growing visibility, coming out about a substance use disorder can, unfortunately, have consequences in some cases. In a 2017 study published in Addiction Research & Theory, researchers found that the stigma of being identified as someone struggling with addiction2 can have personal, medical and professional consequences similar to those who are dealing with mental illness. These consequences can be especially high-impact for those who are in the public eye.
Celebrities, politicians, and high-profile businesspeople often choose to pursue more discreet treatment options. Fortunately, many centers have exclusive programs that cater specifically to this need.
HIPAA is a privacy law that enforces national standards to prevent the sharing of health information of individual patients without their consent or knowledge. Under this law, you have the right to access and examine your healthcare records and can request amendments or accounting of disclosure of your protected health information.
All healthcare providers, health plans, businesses and healthcare clearinghouses must comply with HIPAA.
Paracelsus Recovery in Zurich, Switzerland treats only one client at a time in their completely bespoke program.
42 CFR Pt. 2
While HIPAA applies to all medically-related information, 42 CFR Part 2 applies specifically to those who will enter, who have entered, or who have already gone through addiction treatment programs.
Under this law, rehab centers are prohibited from disclosing any individual information that identifies or indicates that the patient has dealt with addiction. This is so that people in recovery aren’t treated unfairly in cases of employment, child custody, or divorce. Without your written consent, treatment centers are unable to share any of your information, even with other medical facilities and practitioners.
42 CFR Part 2 applies to any entity that provides a recovery program, so all programs in the U.S. must adhere to this federal law.
Because privacy levels can vary from program to program, it’s best to ask admissions staff at centers you’re considering what steps they take to ensure privacy and what kind of regulatory oversight they have in this area.
While these protection laws are designed to keep the information of rehab center patients safe, there are still ways you can ensure extra layers of privacy if discretion is a major concern.
Privacy at Different Addiction Treatment Programs
Whether you’re looking for a residential rehab program or an intensive outpatient program (IOP), certain markers can help you identify which ones offer a more confidential experience. On the most exclusive end of the spectrum are luxury rehab centers that cater specifically to clients who need to keep a low profile.
Residential Rehabs
Here are some of the ways residential rehab programs can offer a more private experience:
Distance From Your Community For many people, the fear of bumping into familiar faces during or on the way to rehab prevents them from starting treatment. With residential rehabs, you live onsite for the duration of your program. Removing yourself from your everyday environment not only reduces the chances of being recognized, but also reduces circumstantial triggers. This gives many people the comfort they need to focus on their recovery.
Discreet Locations Luxury inpatient rehabs are often located in remote, naturally beautiful settings, which offer the added benefit of total seclusion. These peaceful, awe-inspiring surroundings are the perfect backdrop for inner healing, says Dr. Jasleen Chhatwal, Chief Medical Officer of Sierra Tucson in Arizona:
“Trying to heal in a main metropolis, where you hear cars, sirens and noise is not very conducive. When clients come to Sierra Tucson for treatment, suddenly they’re in a quiet space without extraneous sound. There’s no interference from the outside world and people can really focus inward and take care of themselves.”
Many luxury rehabs aren’t recognizable as treatment centers from the outside, and some don’t even publicly list their location.
An Extra Layer of Privacy at Destination Rehabs If you’re looking for anonymity, you may consider traveling to a destination rehab where you have even more space from your usual surroundings. Local culture can even play into which destination is more appropriate for those seeking an escape from the public eye.
Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus in Zurich comments on Switzerland’s non-sensationalist culture, and how it can be attractive for clients who want to avoid media attention:
“Confidentiality is Switzerland’s second name. Some of our A-list celebrity clients will go to a local Starbucks, and while they’re recognized, they’re not in the news. Local tabloids don’t write about it and they’re not harassed for autographs either.”
Mercui Recovery, a single-client rehab with locations in Malibu, Aspen and Costa Palma, Mexico offers a full continuum of care on-site, from initial detox to aftercare.
Privacy Options for Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are for those who don’t need 24/7 care or medical detox. This could be a good option for people who have a milder addiction diagnosis, or as a step-down from a residential rehab program. Some studies show that IOPs are just as effective as residential rehabs,6 as they offer more intensive schedules with additional hours of therapy in comparison to standard outpatient programs.
If you’re looking into an IOP but are concerned about privacy, keep the following in mind:
Some IOPs Cater to Your Schedule Some luxury rehabs offer IOPs as a step down from residential rehab or as a standalone program.
These treatment centers understand that many clients who want to attend intensive treatment still need to keep up with their daily responsibilities. Most of their programs are designed to fit your schedule, and are located in metro areas that are more accessible from where you live.
Passages Malibu in California, for example, has an IOP program designed to help graduates of residential treatment integrate back into daily life. They understand that this is an opportunity for clients to return to work and other day-to-day responsibilities while still receiving a high level of support for their recovery journey.
Virtual IOPs Offer Extra Privacy With telehealth on the rise, many treatment providers now offer a virtual IOP option. This is especially beneficial if you’re nervous about being seen at a treatment center. Usually, you can design your schedule to avoid causing any disruptions at work. Additionally, many people feel more comfortable attending treatment from the privacy of their own homes.
A small number of rehabs cater specifically to high-profile clients who need very high levels of privacy. They place a special focus into ensuring client comfort and utmost confidentiality. These centers may be in isolated locations, and some even accept only one client at a time.
Paracelsus
Paracelsus in Zurich, Switzerland is one of the world’s leading and most exclusive luxury rehabs. Catering to the ultra-wealthy, including politicians, celebrities and royalty, their program is designed for those who need to remain completely discreet: they take in only one client at a time. Founded in 2012 as a family business, Paracelsus boasts an incredibly tailored treatment experience, with a team of over 15 therapists and doctors who care for one client.
During treatment, clients stay at their exclusive lakefront residence, featuring penthouse apartments with a main bedroom and ensuite bathroom plus an additional room for an on-site therapist. Stays here also include a private butler and housekeeper.
Paracelsus goes to great lengths to accommodate their clients–their CEO Jan Gerber explains why:
“There’s a group of people who are underserved when it comes to addiction and mental health treatment. These are people who come from money or power and require 100% confidentiality and a place they can trust. They have a very specific background and need comprehensive care tailored to their situation. It’s important for our clients to feel at home without any disruption to the lifestyle they’re used to. Such disruptions can be incredibly negative for treatment.”
The Banyans in Brisbane, Australia takes no more than 8 clients at a time at their luxury residence on 13, secluded acres.
Mercui Recovery
Mercui Recovery prides itself on its high standards of discreet care. As a top luxury treatment center, their private residences rest amongst some of the most scenic and tranquil surroundings in Aspen, Colorado; Malibu Canyon, California; Ibiza, Spain; and the Pacific coast of Mexico. They take in one client at a time, and you can choose from one of their many locations or select an in-home option.
Clients can expect five-star service and exclusivity at Mercui Recovery, with a team of dedicated professionals for 1:1 treatment. Their treatment program is hyper-tailored to each individual, with clients ranging from politicians to business elites. Here you’re offered the full continuum of care, from initial detoxification to intensive aftercare.
The Banyans
The Banyans in Brisbane, Australia is an exclusive treatment center that caters to the privacy needs of clients and places emphasis on the clinical aspect of care. Taking in no more than 8 people at a time, clients are accommodated in a luxury residence on a secluded 13 acres overlooking lush hills.
Known as Australia’s most therapeutically intense private treatment program, they offer over 9, 1:1 treatments with 6 medically trained doctors as part of your clinical team.
Keeping privacy at the forefront, association of clients with The Banyans is never disclosed. This means they use personal names instead of ‘The Banyans’ on booking and reservations, no uniforms with their logo and unbranded cars for transportation.
They also offer a 14-day virtual program called The Banyans at Home for those who prefer to receive treatment from the comfort and privacy of their own house.
Your ability to focus on recovery and healing can make your addiction treatment experience that much more impactful. Recovery is a sensitive process that shouldn’t be hindered by external factors like privacy issues.
In addition to standard protections, there are many ways luxury rehabs centers can cater to clientele in the public eye, with solutions that range from single-client intakes to discreet transportation to and from facilities.
You deserve a safe space for recovery and healing. See our collection of select luxury rehabs to discover a center that could be the perfect fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Privacy in Rehab
How can I ensure privacy during rehab treatment?
When choosing a rehab program, consider facilities that prioritize privacy and confidentiality. Look for rehabs located in discreet premises, offering private accommodations and 1:1 treatment sessions. When calling a treatment center, ask what measures they take to protect your privacy. This knowledge can give you the peace of mind you need to focus on recovery.
Why is privacy important in rehab?
Privacy matters in rehab because addiction recovery is a personal journey. Seeking treatment in a confidential setting helps avoid potential consequences of stigma. Luxury rehab centers often have exclusive programs tailored to clients who need extra privacy, ensuring their anonymity is respected throughout the treatment process.
How can I find a rehab program that offers privacy?
Choosing a program that’s not located in your home community can provide an extra layer of privacy for your treatment experience. Luxury rehabs often have discreet locations in remote and naturally beautiful settings. For those opting for an intensive outpatient program (IOP), luxury rehabs may offer flexible schedules and even virtual IOP options for added privacy and convenience.
While rehab is a place to begin recovery, it’s only the first step in a long journey. During your program, you’ll start learning how to build a better life. This carefully curated environment may include individual and group therapy, recreational activities, and medical treatment. Most rehab programs are designed to temporarily protect you from external stressors, including work and family obligations. Without those concerns, you can dig deep into healing, developing sustainable tools to use in the future.
Think of your time in rehab as an intensive retreat. This is a crash course. It isn’t meant to be temporary. The goal is not to stay in rehab forever, but instead to learn new skills that you can put to use after leaving the program. And, best of all, you don’t have to do it alone. There are many resources available to people transitioning out of residential rehab.
Post-Treatment Challenges
It’s natural to be concerned about your transition out of rehab and back into the wider world. Without the structure of the program, you can expect to encounter both new and established triggers on a more frequent basis. You may also be returning to difficult circumstances. For example, you and your therapist might discover that work stress prior to rehab was interfering with your mental health. If that’s true, you may be planning to change jobs soon after you return home. Situations like this one can be stressful even in the best of times.
Every person’s experience of rehab is different, but recent graduates tend to have a few common concerns. Before you finish the program, it can be helpful to plan around how you’ll navigate the following:
Relationships and Community
Many people go to rehab when they realize they need more care than they’re getting from their loved ones. Because of this, it’s common for alumni to return home to difficult dynamics. You have to let go of unhealthy relationships in order to prioritize your own healing process. Without the structure of your program and the in-person support of your recovery peers, it can be hard to maintain those boundaries.
Healing takes time. That’s true for the body, the mind, and also for relationships. Many programs offer family therapy, so your loved ones can begin healing even before you return home. This work not only affects your familial dynamic; it can also have a positive impact on your and your loved ones’ other relationships. Ryan Soave, the Director of Program Development at All Points North Lodge, says “…often when we do family work, the families get better. We also find that they get better in their lives outside of the family.
However, family therapy is just one part of rehab. They may have attended weekly sessions, but you’ll have gone through a much more intensive program. You may find that you have more tools for emotion regulation than the people around you. Be patient with them, and with yourself, as you learn how to relate to each other during this new stage of your process.
Relapse
From the moment you arrive at rehab, you’ll begin preparing for the possibility of relapse. Healing isn’t always a linear process, and this is an area of concern for many people in recovery. As such, your team of providers can help you plan ahead. Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus Recovery, offers a clear description of this issue. “There’s a term called ‘post-treatment crash,’” Gerber says, “which is a quite familiar term to everybody working in addiction treatment. No matter how successful and intensive the treatment has been, without the proper care and company after leaving treatment, there are risks for relapse.”
Leaving rehab is stressful. And if substance use has been your primary way of coping with stress up to this point, you may have the urge to fall back into old patterns during this transition. Instead of engaging in unhealthy behavior, it’s important to stay focused on yourself and your goals. Having a clear and specific plan for aftercare can make that much easier. Even before you return home, you can start researching aftercare options to support you in life after rehab.
AspenRidge Recovery in Lakewood, Colorado provides a comfortable sober living environment for clients attending their intensive outpatient program (IOP).
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is an essential component of recovery. In most rehab facilities, this is a major focus of the program; clients often have daily one-on-one sessions, in addition to group sessions and other activities. Individual therapy is one of the most effective ways to heal from any mental health issue, including substance use. It’s highly recommended for people in recovery to continue individual therapy even after transitioning out of inpatient care.
Therapy offers a private, confidential space where you can explore your emotional experience. Because your emotional life changes over time, this isn’t a quick process. It takes time to process your past, learn to navigate the present, and plan for the future. Many people attend therapy for years, or throughout their lives. Like rehab, therapy is a tool to kickstart the healing process. However, therapy is also important for the maintenance of your mental health regardless of where you are in your recovery journey.
You may or may not be able to continue seeing the same therapist you saw during rehab after you leave the program. Most therapists are only licensed to practice in certain locations. Because of this, people who travel to attend rehab will almost certainly need to find a new therapist once they leave. Some therapists are able to offer telehealth services, or sessions on a remote basis. If you’d like to continue seeing the same provider after you return home, make sure to check with them before you leave to find out if that’s possible.
Finding the right therapist for you can be a long and even arduous process. The therapist-client dynamic works best when your provider has an intuitive sense of your needs, goals, and values. What’s more, not every therapist has experience in treating addiction. If you have additional concerns, you may need a provider who has other competencies as well. For example, a therapist who specializes in working with teenagers might not be a good fit for someone in their 40’s. Remember that you’re allowed to shop around. You can research a provider’s credentials before reaching out, and you can ask to have an initial trial session before committing to a longer process. It’s ideal to begin looking for a therapist before you leave rehab.
Intensive Outpatient Programs and Partial Hospitalization Programs
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are one step down from residential treatment. These programs allow you to live off-site—usually either at home or in a sober living environment—while undergoing intensive therapy at a hospital or rehab center. An IOP or PHP might be right for you if you need significant support during the transition out of rehab.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
If you participate in an IOP, you will live at home, on your own, or in a sober living environment, but you will attend the clinical program several days a week. Each of these programs is unique, but most of them include 10 or more hours of group and individual therapy per week. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) lays out specific guidelines for IOPs,1 stating that “IOP services may incorporate other in-house treatment and peer services, encourage clients’ attendance at mutual-support groups, and collaborate with local community providers to secure needed services (e.g., medication-assisted treatment, psychological assessments, vocational rehabilitation services, and trauma-specific treatment).”
IOPs offer a gentle transition out of rehab. AspenRidge Recovery, a facility in Colorado, describes this type of program as “a safe and accountable way [for clients] to test their skills in real-world situations while still having a supportive team to rely upon.” You’ll continue to have a team of healthcare providers at your fingertips, as well as access to a cohort of people who are also in recovery. Your time on-site is intended to help you process the experiences you have outside of rehab and in between therapy sessions.
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
PHPs are similar to IOPs, but clients spend more time in the program. If you attend a PHP, you’ll spend the majority of each day in treatment, and only go home at night. This is a good option for people who need to be closely monitored by healthcare providers, but have some responsibilities they can’t simply put on pause, like family or schoolwork. You can attend a PHP after rehab, or choose this type of program instead of 24/7 treatment.
Pillars Recovery, a rehab in California, recommends PHPs to clients who can’t afford inpatient rehab. They also offer clients the option of staying in a sober living environment during the program. Depending on your insurance, one of these options may be more accessible than a more traditional stay at a rehab facility.
Sober Living Environments
A sober living environment hosts residents who are adjusting to the rhythm of life without substance use. They are safe environments with clear rules and regulations, but far less structured than inpatient rehab programs. While you may choose to attend therapy during your time there, those sessions would likely take place off-site and through a different program. The goal of your stay in a sober living environment is to transition out of intensive treatment into a more flexible schedule.
Many sober living environments will only admit clients who have already completed a residential treatment program. Some, however, are available to people recovering from a number of concerns, and not only from substance use.
Unlike inpatient rehab, sober living offers you the opportunity to socialize and set your own schedule. You may have access to planned outings, a library of relevant materials, and other activities, such as yoga and meditation. You’ll likely be required to attend regular meetings, such as 12-step meetings, that support your new lifestyle.
Some kinds of healing can only be accomplished alone or in therapy. Other kinds of healing can only be achieved in a community. As you transition out of inpatient treatment, it’s important to take the skills you developed in rehab and put them into practice in your daily life.
Pillars Recovery in Newport Beach, California offers an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and day treatment (PHP) for clients wanting to step down to transitional living for a structured, healthy lifestyle post-rehab.
Support Groups
Support groups are a valuable resource for people in recovery, both during and after therapy. These settings allow you to learn from other people with similar life experiences, and gain insights you might not have access to in individual therapy. Catherine Ulrich Milliken, Program Director of McLean Borden Cottage, explains that attending groups is “an important part of recovery, and the evidence shows that it’s a good, helpful component. It’s another way to be connected to a community. It’s another place of accountability. It’s another place for support. It’s the roof on the house of sobriety – making sure people engage in a spiritual component.”
Various support groups are available in most areas. Most aftercare programs—such as IOPs and PHPs—will provide facilitated sessions on-site. However, most of these groups are easily accessible to anyone.
If you’re living independently, don’t be afraid to try out a few groups before you decide which one(s) you’d like to attend regularly. The specific people in your group have a huge impact on the experience. You may find that you really connect with the people who attend a certain meeting on Wednesday nights, but you don’t have much in common with the people who go to the same group on Fridays. Rehab alumni often find it helpful to attend more than one group; some people even go to at least one session every day after leaving inpatient treatment. These groups are offered in a wide variety of styles, giving you the freedom to choose which philosophy works best for you.
12-Step Groups
In 12-Step support groups, participants follow 12 clearly defined steps toward recovery. These steps were originally defined by Alcoholics Anonymous, and over time, numerous similar groups have branched off. All over the world, it’s now possible to find local chapters of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Pills Anonymous, Codependents Anonymous, Sex Addicts Anonymous, Workaholics Anonymous, and more. While these different groups use slight variations on the original 12 Steps, they all share a similar philosophy.
Most 12-Step meetings open with a reading or a prayer. After that, members may be invited to share their stories, or to engage in a group conversation. Every group’s format is a little different, based on the specific needs and goals of the participants and facilitators.
Sponsorship is an important component of the 12-Step program. A sponsor is someone who has been attending the group for some time, who feels ready to volunteer to work closely with newer members. When you form a relationship with a sponsor, you’ll connect with them outside of group meetings, possibly through regular conversations or other activities. This allows you to learn from their experience, strategize ways to achieve your own goals, and stay on track as you continue to heal. Depending on your specific sponsor, you may even be able to call them at a moment’s notice when you’re having a hard time.
12-Step groups have a strong focus on faith. While all are welcome, much of the literature references a higher power, and sometimes even a Christian God. These groups are a good fit for people who want to develop a spiritual practice, and they may be less effective for those who don’t. Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and other 12-Step groups are some of the best-known support groups for people in recovery, but they’re far from the only options.
Other Support Groups
If the 12 Steps aren’t right for you, there are many other established support groups you can join. For example, SMART Recovery groups focus on self-empowerment and behavioral health. Their 4-Point Program2 encourages members to prioritize the following goals:
Building and maintaining the motivation to change
Coping with urges to use
<anaging thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in an effective way
Living a balanced, positive, and healthy life
Groups are led by trained facilitators, who may or may not have personal histories of substance use. This abstinence-oriented program is founded in science rather than faith.
LifeRing Secular Recovery is another secular group, with a similar focus on personal growth. They espouse the 3S philosophy, “Sobriety, Secularity, and Self-Help.” Members give and receive support from each other in each meeting, but unlike 12-Step programs, do not engage in sponsorship. Instead, this organization teaches that “you know what’s needed in your life3 and what has to be abandoned. You know what triggers cravings and what provides healthy and strengthening pleasure. You know the path you want to be on and you are the only person who can figure out how best to get there.” Participants are encouraged to make their own choices, and to creatively build a life that makes them happy.
Social Interest Groups
As important as it is to see a therapist and connect with your peers, there’s more to healing than processing complex emotions. Recovery is also an opportunity for joy. As you begin to live a more sustainable life, you’ll naturally find healthier ways of relating to the world.
After completing inpatient treatment, many people find joy in taking up new hobbies and learning new skills. Joining a special interest group can support that process. You may even want to continue working on something you started during rehab. For example, if you loved your time in art therapy, you might enroll in a painting class. Pursuing these activities can keep you grounded as you go forward, and may even remind you of positive experiences you had during treatment.
There are meet-up and affinity groups for almost any interest you might have. You can join a knitting circle, take a philosophy class, or start playing softball. It can be especially helpful to connect with people in person, instead of only engaging through social media. Forming relationships with people who share your interests but not necessarily your struggles can also be a helpful reminder that you are a complex, multi-faceted person. There’s far more to you than just your challenges.
Just as there are lessons you can learn in group therapy that would never come up in a one-on-one session, there are also valuable experiences you can only have outside of therapy. In an affinity group, you can learn about social dynamics and problem solving in entirely new contexts. You can also create new memories, develop a sense of accomplishment, and find ways to have fun without substances! These are the experiences that make life in recovery meaningful.
Charting a Course After Treatment
Recovery is the process of creating a life you don’t need to escape. Rehab can give you the tools to begin that process, but it’s up to you to follow through after you leave treatment. Maintaining your health isn’t just about giving up destructive habits; it’s about replacing them with positive ones.
The map is not the territory. During rehab, you’ll start to define what kind of life you want. After primary treatment, you can begin actively moving toward that life. This process can sometimes be messy and surprising, but it can also be highly rewarding.
No matter what, you don’t have to do it alone. All of these strategies—individual and group therapy, support groups, and social groups—invite you to connect with people who want to see you succeed. Making those connections is the first step toward a better life after rehab.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab Continuing Care
What can I expect after leaving rehab?
After leaving rehab, you can expect to face new and existing triggers in the wider world. It’s important to plan around navigating relationships, maintaining boundaries, and addressing post-treatment challenges. This is especially true if you’re returning to difficult circumstances. Remember to get sufficient support in place before leaving treatment, and be patient with yourself and others as you adapt to this new stage of your recovery journey.
Should I continue individual therapy after leaving rehab?
Yes, individual therapy is highly recommended even after transitioning out of inpatient care. It provides a private space to explore your emotional experience and continue your healing journey. Therapy helps with emotional processing, navigating the present, and planning for the future. Finding the right therapist may take time, so it’s ideal to start looking for one before you leave rehab.
What continuing options are available after completing residential rehab?
After completing residential rehab, most patients use some combination of stepped-down care options. These include intensive outpatient treatment programs (IOPs), sober living, support groups, and virtual therapy. These provide ongoing support, structure, and community as you transition from residential rehab to daily life.
As someone intimately familiar with anxiety, you already know there’s no simple explanation for what causes your anxiety or even why you feel anxious some days and not others. Everyday life is full of different triggers. On top of that, today many of us are also facing the additional stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic: sheltering in place, living in isolation, worrying about income and job security, balancing working and schooling from home. The list could go on.
It’s not surprising, then, that throughout 2020, the amount of mental health cases, including anxiety, has been on the rise. One U.S. nonprofit, Mental Health America (MHA), reported that, of the 1.5 million people they screened, the number of people with moderate to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety1 steadily increased throughout the past year.
No matter why you’re feeling anxious, remember: You’re not alone. Many different types of treatment options and therapies are still available to help you cope with, manage and move beyond your anxiety.
Virtual Therapy or Telehealth
This past year, the availability of telehealth appointments, or audio/visual calls with a therapist or health professional, has skyrocketed. Although the tech to accommodate virtual appointments has been around for more than a decade, the lockdowns and social distancing requirements brought on by COVID propelled many companies to start offering telehealth as a viable choice for receiving treatment.
In fact, Amwell’s 2020 Physician and Consumer survey found that, of those surveyed, the percentage of physicians who offered telehealth nearly quadrupled3 from 22% to 80% between 2019 and 2020. And the number of consumers who took advantage of virtual care grew from 8% in 2019 to 22% in 2020. The medical industry in general has rapidly pivoted this past year to accommodate the needs of patients who have restricted in-person appointment availability and options, no matter what the reasons. It’s clear from the surge in use that telehealth is likely here to stay.
Online Anxiety Rehab Programs
Similarly to the medical industry, today many treatment centers around the world have recognized the need and demand for more online therapy and rehab programs. These virtual outpatient programs offer flexible, ongoing support and treatment from the privacy of your own home. Online anxiety programs can include virtual clinics, online support groups, and one-on-one counseling sessions.
Many centers in our directory offer online and telehealth treatment options to help you find the care you need without having to overcome any physical or location logistical challenges.
Inpatient Anxiety Treatment
Even though online treatment is a great solution for many people, if you have a severe form of anxiety, inpatient rehab centers offer both a more intensive level of care and a more immersive treatment experience. Seeking inpatient treatment during the pandemic can still be a viable option. Many anxiety treatment centers have remained open, fully operating with all of the necessary, state-required COVID-19 safety precautions in place.
LuxuryRehabs.com’s up-to-date list of open treatment centers with COVID-19 measures in place can help you find access to in-person treatment from some of the best rehabs around the world.
More Information on Healing from Anxiety
Types of Therapies for Anxiety
Part of the fear that comes with seeking treatment is the fear of the unknown: What’s actually going to happen when I get help for my anxiety? And that fear only makes your anxiety worse! So, understanding the types of therapies your counselor or rehab center may use can help you overcome that fear and reduce your anxiety around actually getting help.
Therapists use many different types of therapies to treat anxiety:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):4 This is a form of talk therapy that focuses on equipping you with strategies to understand and change your thinking and behavioral patterns. CBT is the most commonly used therapy to treat anxiety.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT):5 The goal of MBCT is to help you better understand your mind and your moods by combining cognitive therapy practices with meditative, mindfulness practices.
Experiential Therapy: Going beyond talk therapy, this approach recreates real experiences to help you understand your inner thoughts and better process your emotions. Examples of some of the methods used in experiential therapy include art therapy, music therapy, equine therapy, and psychodrama.
Stress Management: One common root cause of anxiety is chronic stress. This type of therapy will help you identify areas or events in your life adding to your stress, and therefore, anxiety levels.
These therapies can also be used to treat other mental illnesses, like depression and OCD. If your anxiety co-occurs with other mental illnesses, these therapies may be an effective treatment option for your co-occurring mental health issues as well.
Learn Techniques for Managing Anxiety
One of the most impactful effects of getting treatment for anxiety is learning techniques for managing your anxiety that you can rely on and use for the rest of your life. No matter how you get treatment for your anxiety, your therapist will likely equip you with the skills to manage your anxiety at home and to prevent your anxiety from reaching a critical point. Plus, the support you receive from a therapist and/or a program for overcoming your anxiety can continue—with aftercare options and ongoing therapy, your path to healing can be as short or as long as you need it to be.
Find the Best Luxury Rehab for Your Anxiety
No matter what your current living, work and relationship circumstances are, you don’t have to suffer through your anxiety. You can get help. There are many local, national and international treatment options and types of therapy available. You can explore our collection of treatment centers by location, treatment approach, or therapy type to find the one that’s best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Going to Rehab for Anxiety
Rehab is just one step on the road to long-term recovery. It’s also important to make plans for aftercare, so you’ll continue getting the support you need after inpatient treatment. For many clients, online aftercare is the most accessible option. You may even be able to participate in virtual therapy through your residential rehab program.
Since the events of 2020, it’s become the standard for most healthcare visits to occur online. This may include anything from mental health services, like talk therapy, to regular appointments with a general practitioner. Certain visits require in-person interactions, but these have become limited, and in some cases, even discouraged.
While this began as a way to protect clients and providers from contagion, it’s rapidly becoming the standard. We may see this practice continue for years to come. And it has many benefits, even for those at a low risk of contracting disease. Telehealth provides an unprecedented level of accessibility for clients who can’t easily see providers in person. This may include people with mobility concerns, clients in areas with severe weather, or those who want to stay in touch with practitioners who are far away.
The popularity of telehealth has grown extremely quickly, and technological tools are continuing to develop. Some clients—and providers—may still be learning exactly how this type of healthcare works. And we can expect the specifics to change over time.
What Is Teletherapy?
Teletherapy is a type of telehealth, and refers specifically to mental health services that take place online. Most commonly, clients will connect with providers through HIPAA-compliant video chat platforms. There are a growing number of online tools that meet the legal requirements for privacy, such as Doxy and Zoom for Healthcare.
Many clients use these tools to meet with providers as they normally would in person. For example, you might schedule weekly appointments with a talk therapist, meeting via video chat instead of in person.
Although teletherapy was popularized in 2020,1 it’s been around for a long time. “In 1959, the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute was using early videoconferencing to provide group therapy, long-term therapy, consultation-liaison psychiatry, and medical student training.” It grew much more popular as the general population started using the internet. Researchers began comparing it to other types of medicine in the 2000s, and found that it was “as effective, but slightly different, than in-person care.”
Despite its long history, more information is still needed to determine whether it’s effective for everyone. As more people turn to telehealth, there is hope that researchers will be able to collect enough data to answer this question.
The team at All Points North Lodge in Colorado understand that relapse is a concern for those recovering from addiction. They invest in virtual therapy so that “when you leave, you stay connected.”
Is Online Therapy Effective?
Although there is more research to be done, online therapy has been proven to be extremely helpful for certain clients. This is primarily due to its accessibility. In some cases, experts recommend a mix of online and in-person services.
According to one study, “Telehealth may help engage patients in addiction treatment2 by improving access and convenience.” Additional research is needed to confirm that benefit and to determine how best to tailor telehealth to each patient’s circumstances and with what mix of in-person and telehealth services.
“’We should be doing it immediately; the more, the better,’ said Robert Caudill, M.D., a member of the American Psychiatric Association’s Committee on Telepsychiatry. ‘It’s exploded in the past week, obviously,’ he told ADAW in a Zoom interview on March 23. But he thinks it should be the norm.”
However, online therapy has some noteworthy limitations. Some of these concerns are especially relevant to people healing from substance use disorders. For example, people in recovery from opioid addiction may be prescribed methadone. It’s important for this treatment to include office visits, to monitor the client’s physical and mental health. Even in these cases, some may benefit from supplementing in-person treatment with virtual services. And fortunately, many types of mental health services are available online.
Online Talk Therapy
Just a few years ago, online counseling was rare, and often dismissed. Lori Gottlieb, psychotherapist and bestselling author, wrote,
“If you had asked me what I thought of online therapy sessions4 before the coronavirus pandemic, I would have said, trying my best not to sound dismissive, ‘Well, I’m sure they can be helpful in certain ways — but I wouldn’t call them therapy.’”
However, recent events have made individual teletherapy a necessity. A huge number of therapists moved their practices online5 with very little notice. And despite their previous opinions, many have grown to appreciate these online sessions. After reflecting on her experiences throughout 2020, Gottlieb concludes that this modality illuminated certain details of her clients’ lives, “breaking down the facades we all construct and highlighting our shared humanity.”
And whether or not these therapists plan to return to seeing clients in person, the fact remains: now, we know it can be done. This has important implications for the alumni of residential rehab programs. Specifically, it may mean that you can maintain certain therapeutic relationships after you complete inpatient treatment.
At All Points North Lodge, for example, some clients continue to receive services after they leave rehab. Jerry Vaccaro, President of this facility, explains:
“For substance use disorders, the recidivism or relapse rates are huge. Rather than facilitate this revolving door that patients often experience, we’ve invested in virtual therapy so that when you leave, you stay connected.”
Oceanica Treatment Center in Mazatlan invites patients to attend weekly virtual sessions for 6 months after treatment.
Staying with the same therapist may help ease your transition out of residential treatment. You won’t need to spend time researching providers, or sharing your personal history with someone new. Instead, you’ll simply continue the conversation, updating your provider on your progress in a different environment.
However, this service isn’t always available. First, some rehabs may require their providers to focus only on inpatient services. And regardless of your program’s policies, “all psychologists and other professional health providers must be licensed by the state in which they practice.”6 If you travel out of state or out of the country for treatment, you may or may not be able to see the same provider after you return home. Despite these limitations, you may still be able to access other virtual mental health services, provided by more local groups.
Web-Based Support Groups
While strict regulations govern online talk therapy, fewer rules apply to support groups. Organizations like A.A. and N.A., for example, are simply groups of people coming together to talk about their experiences. Because they are usually facilitated by members, and not by licensed professionals, they have fewer issues with liability.
If you have a reliable internet connection, you can easily attend an online 12-Step group meeting. Several non-12-Step groups, like SMART Recovery, also host virtual sessions. These meetings are available worldwide, to anyone who can access the site.
Because online support groups may be hosted from any location, they cross countries, cultures, and time zones. This provides an unprecedented level of accessibility. While it may be difficult to find an in-person meeting at 4 am on a Saturday, you may be able to attend one that’s hosted in a distant location, simply because of the time difference. But make sure to check that the meeting you choose takes place in a language you understand!
Your rehab program may also offer online support groups. At Oceanica Treatment Center, for instance, has a very active alumni program, in which you will be invited to attend weekly virtual sessions for 6 months after treatment. The team at this facility is committed to staying in touch with clients long after this six-month period, supporting them in their continued recovery journeys.
Apps Support Continued Sobriety
Mobile apps are increasingly popular with people of all demographics, including rehab alumni. These platforms are extremely accessible; unlike talk therapy or support groups, you can use them casually and repeatedly throughout the day. It may not be appropriate to speak at A.A. meeting while you’re waiting in line at a coffee shop; however, it’s perfectly acceptable to look at your phone.
There are a variety of sobriety tools available for smartphone users, many of which are free to use. Some of these apps focus on alcohol use,7 while others let you customize your settings. For example, if you stop using illicit substances as soon as you enter rehab, and then quit smoking several months later, you may be able to track your progress in both these efforts using one app.
Every app is different, but most of them share some common features. You might read daily inspiration quotes, celebrate milestones, or even connect with a sober support network. This is also a powerful way to share your progress with friends and loved ones, either through a share function or simply by taking a screenshot of the app itself.
And if a sobriety tracker isn’t right for you, there are many other health and wellness apps that may support your recovery. For example, many clients find that they benefit from mindfulness and meditation exercises. Others may want to focus on nutrition, in which case a calorie tracker may be helpful.
Much more research is needed regarding the efficacy of these apps for mental health. When used with intention, they may be very beneficial. However, self-directed processes are no substitute for talk therapy. It’s very important to use these tools to supplement—and not to replace—professional care.
Online Therapy Makes Aftercare Accessible
Following rehab, it’s vitally important to engage in aftercare. This stage of recovery looks different for every client. And as you plan for the next stage of your life, it’s extremely important to get advice from your team of providers. As experts, they’ll be able to guide you toward resources that support your specific goals.
For many clients, aftercare is made possible by these virtual options. And even if you don’t face specific barriers to receiving in-person treatment, online care can simplify the logistics of recovery. As a result, it can help make your healing process more sustainable.
Search luxury rehabs to learn more about treatment and aftercare and reach out to centers directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Aftercare
How can I continue my recovery after leaving rehab?
After completing a rehab program, you can continue your recovery journey with virtual support through teletherapy or virtual support groups. These alternatives to in-person aftercare provide a convenient option for maintaining sobriety.
What are the benefits of using virtual aftercare services?
Virtual aftercare services, like online therapy and support groups, are a convenient way to access additional support in early recovery. These services can also provide flexibility for those with busy schedules.
How effective is online aftercare for addiction treatment?
Studies show that online aftercare for addiction treatment can be just as effective as in-person aftercare. Virtual services like teletherapy and online support groups are proven to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of relapse.
