Hannah Friedman - Recovery.com Resource Library

October 31, 2021December 12, 2024

Plugging Into Rehab: A Closer Look at Tech Usage Policies

During inpatient rehab, clients step away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. This can give you much-needed space from issues like complex relationships, work stress, and social pressure. Some facilities enforce this by limiting your access to the outside world. In many programs, clients are not allowed to use their phones or computers during the course of addiction treatment. However, that’s not universally true.

Everyone’s experience of recovery is unique. For some people, stepping away from friends and family is a vital component of healing. In other cases, that level of isolation can be a barrier to treatment. Many high-powered executives, for example, simply can’t take that much time away from their responsibilities.

Fortunately, there are a wide variety of treatment approaches to choose from. You can find a program that prohibits device use entirely, limits it, or allows you to stay connected throughout your stay. However you decide to engage with—or disengage from—technology during rehab, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of each option.

The Psychological Impact of Cell Phone and Computer Use

Whether or not you have a mental health condition, such as a substance use disorder, technology may have an impact on your emotional state. A significant body of research has linked screen use to the brain’s release of dopamine,¹ a neurochemical that plays a role in motivation, pleasure, and rewards. This may be of particular interest to current and former substance users, especially those who have used cocaine, who often experience dopamine imbalances.²

Potential Pros of Tech Use

In certain situations, technology—and especially social media—may help people feel connected. When used in an intentional way, this collection of tools may help alleviate loneliness. “Research reveals social media is most effective in tackling loneliness³ when it is used to enhance existing relationships, or forge new meaningful connections.” However, it can be difficult to set clear boundaries around your phone use. And when overused, technology can have a negative impact on mental health.

Potential Cons of Tech Use

Research suggests that too much screen time can cause sleep disturbances,⁴ and may also be correlated with depression.⁵ Some believe that overuse of technology may cause cell phone addiction.⁶ While this is not yet classified as a mental health diagnosis, more experts are considering it a serious condition.

However, this is a relatively new field of study. Smartphones have only been on the market since 2007. Technology is changing quickly, as is its importance in the larger culture. It may be a long time before experts understand the long-term psychological effects of modern-day connectivity.

As we continue to learn about the impact of cell phones and computers, it’s best to proceed with caution. This is extremely important for people in recovery, and especially those in medical detox, whose brain chemistry may be rapidly changing. When you’re deciding between rehab programs, you can always talk to your admissions team to determine the best option for you.

Reasons to Limit Technology Use During Rehab

Many rehab centers completely prohibit clients’ use of personal devices, including cell phones and computers. Others restrict access to technology, setting clear boundaries to limit clients’ screen time. There are a number of benefits to this approach.

Minimizing Distractions

Using technology can direct your energy away from the healing process. Whether you’re reading the news, scrolling social media, or talking to loved ones, you’re still receiving uncurated information about the outside world. Your innate response to these narratives is an expenditure of your emotional energy, which may be limited in the first stages of recovery.

“One goal of rehab is to take a person out of their normal environment. These days, we have so many distractions at our fingertips: our cell phones, laptop, computers, television.”
– Dr. Thomas Gazda, Medical Doctor at Soberman’s Estate

For some clients, these distractions make recovery much more difficult. You might be exposed to triggers, confronted with peer pressure, or just overstimulated.

sobermans estate pool — Soberman’s Estate in Cave Creek, Arizona, is located in the breathtaking Sonoran Desert, free from technological distractions.

Rehab is hard work, even when all of your energy is focused on healing. For many clients, it’s better to eliminate these types of distractions, and instead stick to a clearly defined recovery program.

Time Management

In rehab, you’ll likely follow a very structured schedule. These programs are designed by experts to help you make the most of your time in rehab.

Having access to technology may not only prove distracting during sessions, especially if you have your phone with you; it may also interfere with your limited free time. Your carefully scheduled breaks are intended to help you process the hard work of therapy. Clients often find that time spent thinking about therapy sessions on their own terms can result in important breakthroughs. If you use that time to talk to distant friends, or to provide emotional support to other people in your life, you’re likely to miss out on many of the benefits of your program.

Reexamining Relationships

Substance misuse can have a serious impact on interpersonal relationships.⁷ For that reason, some clients may benefit from taking space from their families, friends, and colleagues, during rehab. This can give you time to process your recent interactions with loved ones, reevaluating your role in your personal community. If your goal is to heal those relationships, this can also give your loved ones time to step back and process their own emotions.

Many clients also have substance-based relationships. These might include dynamics with people who have enabled or even encouraged you to use substances, or people who have untreated substance use disorders themselves. When you decide to begin healing, it can be very difficult to engage in healthy interactions with these people. By stepping away, you can take time to objectively consider whether it’s healthy for you to continue being in touch with them.

Taking a break from your immediate community can also give you time to reconsider any role you may have played in toxic dynamics. During rehab, you can discuss your past behavior in therapy, and practice building healthier relationships with your cohort. Because these are likely to be new relationships, you’ll be under far less pressure. Accidentally offending a person you’ve known for a month will have a smaller impact on your life than getting into a fight with a sibling, for example.

spark to recovery dbt — Spark to Recovery in Los Angeles, California includes dialectical behavior therapy as part of their treatment program.

Some therapies, like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), have a particular focus on healing interpersonal dynamics. If this is a high priority for you, you can talk to the admissions teams at a few facilities in order to find the right program. Remember, though, that healing your relationships may or may not mean staying in communication with loved ones while you’re at rehab.

Reasons to Use Technology During Rehab

Certain facilities allow or even encourage clients to use their cell phones and computers during rehab. This varies from one program to another, and it can also vary among clients. If you attend a rehab that offers personalized treatment, you can likely work with your team of providers to decide how much screen time is healthy for you.

Dr. Gazda says, “People are complicated individuals. We really want to tailor our program to each individual patient and we live by that…Some of our patients can use their cell phones or have free time at points because they need it.” In these cases, technology use is also intended to achieve a particular goal, or to serve the needs of specific demographics.

Executive Treatment

Many luxury rehabs offer executive treatment programs, which cater to the unique needs of high-achieving professionals. People in these roles may find it difficult to take time off to attend rehab. When faced with the choice between keeping work commitments and going to rehab, many people choose to delay recovery.

However, at some of these facilities, you don’t have to choose. At Gallus Detox Centers, for example, professionals may stay connected to work throughout treatment. Your providers will “allow patients full access to their electronics. So if you’re the CEO of a company, you can set up your office for however long you’re with us,” says Douglass Weiss, President and Chief Customer Officer.

There are many ways to approach treatment. Many luxury rehabs strive to be as accessible as possible to their clients, including those with pressing responsibilities. If the use of electronics is what makes rehab an option for you, you can certainly find a program that supports your needs.

Cultivating a Support Network

Experts agree that social support is a very important part of recovery.⁸ “To reach or maintain abstinence, it is crucial to maintain positive relationships,” one study claims. By staying connected to their long-term community during treatment, some clients may be able to strengthen relationships and prepare for life after rehab.

With that in mind, some rehabs allow every client to use personal electronics. The team of providers at Monarch Shores, for example, firmly believes that having the ability to stay in close contact with loved ones is a valuable way to “help you make it through the recovery process, and eventually have an easier time reconnecting with society.”

monarch shores outdoor deck — Overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean, Monarch Shores serves executives and allows clients to use electronics during treatment.

Programs like this one may be a good fit for those who are interested in healing family dynamics. Certain programs have a special focus on this goal, and even provide in-person family therapy.

Family Therapy in Rehab

While many clients benefit from attending family therapy during rehab, this is certainly not true for everyone. You might not decide whether this modality is right for you until after you begin an inpatient program.

If you and your family do decide to go to therapy together, there are a number of options available. Various programs offer family visits, regular phone calls, and in-person and remote sessions. Bear in mind that, no matter which therapies feel right for you, your family members’ needs must also be taken into consideration.

Technology as a Tool for Recovery

It can be difficult to accept that, in order to live a healthy life, you may have let go of certain relationships. This can include relationships that are very important to you. But your health has to come first.

In order to assess which relationships are most supportive, which need time to heal, and which are no longer serving you, it can be extremely helpful to take space from everyone in your life. And for some clients, physical space with remote contact is sufficient. Others may need to set stricter boundaries, temporarily ceasing all communication with loved ones outside the program.

Ideally, your time in rehab will help you learn how to build and maintain positive relationships. That’s true for everyone, whether or not you use electronics during your time there. However, the primary purpose of treatment is for you to begin recovery. As you begin to define what a healthy lifestyle means for yourself, you’ll develop the tools to build a community that supports your growth.

To learn more about programs that offer various levels of access to personal electronics, browse our list of rehabs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Technology Rules In Rehab

Can you use technology during rehab?

Whether or not you can use technology during rehab depends on the center and treatment program. Some rehabs allow limited technology use for clients to stay connected to work or loved ones. Executive programs may allow internet access, for example. Other rehabs may restrict tech use to create a focused and immersive environment.

What are the benefits of limiting technology use during rehab?

Limiting technology use during rehab has several benefits:

• It promotes a focused, distraction-free environment.
• Individuals may fully engage in therapy and reflection.
• It encourages social interaction within the rehab community.
• It reduces potential triggers associated with excessive technology use.

What are the benefits of using technology during rehab?

Using technology during rehab has several benefits. Professionals may need to keep up with work during treatment. Executive programs often have flexible technology policies to cater to their client’s unique needs. Flexible technology policies also let clients connect with loved ones back home and may facilitate remote family therapy.

October 31, 2021April 23, 2025

Finding Balance Through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

The goal of rehab isn’t just to feel better. It’s also to live a more sustainable life. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is designed to teach clients practical skills that will help them make healthier choices in the long term. By taking action to build a life that meets your needs, you can create an environment that supports your mental health.

Some diagnoses, like depression and anxiety, may have a greater impact on your internal emotional state than on your external life. Substance use disorders, on the other hand, are sometimes categorized as behavioral disorders.¹ This means that they have a direct impact on a person’s actions. Because of this, behavioral therapies like DBT can be extremely effective for people in recovery from substance use.

What Is DBT?

Dialectical behavior therapy was first developed by Marsha Linehan in her efforts to treat clients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). She drew from the principles of Zen Buddhism, using mindfulness techniques to help clients practice navigating difficult emotions.²

Because it’s designed to treat people with strong and sometimes volatile feelings, DBT focuses on practical skills. Group sessions may look less like therapy and more like classes. Rather than encouraging clients to delve even deeper into their already overwhelming emotions, the facilitator guides them through a textbook, leads discussions about the subject matter, and even assigns homework. Because it takes place in a group, clients also benefit from community support.

In addition to this experience, it’s common for each client in a DBT group to be assigned their own individual therapist. Typically, you’ll meet with your group every day and have private sessions with your therapist at least once a week. Unlike many other forms of therapy, you may also receive a direct phone number for your therapist and be allowed to call them to ask for support between sessions. Not every DBT group follows this format, however. Depending on your specific program, you may meet less often, you may not be invited to call your provider directly, or you may even be responsible for finding your own one-on-one therapist.

Group work, with its clearly defined subject matter, is at the heart of any DBT experience. This approach is designed to teach clients a specific set of tools that will empower them to navigate challenges effectively. By methodically studying these practical strategies, clients aim to develop the skills they need to live balanced and meaningful lives.

The Philosophy Behind DBT

A dialectic is a discourse, or a discussion. Dialectical behavior therapy recognizes that at times, we are at odds with ourselves. With that in mind, it invites clients to honor their own complex and sometimes conflicting emotions. When you simply accept your feelings for what they are, you may find it easier to tolerate life’s difficult circumstances.

DBT teaches that all of your emotions are valid, even when they’re overwhelming or disproportionate to the situation at hand. That being said, you are not your feelings. And you don’t need to let them control you.

Instead, clients learn to accept their emotional experiences in a mindful way. To achieve this, facilitators talk about 3 ways that clients can approach whatever is happening in their own minds.

Emotion Mind

When you’re overwhelmed by your feelings, a DBT facilitator might say that you’re “in emotion mind.” This is a natural experience, shared by people with and without mental health diagnoses of any kind. However, problems can arise when you consistently let yourself act on extreme emotions without considering the consequences.

For example, imagine you’ve just finished a hard day at work. You’re feeling anxious and frustrated. If you stay in emotion mind, you might spend the evening engaging in self-destructive behavior. This could mean misusing a substance, taking your feelings out on a loved one, or just lying in bed instead of going about your evening. There are times when emotionally driven behavior is warranted. In certain circumstances, it can even be healthy. However, some clients find that their lives are dictated by whatever they’re feeling in a given moment. Dialectical behavior therapy aims to interrupt these patterns.

Reasonable Mind

If emotion mind is at one end of a spectrum, reasonable mind is at the other. This perspective is so starkly rational that it may cause you to invalidate your own emotional experience. When you’re “in reasonable mind,” you may act in a way that appears effective, without considering the impact it will have on you in the long term.

Consider the same example—you’re feeling anxious and frustrated after work. If you’re deep in reasonable mind, you might decide to open your computer and keep working until 3 a.m., so that you can solve the problem before you return to the office the next day. Alternatively, you might decide to compartmentalize it, completely ignoring your own emotional reaction.

Either of these responses may sound like an effective way to handle the issue. And in the short term, that might even be true. If you’re in recovery from a substance use disorder, for example, working until the wee hours might be healthier than allowing yourself to relapse. However, this behavior can easily have negative long-term consequences. It’s unsustainable to work until 3 am every night. And what’s more, it might not actually resolve the issues you’re having at work. By avoiding or compartmentalizing your own emotional response, you risk compounding the problem.

Wise Mind

Wise mind in DBT is the happy medium between emotion mind and reasonable mind.³ From this perspective, you can honor and validate your feelings, while looking for practical solutions. After you make space to process your experience, you can take action in a careful and intentional way.

Following a difficult work day, a person in wise mind might call a friend and ask for support, or write in their journal about what happened. You could also find a healthy way to care for yourself, such as eating your favorite meal, taking a long bath, or watching a movie. After you’ve had some time to unwind, you might set aside a finite period of time to think of ways that you can make the next day a little easier. If the issue persists to the point where you have daily anxiety about work, you’re likely to notice it before it becomes completely unsustainable. In that case, you may consider strategizing with your colleagues about how to change a dynamic that isn’t working, or even looking for a new job.

One of the main goals of DBT is for clients to become more adept at accessing wise mind. By approaching life from this balanced perspective, you may be better equipped to make healthy choices that meet your own needs in a sustainable way. Before you begin therapy, this may sound like a vague and ethereal concept. However, Dialectical Behavior Therapy is grounded in practical skills. Clients in these programs learn extremely specific strategies in the effort to achieve this goal.

The 4 Modules of Dialectical Behavior Therapy

In the classroom-like setting of a DBT group, clients learn very specific subject matter. While there are several texts on the topic, most facilitators work from the first or second edition of Dr. Linehan’s original DBT workbook.⁴ As your therapist guides you through it, you’ll cover four distinct modules.

Note: Although these textbooks are readily available, clients are advised against beginning this work on their own. Even with proper supervision, this therapy can be very challenging and even triggering. If you’d like to begin going through Dr. Linehan’s assignments in depth, it’s very important that you do so in the context of a DBT group.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness teaches you to be present in the moment, accepting reality as it is. As simple as this sounds, it can be a powerful practice with wide-reaching impacts. Research has found that mindfulness techniques can reduce stress,⁵ and may even alleviate some symptoms of depression and anxiety. During this module, DBT clients may practice meditation, breathing exercises, and other strategies that help them stay connected to their emotional experience.

Emotion Regulation

Some people are more emotionally sensitive than others. That’s neither good nor bad. In some circumstances, it can be an extremely positive thing, allowing you to feel joy or excitement more deeply than others might. In difficult situations, however, it can make you more vulnerable to emotional distress. This may lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, which can be especially dangerous for people healing from substance use disorders.

People with a history of substance use sometimes also struggle with emotion regulation⁶ caused by neurochemical imbalances. These symptoms may or may not be alleviated by medical detox. Even after your body begins to heal, you might find that your emotional experience is different than it was before you began recovery.

Learning to regulate your emotions can help you navigate the natural ups and downs of life, without getting lost in any one experience. This can be extremely important as you work through your triggers and develop healthier responses to various stimuli.

Interpersonal Effectiveness

Any mental health diagnosis can have an impact on your relationships. This is extremely common for people with substance use disorders. As you begin recovery, you will likely start the hard work of healing those relationships, while also building new ones that support a more sustainable lifestyle.

The skills you learn in this module will help you strike a balance in your interactions with other people. You’ll find ways to interrupt unhealthy dynamics by asking for what you need, setting clear boundaries, and stepping away when that’s the best possible choice. In a healthy relationship, people don’t compete to see whose needs are more important. DBT offers practical communication strategies that empower you to respect yourself and the people around you at the same time.

Distress Tolerance

We all encounter hardship. Life can get better, and it can get easier, but it will never be perfect. Even when you make the best possible choices, you may still encounter difficult circumstances that are outside of your control. Distress tolerance teaches you to approach these situations mindfully, without engaging in self-destructive behavior.

These tactics can be especially helpful for people who are healing from trauma. By centering yourself in your body, you can sometimes interrupt intrusive thoughts and flashbacks. DBT at Futures Mental Health Program, for example, is designed to help clients through stressful experiences. This treatment approach “focuses on the mind, body, and ability to utilize skills during challenging times.” These strategies can be helpful not only for people with substance use disorders, but for those healing from a wide variety of other diagnoses.

Who Can Benefit From Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

While DBT isn’t right for everyone, it can help clients with many different emotional experiences. Research has found that it’s especially beneficial for people with certain diagnoses.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

This treatment approach was originally developed for people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). While it has been adapted for use with many additional diagnoses, its subject matter is particularly relevant to this population.

BPD is a highly stigmatized diagnosis, and it can be difficult to find the help you need and deserve. Even the act of researching your symptoms can sometimes be counterproductive, due to an overabundance of misinformation. It’s important to choose your sources wisely, and connect with professionals who specialize in working with people like you.

It’s also important to note that BPD is strongly associated with PTSD and complex PTSD (c-PTSD).⁷ Even now, researchers sometimes struggle to distinguish between the two diagnoses. One study found that “over 71% of those with BPD had trauma.”⁸ Despite the associated stigma, you are not to blame for your emotional experience. That’s true of any diagnosis. DBT acknowledges those with BPD as whole people, with unique needs, goals, and values. You, like everyone, have the right to heal.

PTSD and Complex PTSD (c-PTSD)

Perhaps because of its similarities to borderline personality disorder, DBT is also a very effective treatment for PTSD.⁹ Clients who attend rehab to heal from trauma, or to heal from co-occurring disorders, may benefit from this type of treatment.

Mindfulness, in particular, can be an extremely effective way to work through dissociative episodes. Learning to accept and regulate emotions may also help clients navigate triggers and either avoid or safely weather flashbacks.

Dr. Monika Kolodziej, Program Director of McLean Fernside, says,

“One of the first steps to recovery from trauma is to be safe today. So teaching skills related to mindfulness, interpersonal communication, self-care, [and] having a good routine every day is a form of trauma-informed treatment.”

Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders are often related to trauma. In some cases, clients turn to substance use due to pre-existing PTSD; in other cases, the act of substance use causes clients to experience new trauma. As Dr. Kolodziej explains:

“Providing trauma-informed care is very important. And what that means is being sensitive to the possibility that someone who comes in for treatment for substance use issues also has a trauma history.
We know that from many years of research, and by virtue of knowing what severe substance use entails.”

Because of these similarities, clients in recovery from substance use may similarly benefit from DBT to clients with PTSD.

Even if you don’t have a history of trauma, substance use may cause neurochemical imbalances,¹⁰ effectively dysregulating your reward system. This can have a drastic impact on your behavior and your ability to tolerate extreme emotions. Whatever your past experience has been, your time in rehab is an opportunity to learn or relearn healthy coping mechanisms. By practicing these skills in a protected environment, you may become better equipped to use them after you complete an inpatient program.

Suicidal Tendencies

Clients with a wide variety of mental health concerns may experience suicidal tendencies. According to one study, it’s more effective to treat suicidality with a combination of medical therapy and DBT¹¹ than it is to use medical therapy alone. While more research is needed, this suggests that DBT may be helpful for people with other diagnoses as well.

Because this type of therapy teaches clients practical skills they can use long after completing rehab, it may be especially helpful for people with chronic conditions, such as treatment-resistant depression.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Ongoing Mental Health

If DBT works well for you, it can become a part of your daily life even after you complete a rehab program. It’s not uncommon for clients to return to DBT groups more than once, going over the curriculum from a fresh perspective. And whether or not you join a group a second time, there are many published resources—such as flashcards, workbooks, and textbooks—that you can simply keep on hand as reference materials.

Dialectical behavior therapy isn’t the right type of therapy for everyone. And even if it does meet some of your needs, it’s not a substitute for other forms of treatment, like medical detox. Joining a group is helpful for many people, but not all groups pair their clients with individual therapists. As productive as this approach can be, you’re likely to get the most benefit from doing DBT in combination with other modalities.

Remember that dialectical behavior therapy, like recovery itself, is a learning process. This is a set of long-term, practical strategies that can help you respond to a long-term emotional experience. It may take some time for you to see the benefits of DBT in your daily life. Fortunately, its lessons in mindfulness may help you learn to trust the process.

If you think this type of treatment might be the right fit for you, you can visit our list of rehabs that offer dialectical behavior therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Who can benefit from DBT?

Dialectical behavior therapy can benefit people with various emotional challenges, including those with borderline personality disorder (BPD), PTSD, complex PTSD (c-PTSD), substance use disorders, and suicidal tendencies. It provides practical strategies for emotional regulation, coping with trauma, improving relationships, and managing mental health conditions.

Can DBT help people with substance use disorders?

Yes, DBT can be highly beneficial for people recovering from addiction. DBT addresses the behavioral aspects of addiction by teaching practical skills to manage cravings, cope with stressors, regulate emotions, and improve interpersonal effectiveness. By learning the skills and strategies taught in DBT, people in recovery can enhance their chances of maintaining sobriety and building a more balanced and fulfilling life.

What are the 4 modules of DBT?

The 4 modules of DBT are mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. Each module focuses on specific skills to help people become more present, regulate their emotions, improve relationships, and cope with stress.

October 27, 2021February 6, 2025

How Long Is Rehab for Drug and Alcohol Addiction?

The short answer is: it depends on your recovery goals. If you’re going through withdrawal, for instance, you may need short-term medical care. And after detox, most people go on to attend a 30-day rehab program. But many patients need more time in treatment—and that’s okay. As you compare different rehab programs, it’s important to think about how long your program will last.

What Determines How Long Rehab Lasts?

Several factors affect how long you’ll spend in rehab. Your care team will evaluate your needs based on a number of criteria.

How Severe Is Your Addiction?

Everyone’s experience of addiction is a little different. That includes the frequency and intensity of your drug use and your timeline for starting recovery. You could enter rehab with serious health issues due to years of untreated alcohol addiction. Or you might start treatment for meth addiction after taking it only a few times, already aware that you need help. Patients with more severe physical and mental health symptoms typically need more time in residential rehab.

Do You Have Co-Occurring Disorders?

If you’re healing from co-occurring disorders, you may benefit from a longer stay. This gives your brain chemistry time to adjust—first to life without drug use, and then to any medications your care team prescribes. You may also need extra time to find the right types of treatment.

Are You Healing From Trauma?

Addiction and trauma often go hand in hand. Either one of these experiences can lead to the other. If you’re healing from both, your recovery journey might not be a linear experience. Some clients take a long time to unearth traumatic memories, and need expert care throughout that process. You could also find that after a short stay in rehab, returning home is the best way to continue your recovery.

What Type of Treatment Do You Need?

There are many different ways to heal from drug addiction. In more traditional rehabs, you might start with detox and then go on to residential care. But some providers take a different approach. For example, ibogaine therapy is an alternative treatment that lasts just a few days. After you complete this type of therapy, you can return home, join an outpatient program, or go to residential rehab.

Other centers don’t adhere to a set timeline at all. In a rehab with individualized care, a team of experts will design a treatment plan just for you. Sometimes this means the length of the program itself can change to meet your needs.

How Do You Respond to Treatment?

When you’re just starting recovery, you can only plan so far in advance. Your needs will almost certainly change over time. Along the way, you and your care team might decide you need more or less time in rehab than you originally planned. It’s important to remain flexible throughout your recovery journey. By taking adequate time to heal, you can set yourself up for long-term success.

The Length of Stay in Addiction Rehab

Although you can’t predict every aspect of your recovery, it’s still a good idea to think ahead. Talk to your doctor, therapist, or a rehab’s admissions team before you choose an addiction treatment program. They can recommend an initial length of stay, even if that changes in the future.

Short-Term Medical Detox

Medical detox can keep you safe during withdrawal. Depending on your health history, you may or may not need inpatient care at this stage. However, medical treatment is essential for people detoxing from alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids. Quitting these substances has serious physical side effects. In some cases, withdrawal can even be fatal.¹

Most detox programs last 1-2 weeks. During that time, your care team will keep you as comfortable as possible. You might see a doctor, nurses, psychiatrist, talk therapist, or other specialists. Some programs also offer complementary treatments like massage therapy.

Inpatient detox is just one step in your healing journey. Many programs require patients to plan for longer-term care before they start withdrawal. Then when you finish detox, you’ll go directly to rehab.

30-Day Rehab Programs

For most patients, this is an average rehab stay. A 30-day program gives you plenty of time to get used to your new environment and focus on the hard work of recovery. But because it’s only a month, you won’t need to make long-term arrangements before you leave home.

This time frame works well for people who need brief but specialized care so they can plug back into their lives. It’s an especially good fit for clients with a strong support network. You can turn inward while you start treatment, and reconnect with loved ones in the next stage of recovery.

A 30-day program can also help you keep your recovery private. High-profile clients might have a hard time explaining a long time out of the spotlight.

60-Day Rehab Programs

If you have a more complex diagnosis, you might benefit from a longer stay in rehab. These programs can work well for people with multiple addictions. They can also help you recommit to recovery after relapse.

Patients with co-occurring disorders may also need more time in treatment. It takes up to 6 weeks for most psychiatric medications to take full effect.² If you start new meds when you arrive in rehab, it’s a good idea to stay until you know they’re working well. Otherwise, you might need to adjust your dosage as soon as you get home. Of course, this timeline depends on finding the right prescription shortly after arriving at rehab. Treatment sometimes takes more trial and error than that.

90-Day Rehab Programs

These programs are a good fit for people who need highly specialized care. You’ll have time to find the right medications, try several different types of therapy, and get to know yourself again. In some rehabs, you can also spend this time building community with your peers.

If you want to start treatment by attending a 90-day program, you’ll probably need to make certain arrangements in advance. For example, you might need to take time off work or hire a house sitter. And if you’re hoping to pay for treatment with insurance, check to see if it will cover this type of care.

6-Month, 1-Year, and 2-Year Rehab Programs

An extended stay in rehab does more than kick-start your recovery. It offers you a whole new foundation. You’ll have time to reinvent yourself in a completely different context, without the pressure of the life you’re used to.

When you attend a long-term program, you can expect things back home to change while you’re away. You may lose touch with certain people, or return to find they’ve changed as much as you have. That can be overwhelming—but it can also aid in your recovery. If you want to reenvision your life from a brand new perspective, this type of rehab can help you get started.

Sober Living Environments

Sober living centers serve a different purpose than short-term treatment facilities. While these programs offer some structure, they rarely include clinical care. You may or may not attend therapy, or even have access to on-site staff. But you’ll still need to follow certain rules.

Most sober living environments require residents to pass regular drug tests. You’ll probably also join in mandatory activities, like support group meetings or shared meals. Residents can usually leave the house alone, but you might have to adhere to a curfew.

With these structures in place, sober living centers encourage you to take control of your own life. You’ll probably get a job or go to school outside the house. You may need to pay rent or maintain a certain GPA to stay in the program. Some of these environments will limit the time you can live there, but others allow you to stay on indefinitely.

Trust the Process

Healing is unpredictable. You might be able to choose how long you spend in rehab—but you can’t decide how long it will take to heal. Some clients need to extend their stay, and some return to treatment more than once. By staying present with yourself and your changing needs, you can make the best possible choices about your recovery.

Search our list of rehabs to find detox programs, sober living environments, and everything in between.

Frequently Asked Questions About Length of Stay in Drug and Alcohol Rehab

What factors determine how long rehab lasts?

The duration of rehab depends on several factors, including the severity of addiction, underlying trauma, and the presence of co-occurring disorders. People with more severe physical and mental health symptoms typically require longer stays in residential rehab.

What are the different types of rehab programs and their durations?

Rehab programs vary in length based on individual needs. Short-term medical detox typically lasts 1-2 weeks, while 30-day residential programs are common for those who need brief but intensive care. Complex diagnoses or co-occurring disorders may require longer stays of 60-90 days. Extended rehab programs of 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years offer a more comprehensive foundation for recovery. Sober living environments provide structure to support your transition back to daily life.

October 22, 2021November 13, 2024

Natural Wellness at Mexico Rehabs

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.

Experiential Therapies in Mexico Rehabs

Mexico is “one of the world’s more biologically diverse countries”,² encompassing vast deserts, tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, and alpine ecosystems.” Its beautiful beaches are also popular travel destinations. In some programs, clients can visit these areas during treatment. While these experiences can be fun, they’re also important components of healing. Experiential therapy is known to have many benefits for people in recovery from substance use disorders.

Sports by the Sea

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 scuba diving — 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.

Equine Therapy

Some Mexican rehab facilities, like Hacienda del Lago, invite clients to go horseback riding, or simply spend time among horses. A growing body of research has found that equine therapy has great benefits for people in recovery from substance use.⁴

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.

Ibogaine Therapy in Mexico

In addition to experiential therapies, some rehabs in Mexico offer access to certain pharmaceutical treatments that are hard to find in other countries. In particular, ibogaine is an increasingly popular treatment for several mental health concerns, including substance use disorders.

clear sky recovery pool — Clear Sky Recovery in Cancun, Mexico.

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.”
– Álvaro de Ferranti, Founder of Tabula Rasa Retreat

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.

yoga mindfulness — Mindfulness practices, such as yoga, are often incorporated into treatment programs at rehabs in Mexico.

Mindfulness empowers you to stay present in each moment. As this technique grows increasingly popular, some are starting to dismiss it as being too trendy. However, mindfulness is an ancient practice whose efficacy is supported by modern science.⁷

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.

Healthy Eating

Daily habits have a huge impact on your mental health. With that in mind, several Mexico rehabs focus on physical health and good nutrition. Some locations, like Moffitt Wellness Retreat, serve gourmet meals and natural, fresh-pressed juices, inviting you to enjoy the healthy pleasures life has to offer.

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 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. For those considering a broader range of options, you can choose from many other luxury rehabs that offer a variety of approaches and amenities that might better align with your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab In Mexico

What are the benefits of luxury rehab in Mexico?

Luxury rehabs in Mexico offer several benefits:

• Personalized treatment plans
• Unique therapies including ibogaine therapy
• Experiential therapies
• World-class facilities
• Serene environments
• Experienced medical staff

How much does luxury rehab in Mexico cost?

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.

October 20, 2021March 19, 2024

Does CBD Help or Harm Sobriety?

The process of recovery is different for every person. For some, it includes the use of CBD. However, this is a controversial topic. Many believe that the use of any psychoactive substance, including prescribed medication, interferes with sobriety. And if you’re deciding whether or not CBD will play a role in your recovery journey, it’s important to remember that recovery isn’t about following universal rules. It’s a way to build a life that feels healthy for you.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of hundreds of active ingredients in cannabis. It’s readily—and legally—available in many areas. As more and more U.S. states legalize marijuana use,¹ for medical and/or recreational purposes, CBD will likely become even more accessible.

Some areas have also decriminalized marijuana,² with or without officially making it legal. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, “This generally means certain small, personal-consumption amounts are a civil or local infraction, not a state crime (or are the lowest misdemeanor with no possibility of jail time).” This speaks to a cultural shift in perspective.

Cannabis is becoming more socially acceptable and more accessible over time.³ As this trend continues, more researchers are studying its potential medical applications. Some of this research centers around the use of cannabis to treat mental health.⁴ Some evidence suggests that CBD, in particular, may be beneficial for people in recovery from substance use.

What Is CBD?

CBD is a cannabinoid.⁵ That is, it’s a chemical substance that interacts with the human body’s cannabinoid receptors. Cannabis plants are believed to produce between 80-100 different cannabinoids. You may be more familiar with THC, which is the most prevalent cannabinoid we know of, and which produces a “high.” CBD is “the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis.”⁶

The Chemistry of CBD

There is much research to be done on all cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. However, these two chemicals are the best-known, and most-researched, cannabinoids to date.

Many experts describe a simple difference between these two compounds: THC is psychoactive, and CBD is not.⁷ However, this may be an oversimplification. According to one source, “A chemical is considered psychoactive when it acts primarily on the central nervous system and alters brain function, resulting in temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness or behavior.” Despite this distinction, it remains true that CBD, unlike THC, is not intoxicating.

There is a clear reason for this: CBD and THC have different neurochemical effects.⁸ Both CBD and THC act on the brain’s cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors. Even without the feeling of intoxication, CBD has a noticeable impact on brain chemistry and may be able to treat both physical and emotional symptoms.

The Experience of CBD

Research suggests that CBD may help treat anxiety,⁹ insomnia, chronic pain, inflammatory conditions, and symptoms associated with substance use disorders. Some people use it to help with acute symptoms, such as panic attacks and pain flare-ups. Others take it daily, to manage chronic conditions.

CBD is available in several forms. Tinctures can be added to food or taken sublingually, delivering the cannabinoid directly to the bloodstream. Vape oils and high-CBD plant strains can be inhaled, taking effect more quickly but lasting for a shorter time. Lotions and salves are used topically, for a greater impact on localized physical pain.

The effects of CBD can last for a matter of hours,¹⁰ depending on the dosage and your metabolism. In some cases, it can cause mild side effects like nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.

Medical Applications of CBD

Because it’s a relatively new subject of study, experts still have much to learn about the benefits and risks of CBD. To date, it’s believed to have a variety of medical applications.

Reportedly, more than 60% of CBD users find that it alleviates anxiety.¹¹ In 2018, a purified version of the chemical was approved as a treatment for rare pediatric seizure disorders. It also regulates the perception of pain.¹² Because of this, it may help treat conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, and rheumatoid arthritis.

There is some controversy about cannabis as a treatment for mental health conditions. However, preliminary research suggests that CBD may have antidepressant and antipsychotic qualities. And experts agree that CBD for addiction treatment is a promising area of study.¹³

CBD and Substance Use Disorders

A steadily growing body of research suggests that CBD may alleviate many of the symptoms associated with substance use disorders. According to one study, “the fact that patients with substance use disorders often present with various psychiatric and medical symptoms that are reduced by CBD—symptoms such as anxiety, mood symptoms, insomnia, and pain”¹⁴ suggests that this cannabinoid may help people in various stages of detox and recovery.

CBD is an especially promising option for people healing from opiate use. This is because certain cannabinoid receptors are co-localized with opioid receptors in the brain. As a result, CBD can have a direct impact on these receptors, which may help during withdrawal and detox.

Also, many people who overuse opiates do so because they experience physical pain. Because pain relief is one effect of CBD, the cannabinoid may decrease the underlying symptoms that lead to substance use.

Studies show that CBD may also be helpful for people recovering from cocaine and methamphetamines.¹⁵ Specifically, it has been shown to reverse “toxicity and seizures induced by cocaine, behavioural sensitization induced by amphetamines, [and the] motivation to self-administer cocaine.”

Beyond its application for recovery from these specific substances, CBD may help to alleviate cravings and other withdrawal symptoms. According to one study, CBD can even help people quit smoking.¹⁶

While there are other medical treatments to aid in this process, CBD may be an even safer option, because it has a low risk of chemical dependency. “According to a report from the World Health Organization, ‘In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential¹⁷…To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.’”

Am I Still Sober if I Use CBD?

Although CBD is not believed to be habit-forming, it is still a substance. And people in recovery need to be mindful of how they use all medications. Because of this, it may or may not be appropriate for a person in recovery to use CBD.

One important part of recovery is learning to define what health means specifically for you. And your definitions of health and sobriety may change over time. As you approach these issues, it’s extremely important to stay true to yourself, and be honest with your mental healthcare team. You might also connect with a community that defines sobriety in a particular way, which may impact how you view your own recovery process.

Total Abstinence

For some people, sobriety means total abstinence from all psychoactive substances,¹⁸ including prescribed psychiatric medication. This strict boundary may even impact the way you approach your physical health. For example, some people in recovery from opiate use refuse narcotic medications at all costs, even when they have surgery.

There is nothing inherently right or wrong about this perspective. It has become common enough that most doctors can accommodate their patients’ needs without the use of these medications. It’s not an easy path, but for many people, it’s the right one.

Harm Reduction

Not everyone commits to total abstinence. And not everyone should. Some serious mental health conditions make prescription medications an absolute necessity. For example, people with bipolar disorder may experience debilitating depression if they abstain from mood stabilizers. At the end of the day, sobriety is meant to be a path toward health, not away from it.

Even Alcoholics Anonymous takes a nuanced approach to the idea of abstinence.¹⁹ They recommend that members who require medication continue to take it, but only if they can stay accountable to themselves, their communities, and their medical teams. It’s possible to use substances safely if you’re doing so under appropriate supervision.

As cannabis use becomes more and more culturally acceptable, we are likely to learn more about the medical applications of CBD, especially as relates to recovery from substance use disorders. Because of this, it may become more widely used by people who still consider themselves to be sober.

The Risks of CBD

Despite promising research, there are still some risks associated with CBD use. Although it’s not believed to be habit-forming, it is still a cannabinoid. And many CBD products include trace amounts of THC, which can sometimes be addictive. Studies suggest that 9% of people who smoke cannabis develop a dependence on it.²⁰ For those without substance use disorders, that may be an acceptable risk. For some people in recovery, it may be too dangerous.

If you plan to use CBD in response to a substance use disorder, proceed carefully. Make sure to talk to your treatment providers about its potential risks and benefits, and find out if it can interact with any of your other medications.

Whether or not CBD is right for you, it’s important to be fully honest with yourself, your support network, and your healthcare providers about your experience. For example, if you decide to use cannabis in response to acute panic attacks, and then find yourself using it daily, this may be a warning sign. As with any other substance, it’s best to be mindful of the emotions you associate with its use. Like many other substances, it’s possible to use CBD appropriately. It’s also possible to misuse it, or to overuse it.

Finding Balance, With or Without CBD

As cannabis use becomes less stigmatized, people are starting to question whether or not it interferes with sobriety. There’s no clear answer to this. However, the same is true for most substances. If you’re recovering from cocaine use, can you still safely drink? If you’re recovering from opiate use, should you take Prozac? These questions are complicated, and the answers may vary from person to person. During rehab and recovery, you’ll likely start to define where the line is for you.

As you think about your personal history of substance use, you’ll start to distinguish between healthy and problematic behaviors. Are there ways you’ve used substances in the past that felt sustainable? In the process of recovery, are you still capable of approaching medication in that way? If you can incorporate CBD into a genuinely healthy lifestyle, it has many benefits. However, if you’re concerned about using it unsustainably, it may not be worth the risk.

With or without the aid of CBD, there are many ways to begin recovery. Learn more about private rehab programs here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using CBD in Recovery

Is it possible to use CBD while maintaining sobriety?

The definition of sobriety varies according to different recovery philosophies. Some people choose total abstinence from all psychoactive substances, including CBD. Others may take a harm reduction approach, considering the potential benefits of CBD for managing symptoms. It’s important to communicate openly with your healthcare team and determine what aligns with your recovery goals and personal definition of sobriety. Remember, recovery is a journey of self-discovery and finding the balance that works for you.

Are there risks associated with using CBD in recovery?

While CBD is not believed to be habit-forming, it’s still a cannabinoid and may contain trace amounts of THC. It’s essential to discuss CBD use with your treatment providers, as it may interact with other medications. Honesty with yourself, your support network, and healthcare providers is crucial in monitoring your CBD use and recognizing any warning signs of misuse or overuse.

Can CBD help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms during recovery?

CBD shows promise for alleviating addiction-related symptoms, including cravings and withdrawal, due to its impact on cannabinoid receptors in the brain. It’s shown positive effects in helping people recover from opioid, cocaine, and methamphetamine use. While CBD isn’t a standalone solution, it may be worth exploring as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if CBD is a suitable option for you.

October 20, 2021April 23, 2025

Involuntary Rehab: Frequently Asked Questions

Addiction is a serious problem that can have a devastating impact on individuals and families. If you have a loved one who is struggling, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do to get them help, or whether or not you can send them to treatment if they’re unwilling to go on their own.

Involuntary rehab is a process by which a person can be placed in treatment against their will. This is typically only done in cases where the person is a danger to themselves or others, or where they are unable to make rational decisions about their own care.

We answer some common questions about involuntary addiction treatment:

Can I Force My Loved One to Go to Rehab?

Yes, but only in certain locations.

Currently, the District of Columbia and 47 states allow involuntary addiction treatment.¹ That number may change over time, so it’s important to stay up to date with your state’s local regulations.

It’s important to note that your state may or may not make a legal distinction between treating a person for alcohol addiction, drug addiction, and mental health. This distinction is usually intended to protect criminal court proceedings, and to prevent defendants from claiming insanity due to substance use.

Most states have two distinct processes by which a person is evaluated for involuntary care; one that applies to current patients, and another that applies to anyone in the midst of a mental health crisis. In many states, anyone can request that a person in crisis be evaluated by a court to see if they meet the criteria for involuntary mental health and/or addiction treatment.² However, this is not always the case. Florida, for example, requires evaluation by an authority, such as a law enforcement officer, clinical social worker, or physician.

Can I Send My Spouse to Rehab?

Yes, but only in certain locations.

In many states, anyone can call for an emergency mental health evaluation of a person experiencing a mental health crisis. This includes crises that are caused by substance use. If your spouse is a habitual substance user, but is not in crisis, you may have fewer available options. Make sure to check the specific regulations in your state³ to find out which options are available to you.

If you are in physical danger due to your spouse, get yourself to safety before you help them find medical care. If you need help, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline ((National domestic violence hotline. (n.d.). The Hotline. Retrieved October 12, 2021, from https://www.thehotline.org/)) at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233).

Can I Send My Teen to Rehab?

Possibly, depending on your location and your child’s exact age.

Every U.S. state has slightly different rules governing a minor’s autonomy when it comes to medical care.⁴ Some of these laws are vague, and subject to interpretation by local authorities. You may be able to make some decisions on your teen’s behalf, while they have more control over others. For example, in Delaware, parental consent is required for a minor to receive inpatient treatment for substance use, but either a parent or a minor aged 14 and up may legally consent to outpatient treatment.

How Does a Person Qualify for Mandatory Rehab?

A person must meet certain criteria before they are legally required to attend rehab.⁵ These criteria vary based on your location. They may or may not be the same as the criteria for mandated mental health treatment for other conditions.

It’s important to note that there may be different criteria for a person in crisis than for a person with ongoing but less severe symptoms. In a crisis situation, the person may be held briefly before either being released or sent to residential treatment. Often, this means that they will be held for 72 hours in a mental health center, during which time they will be evaluated to see if further treatment is needed.

Is Forced Rehab Effective?

Expert opinions vary. Most seem to believe that successful recovery due to forced rehab is rare, but possible.

A 2016 study found that “mandated treatment of drug dependence conflicts with drug users’ human rights⁶ and is not effective in treating addiction.” In many cases, mandatory rehab is offered as an alternative to jail. As a result, some rehab centers resemble correctional facilities.⁷ If a person decides to go to rehab, on the other hand, they may have more say in choosing their own program.

It’s important to note that a person’s motivation to heal greatly impacts their recovery from addiction.⁸ Certain models of healing, including 12-Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous,⁹ emphasize the value in admitting that you have a problem and deciding to make a change. Forced rehab bypasses this step. If someone hasn’t committed to recovery, rehab can be more difficult and less effective.¹⁰

In some cases, however, people who are forced into rehab ultimately do recover,¹¹and even express gratitude for their loved one’s decisions. Reporters of these cases emphasize that these stories are the exception, not the rule.

Some experts disagree with this assessment, even stating that “patients who entered residential treatment with moderate to high legal pressure were significantly more likely to stay in treatment 90 days or more compared to those with low legal pressure.”¹² However, there is little publicly available data to support this claim.

Do Interventions Work?

Yes, if you get help from a professional interventionist.

To stage an intervention, you’ll start by gathering a group of people who care about someone struggling with substance use. Ultimately, you’ll all sit down with that person face to face, explain how their substance use has affected your lives, and encourage them to get professional help.

Unfortunately, there is little research regarding the effectiveness of interventions. This is likely because many people plan these meetings on their own, without assistance from a professional. Because emotions will be running high at every stage of the process—from the moment you begin planning to the end of the intervention itself—it’s extremely important to have an experienced, impartial perspective to guide you and your loved one toward the goal.

Professional interventionists are often recovered substance users themselves. As a result, these experts are able to see the conversation from both sides, advocating for both your and your loved one’s best interests. They may also be trained in nonviolent communication, connected to local and national resources, and able to answer complex questions about rehab and recovery.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that there may be a high success rate for interventions conducted by professionals.¹³ The presence of a third party in the room can also defuse potentially volatile situations.

Will My Loved One Face Legal Consequences if They Go to Forced Rehab?

It’s possible. However, the answer to this question is rapidly changing.

In many states, court-ordered rehab can be offered as an alternative to jail time.¹⁴ This does not necessarily protect your loved one from accruing a criminal record. It also depends on a substance user’s exact circumstances. Possession of some substances, including dangerous substances, is perfectly legal and does not represent a risk of legal charges. Possession of other substances may result in criminal charges, but only in certain amounts. Some are highly illegal, and are grounds for felony charges in any amount.

These regulations vary widely from state to state. And as more and more municipalities begin decriminalizing substance use,¹⁵ you can expect the rules to change significantly in the near future. If you’re concerned about the legal consequences of forcing your loved one into rehab, it’s best to check with a lawyer or other expert to learn more about your options.

How Long Does Mandatory Rehab Last?

It depends on your area, and on the results of your loved one’s professional evaluation.

When a person in crisis goes to a mental health facility involuntarily,¹⁶ they’ll likely be held for 72 hours. However, this varies based on the laws in your area. During or after that emergency hold, they’ll usually be evaluated to see whether further treatment is required. If it is, they may be held for about two weeks. Following that initial period of treatment, they may be released to an outpatient program, or admitted to a residential facility.

Every person’s experience is different, and options vary based on each patient’s insurance, location, and physical and mental health. If possible, it’s best to stay in close communication with the person’s team of healthcare providers. This allows you to make decisions with or on behalf of your loved one as the situation develops.

What if My Loved One Won’t Go to Rehab?

If your loved one won’t go to rehab, you still have options. And you are not alone.

Substance misuse can have a huge impact not only on the person who participates in it, but also on their family and community. It’s important to recognize the effects of their behavior on your own mental health and well-being. Thankfully, there are many resources available for people who love someone struggling with addiction.

Al-Anon is a support group for people with a loved one who struggles with substance use.¹⁷ Alateen is a similar group, specifically for young people and teenagers. CoDA, or Codependents Anonymous, is a support group for people who struggle with codependency, which is often exacerbated by relationships with substance users.¹⁸ All of these are 12-Step groups, modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, and designed to help you build a healthier, more sustainable life.

If you’re not interested in joining a group, you may consider seeing a therapist who specializes in treating partners of people with substance use disorders. Or you may just pick up a book about this relationship dynamic. Whatever you decide, remember that your mental health is important, too. Whether or not your loved one ultimately gets the help they need, you also deserve to heal.

Discover your addiction treatment options by visiting our searchable list of rehabs. Take virtual tours, read reviews, learn about insurance coverage, and more.

October 15, 2021April 23, 2025

Finding the Right Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

You are more than your diagnosis. That’s true no matter what, whether you have a substance use disorder or cancer. And the goal of rehab isn’t just to treat your illness; it’s to help you heal every aspect of yourself. For some clients, that means finding a treatment program that specializes in co-occurring disorders.

Having a co-occurring disorder, or a dual diagnosis, just means that you’ve been diagnosed with more than one condition. In the context of rehab, the term is generally used for clients with multiple mental health concerns. For example, you may have a substance use disorder as well as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, or schizophrenia. This is not an exhaustive list. Approximately 50% of people with substance use disorders have dual diagnoses.¹

It’s technically true that anyone with more than one condition has a dual diagnosis. For example, a client might have both depression and diabetes. However, when a rehab facility offers a dual diagnosis treatment program, it’s safe to assume that they’re referring to conditions that relate to mental health. Substance use disorders and other mental health conditions generally have complex, multifaceted relationships. As such, people with multiple diagnoses can benefit from specialized forms of treatment.

Risk Factors for Co-Occurring Disorders

Substance use disorders are often related to certain mental health diagnoses.² It’s important to remember that every person’s experience is unique, and these correlations aren’t necessarily causative. However, there are some well-documented risk factors that can make someone more likely to experience these co-occurring conditions.

Mental Health Concerns Can Make Substance Misuse More Likely

Mental health conditions, including substance use disorders, tend to run in families. Experts believe this is due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Studies have found that “as much as half of a person’s risk of becoming addicted to nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs depends on his or her genetic makeup.”³ However, life experiences also play a major role. Your diet, stress levels, physical activity, and any history of trauma can also contribute to substance misuse. According to experts, “that old saying ‘nature or nurture’ might be better phrased ‘nature and nurture’ because research shows that a person’s health is the result of dynamic interactions between genes and the environment.” Environmental conditions can also play a role in the development of mental illness.⁴

Research has clearly linked substance use disorders with mental health. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “People with mental illness are more likely to experience a substance use disorder⁵ than those not affected by a mental illness.” However, it’s not simply the case that mental health diagnoses can cause substance misuse. The reverse can also be true.

The Impact of Substance Use Disorders on Mental Health

Substance misuse changes brain chemistry. Active substance use has a short-term impact on a person’s mental and emotional state, but it doesn’t end there. Long-term drug use can also “lead to both short- and long-term changes in the brain,⁶ which can lead to mental health issues.” This can contribute to the development, or progression, of mental health conditions.

It’s not unusual for people to develop substance use disorders in response to mental or physical pain.⁷ And research has found that “people with a mental disorder, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may use drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. However, although some drugs may temporarily help with some symptoms of mental disorders, they may make the symptoms worse over time. Additionally, brain changes in people with mental disorders may enhance the rewarding effects of substances, making it more likely they will continue to use the substance.”

This has a synergistic effect: emotional pain leads to substance misuse, which in turn increases emotional pain. As a result, many people find themselves caught in a cycle of unsustainable behavior, in which their attempts to self-soothe only amplify their distress.

Substance misuse, like many other mental health conditions, can become an all-consuming experience if it’s left untreated. Ultimately, it affects your mental health, your behavior, your relationships, and every other aspect of your life. In the midst of this crisis state, it can be difficult to even imagine life without these coping mechanisms. And this entire cycle is often accelerated for those with co-occurring disorders.

Breaking the Cycle

When you have a mental health diagnosis—whether or not it’s been officially diagnosed—it can be a struggle to find healthy coping mechanisms. Illicit substances can temporarily relieve the symptoms of mental illness, and unfortunately, they can also be more readily available than more appropriate prescription medications.

Many people find it difficult to admit that they have a problem, either with substance misuse or mental health in general. If you’re not ready to seek help, it’s unlikely that you’ll receive adequate medical care. However, you may be able to access illicit substances in a less formal way, without consulting a medical provider. Unfortunately, this accessibility is only possible due to a lack of expert oversight. Self-medicating can only get you so far.

Even with the best of intentions—for example, the conscious goal of self-medicating—substance misuse can impair your judgment. This makes it difficult to know whether your behavior has become problematic. “When an individual develops a mental illness, associated changes in brain activity may increase the vulnerability for problematic use of substances⁸ by enhancing their rewarding effects, reducing awareness of their negative effects, or alleviating the unpleasant symptoms of the mental disorder or the side effects of the medication used to treat it.”

futures recovery pool — You can receive professional help for co-occurring disorders at rehabs that offer these types of treatment programs, such as Futures Recovery Healthcare in Florida.

Substance Use Disorders and Trauma

Regardless of your reasons for substance misuse, unhealthy behaviors can cause further trauma. In fact, some clients report developing PTSD in response to their substance use. This can even be true for people who never experienced severe trauma before developing a substance use disorder.

Victoria Abadi, Addiction Therapist, writes, ” When a person is using a substance or behaviour addictively they often experience more trauma.⁹ This trauma may be caused by putting themselves in dangerous situations, behaving in a way that doesn’t reflect their moral compass, or feeling psychologically unstable due to the cocktail of chemicals and experiences.”

In addition, substance misuse often hurts relationships, including those with friends, family, and even work colleagues. If your relationships are damaged as a result of your behavior, you may experience the trauma of losing touch with a person you care about or rely on. This becomes a vicious cycle, and gives many people more reasons to continue engaging in unhealthy behavior.

As painful as this pattern can be, there is always hope for healing. Many people struggle with trauma as the cause or result of substance misuse. And many medical providers have experience in helping clients move forward. Alex Spritzer, Family Addiction and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at The Hope House Scottsdale, is one such therapist:

“I believe that at the heart of many addictions is a trauma base. From that trauma base, there’s other psychiatric symptoms present. That might include anxiety, insomnia, a racing mind, or mood swings–these are often psychiatric symptoms people look to abate when they’re using substances. In the dual diagnosis process, figuring out the reasons why people use [substances] is very important.”

The Hope House Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Finding the Right Type of Treatment for You

By their very nature, dual diagnoses are highly complex¹⁰ and unique to every client. And it can be difficult to “disentangle [their] overlapping symptoms.” For that reason, personalized treatment can be very helpful for people healing from multiple conditions.

Signs and Symptoms of Co-Occurring Disorders

Prior to rehab, many people aren’t even aware that they have co-occurring mental health conditions. It can be especially complicated to find out whether this applies to you, because the symptoms of some mental health concerns can be caused by “[physical] illness, medications, or substance abuse.”¹¹ However, certain warning signs may indicate the presence of multiple mental health concerns.

The team at White River Manor notes that “those living with co-occurring disorders will find daily functioning difficult, if not impossible. While symptoms are often complex and can vary in severity, there are some common signs of dual diagnosis. According to their treatment team, these include

Social withdrawal: isolating from friends, family, and those who offer support
Sudden changes in behaviour (including engaging in risky or violent behaviours)
Changes in appetite and sleep patterns (including insomnia or excessive sleep)
Inability to concentrate and confused thinking
Intense or prolonged feelings of despair, hopelessness, and worthlessness
Anxiety issues that can only be relieved by certain behaviours or rituals
Difficulty staying in employment or meeting other responsibilities
Trouble maintaining relationships because of erratic behaviour or mood swings
Dramatic shifts in moods or energy levels and an inability to control emotions
Use of drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms for any of the above, despite the dangers.”

If these symptoms describe your experience, you may want to consider a rehab program that specializes in co-occurring disorder treatment. Before choosing one facility over another, talk to the admissions team to learn more about what types of treatment they offer.

Questions to Ask Your Provider About Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment

Because treatment of co-occurring disorders is so individualized, it’s important that you find a clinical team that can support you, specifically. Ideally, your clinical team will have experience treating not only substance use disorders, but every diagnosis that applies to you. For example, a rehab facility that specializes in treating clinical depression may or may not have the right resources for a client with ADHD. To find the right program, you may have to take an active role in advocating for yourself during the admissions process. Here are some questions you can ask the admissions team at a rehab center to see whether they can provide the support you need:

How do you evaluate clients for dual diagnoses?
If I complete detox at your facility, will I be reevaluated for co-occurring disorders before beginning inpatient treatment?
Which specific mental health concerns do you treat most often?
Which mental health diagnoses does your staff specialize in treating?
What experiences does your team have in treating my specific diagnoses?
What types of therapy do you offer for various co-occurring disorders?
Do you create individualized treatment plans for each client? If so, how involved is the client in co-designing their treatment plan?
For clients with dual diagnoses, how do you integrate different types of therapy to address each person’s unique needs?
Do you prescribe psychiatric medication for clients with dual diagnoses?
How do you manage medications for clients detoxing from substance misuse?
How do you help clients with co-occurring disorders plan for ongoing mental health care after residential rehab?

Diagnosing Co-Occurring Disorders

The first step in healing, as always, is to go through a thorough evaluation process to determine the best course of treatment. For people with multiple mental health concerns, this process can be complex.

Remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for healing. Although you may consult with your medical team before you arrive at rehab, your treatment plan will likely change over time. This is especially true for people who undergo medical detox before starting a rehab program. Once you complete detox and stabilize your physical health, your emotional state may change significantly, making reevaluation necessary.

Even if it takes time to find your diagnosis (or diagnoses), it’s important that you stay focused on the present moment, and fully committed to the process of healing. Rehab can be challenging. It’s normal to get tired, or to feel daunted by the task at hand. However, your own dedication to personal growth is absolutely vital. Experts agree that “the patient’s acceptance of a problem and his or her willingness to engage in treatment are important predictors of clinical outcomes.”¹²

Effective Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders

In the right rehab program, your commitment to healing will be met by a similar commitment from your treatment providers. Because dual diagnosis treatment requires a multifaceted approach, it’s important to work with a team that can address every aspect of your health.

Co-Occurring Disorders Benefit from Holistic Healing

At Futures Recovery Healthcare, for example, providers stay in close communication with each other about each patient’s progress:

“The integration of patient care — and many other supportive services — can greatly improve long-term patient outcomes. Integrated care is the process of coordinating the efforts of each member of a patient’s care team to enhance individual and systemic outcomes. All members of a patient’s care team collaborate on a regular basis to share information about a patient with the sole purpose of ensuring that health goals are being met, identifying any new conditions or needs, and adding therapies deemed important.”

In many cases, the symptoms of substance use disorders can be easy to identify. However, the symptoms of co-occurring conditions can be much more complex. This can make it harder to define what healing means for you. If you have bipolar disorder, for example, it’s unlikely that the condition will ever simply disappear. However, there’s always hope. During rehab, you can learn to manage your symptoms in a healthy and sustainable way.

Managing Chronic Conditions

Current research holds that many mental health conditions are, at least in part, caused by biological factors. For example, studies have found that bipolar disorder may be the result of a neurochemical imbalance.¹³ Other mental health conditions, such as PTSD, are influenced by life experiences and environmental conditions.¹⁴ There is still much research to be done about the etiology of these diagnoses.

Whatever the cause, many mental health concerns are chronic conditions.¹⁵ It’s possible to manage them using therapy and medication, but it’s counterproductive to assume that someday all your symptoms will simply disappear without ongoing medical treatment. If you’re feeling daunted by this idea, compare your diagnosis to a physical illness. It’s perfectly appropriate for a person with a heart condition to take prescribed medication every day. Ongoing mental health treatment is equally important, and in many cases, equally accessible.

People with any mental health diagnosis can benefit from learning healthy coping mechanisms. If you also have a substance use disorder, those same coping mechanisms can help you manage cravings and keep your physical health in order. During rehab, you’ll learn these skills. After residential treatment, you’ll start putting them into practice in more complex situations.

As you prepare for life after rehab, you’ll not only hone your coping skills; you’ll also start building a support network that can help keep you on track. Dr. Monika Kolodziej, Program Director at McLean Fernside, explains:

“We know that people must learn skills to help them operate in the world and deal with depression, deal with anxiety, as they are also staying away from substances. And we know from studies that groups are an important vehicle.”

You Are More Than Your Diagnosis

It’s extremely important to find a diagnosis that accurately describes your symptoms. Doing this empowers you to get the help you need, which may include talk therapy, prescription medications, support groups, and appropriate health insurance. However, you are not your illness. You are a whole person, with needs and goals and values that transcend any difficulties you may face.

As you pursue dual diagnosis treatment, remember that rehab is not the end goal of healing. Instead, it is the first chapter of a new story. By learning more about your own emotional experience, you’ll be able to move forward in a healthier and more joyful way.

If you have, or believe you may have, a dual diagnosis, learn more about rehab centers that treat co-occurring disorders here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment

What are co-occurring disorders?

Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnoses, refer to the presence of multiple mental health conditions. In the context of rehab, it commonly refers to patients with substance use disorders and other mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, or schizophrenia.

What are the risk factors for co-occurring disorders?

Co-occurring disorders can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Mental health conditions, including substance use disorders, tend to run in families. Life experiences, diet, stress levels, physical activity, and history of trauma can also contribute to substance abuse and the development of mental illness.

How can I manage my co-occurring disorder after completing residential rehab?

Managing a co-occurring disorder requires ongoing care and support. It’s important to continue therapy, take prescribed medications as directed, and develop healthy coping skills. Building a support network and participating in support groups can also help in maintaining recovery. Remember that co-occurring disorders are chronic conditions, but with the right treatment and self-care, you can lead a fulfilling life beyond rehab.

October 12, 2021February 6, 2025

12-Step vs. Non-12-Step Recovery: Which Is Best for You?

Rehab is designed to provide structure as you begin the process of recovery. There are countless ways to heal, and it’s important to choose a framework that meets your specific needs. While many people benefit from 12-Step rehab programs, others prefer a more holistic approach to addiction treatment.

Recent research shows that 12-Step programs have a hugely positive impact,¹ and may even be “the most effective path to abstinence.” However, there is some question as to why this is true. For example, 12-Step programs offer social support,² which is essential during recovery, but is not unique to this philosophy. At most inpatient rehab programs, you’ll be able to build community with or without following the 12 Steps.

It’s also important to note that spirituality is a component of every 12-Step program. If you’re not interested in faith-based recovery, these groups may not be right for you. Various rehab facilities offer different 12-Step groups, such as A.A. and N.A., as well as non-12-Step programs. Before choosing which residential rehab you’ll attend, it’s best to learn as much as you can about the available options.

What Is 12-Step Recovery?

Alcoholics Anonymous is the best-known 12-Step program.³ A.A. is “an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. There are no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.”

Members of A.A. attend group meetings,⁴ most of which have a similar format: initial announcements are followed by a reading of the 12 Steps⁵ and the 12 Traditions.⁶ Then a member will share their story. This may be followed by a group conversation, or more structured time for other members to describe their experiences. This structure is simple but effective. As one member writes, “I always feel a little better after it’s over.”

Many 12-Step groups follow similar formats, such as Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, and Al-Anon, which is intended for people who love someone who struggles with substance misuse. These groups define the 12 Steps slightly differently, but all share a similar philosophy.

The 12 Steps

The 12 Steps are a list of actions that group members undertake during the process of recovery. In this process, members normally begin by admitting they have a problem. Then, you’ll connect to a higher power, sometimes called “God as we understand him.”⁷ Although 12-Step groups are historically rooted in Christianity, they welcome people of all faiths, including people who don’t ascribe to a specific religion. Nevertheless, the spiritual aspect of this philosophy isn’t right for everyone.

In the process of connecting with a higher power, members then make “a searching and fearless moral inventory”⁸ of themselves and their lives. This ruthless honesty lays the groundwork for the great changes that come with recovery. By admitting your struggles to yourself, to another person, and to your version of a spiritual source, you may come to a new understanding of your emotional experience.

In Step 9, participants seek to make amends⁹ to any people they may have hurt, “except when to do so would injure them or others.” Through this process, members begin to consider the effects their actions have on their communities. There is a difference between intent and impact. As you learn more about yourself, you’ll also learn how to meet your needs in a healthy way, while participating in a supportive community.

One goal of the 12 Steps is to achieve a spiritual awakening. Step 12 refers to this directly: “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps,¹⁰ we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” Members are encouraged to meditate, pray, and cultivate an ongoing spiritual practice.

In these groups, you’ll be encouraged to “work the steps” throughout the process of recovery. As you encounter new challenges, you may return to the steps again and again, not always in numerical order. In stressful times, these strategies can help you focus on your goals, avoid relapse, and make the healthiest choices available. The 12 Steps are more than a checklist; they can become a way of life. However, the steps themselves are just one component of recovery. The social aspect of 12-Step groups is also an essential part of the process.

Social Support in 12-Step Programs

Experts agree that social support—or a lack thereof—has an extremely significant impact on people with substance use disorders.¹¹ Some researchers have even postulated that “opioid addiction serves as a substitute for social attachment.” In one study, a subgroup of substance users exhibited “severe negative affect and intense craving” when exposed to perceived social rejection.

This evidence suggests that without community, people in recovery may be especially vulnerable to cravings. Whether or not those cravings lead to relapse, one thing is clear: strong interpersonal relationships are an important part of healing. Because 12-Step groups include a built-in community of people on a similar journey, they may help members get the support they need. Programs like A.A. even encourage members to become sponsors,¹² actively supporting people at earlier points in the healing process.

In most residential rehabs, you’ll be in a cohort of people who share some of your life experiences. If your program is based on the 12 Steps, you’ll have even more structured opportunities to give and receive peer-to-peer support. For example, the program at Genesis House is firmly rooted in this philosophy. They treat substance misuse as “a three-fold disease: spiritual, physical, and emotional.” Residents are introduced to the 12 Steps as soon as they arrive. They continue to engage with the steps in individual therapy, and in the evenings they “are transported to local AA/NA meetings…where they will network with others in recovery and learn more about how to stay sober.”

What Is Non-12-Step Recovery?

Although 12-Step groups are extremely valuable for some, they’re not the only way to get community support. One study found that “social networks that support recovery lead to enhanced treatment outcomes and sobriety¹³ regardless if this support stems from family, peer groups, or 12-Step programs.”

Non-12-Step programs are ideal for people who don’t ascribe to a spiritual practice, or those who simply want a different kind of structure. There are countless approaches to recovery from substance misuse, such as evidence-based treatment, individualized treatment, and experiential therapy. And even without faith in a higher power, it’s possible to heal in a holistic way.

For example, The Holistic Sanctuary in Baja California is a rehab facility with a “natural holistic healing program.” Clients do yoga, receive daily massages, and eat an organic diet. This approach “involves healing the patient’s spiritual health through meditation, catering to their physical health through exercise, and improving their psychological wellbeing through counseling.”

There are as many ways to heal as there are people with substance use disorders. Many clients benefit from a combination approach, attending 12-Step groups while also participating in different therapeutic modalities.

“In the same way that medicines and psychotherapy can go together, AA and 12-Step can go together with in-depth psychotherapy and medications when indicated.”
– Dr. Thomas Gazda, Medical Doctor, Soberman’s Estate

Finding the Right Approach to Treatment

If you’re not sure whether 12-Step treatment is the right fit, you can talk to the admissions team at a rehab center to learn more. These questions may help you find out whether a program aligns with your specific goals for recovery:

In this program, is attendance of 12-Step groups mandatory?
How much time will I spend in individual therapy, compared to time spent in groups?
Do all your one-on-one therapists use the 12 Steps as a framework for recovery?
Will I be able to choose my own therapist?
Do your 12-Step groups include a sponsorship program?
In your philosophy, what does it mean for clients to connect with a higher power?
Does your program welcome people of all faiths?
Do you connect alumni with local support groups and/or 12-Step meetings after they complete inpatient rehab?

If at all possible, it’s best to know the answers to these questions before you begin residential treatment. The more information you have, the better you can plan for life during and after rehab.

Attending 12-Step Groups After Rehab

By design, 12-Step programs are extremely accessible. They’re free, they take place internationally, and they’re open to people at every stage of recovery. A.A., in particular, offers both open and closed meetings.¹⁴ Open meetings are available to anyone, including friends and loved ones of alcoholics, who do not have substance use disorders themselves. Closed meetings are only open to people who have substance use disorders, or those who believe that they might and want to learn more.

This accessibility can be especially important for people who have recently completed rehab. When you first graduate from a residential program, you may be in a vulnerable emotional state. Rehab is only the first chapter of a much longer healing process. When you arrive home afterward, you’ll begin establishing new routines, returning to some parts of your life, and letting go of others. Attending group meetings can help you stay grounded while encouraging you to form new relationships with people who live nearby.

A Step in the Right Direction

Whether or not 12-Step recovery is right for you, there’s a great deal to learn from this philosophy. For example, the process of healing from substance misuse is not a solitary one. There are certain aspects of recovery that must be your responsibility, but no one lives in a vacuum. By connecting with the people around you and finding peers who have survived similar struggles, you can learn a great deal about what it means to live a healthy life.

Like any other healing process, the 12 Steps can be a-linear. As you begin recovery, be patient with yourself. There are some lessons you may have to learn more than once, in new contexts or at different times of your life. That type of repetition is normal and even healthy. As you continue to change and grow, it can be helpful to ground yourself with a list of goals or strategies that you’d like to focus on throughout recovery. There may be 12 of them, or 2, or 37. The important thing is to find a way of healing that aligns with your unique values.

To continue exploring various treatment philosophies, you can learn more about rehabs that offer 12-Step programs and non-12-Step treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About 12-Step vs. Non-12-Step Rehab

What’s the difference between 12-Step and non-12-Step rehab programs?

12-Step rehab programs, like Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), follow a structured framework involving admitting a problem, connecting to a higher power, making amends, and achieving a spiritual awakening. Non-12-Step programs offer alternative approaches to recovery, focusing on evidence-based treatments, holistic healing, and individualized therapy.

Are 12-Step groups mandatory in all rehab programs?

The attendance of 12-Step groups varies at different rehabs. Some programs make it mandatory, while others offer a choice between 12-Step and non-12-Step options. It’s important to inquire with the rehab you’re considering about their specific approach to ensure it aligns with your preferences and goals for recovery.

Can non-religious people participate in 12-Step programs?

Yes, 12-Step programs welcome people of all faiths and those who don’t ascribe to a specific religion. While spirituality is a component, it’s not limited to a particular faith. These programs encourage participants to connect with a higher power as they understand it, which can be interpreted in a way that aligns with personal beliefs or values.

October 1, 2021February 28, 2024

Gender-Specific Rehab Offers Peer-to-Peer Support

At its best, rehab is a safe, protected environment. And some people feel most supported recovering alongside people of their own gender. This may be especially true if you’re healing from trauma or toxic relationships, or simply want to reduce the time you spend explaining your emotional experience.

It’s important to distinguish between the concepts of gender and biological sex.¹ The National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women’s Health defines sex as “a biological classification, encoded in our DNA. Males have XY chromosomes, and females have XX chromosomes.” Most—but certainly not all—people are able to define their biological sex in this way.

Gender, on the other hand, is described as “the socially constructed roles, behaviors, expressions, and identities of girls, women, boys, men, and gender diverse people. It influences how people perceive themselves and each other, and how they act and interact.” Gender and sex, as defined here, don’t match up for everyone. Because of this, some clients may consider attending a rehab that caters to people with LGBTQ+ identities.

Significant research has been done into the differences between men and women with substance use disorders. There is still much to learn about the relationship between gender and addiction, especially regarding trans, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming clients. Not every rehab offers gender-specific treatment. And of the ones that do, some may be more welcoming of trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people. LGBTQ+ clients may want to prioritize rehab programs that are explicitly supportive of their life experiences.

People of any demographic may benefit from attending rehab with a cohort of people who share an aspect of their specific identity. You may feel safe among people with a similar vocation, age, religion, or gender. Being in a group of people like you can facilitate communication, and cut down on any potential distractions from recovery. This focused approach may also give you insights into your relationship with addiction, especially as it relates to your unique identity.

Gender-Specific Risk Factors for Substance Use Disorders

People of different genders face differing social pressures. For example, men often feel that they have to make a certain amount of money, repress their emotions, and project an image of strength. Women, on the other hand, often themselves in caretaking roles, prioritizing their loved ones’ needs over their own. All of these social pressures can contribute to mental health issues and substance use disorders. However, they often cause men and women to experience different kinds of distress.

Trauma

Anyone can be affected by trauma. Many people develop PTSD or CPTSD as a result of traumatic experiences, and these conditions often affect people with substance use disorders. However, research shows that women entering rehab for drug addiction² self-report “much greater proportions of past and current physical and sexual abuse than men.”

Attending a women-only rehab program may let clients heal among peers who share their understanding of trauma, which allows you to speak in shorthand. This cuts down on the emotional labor that’s necessary to describe your perspective. As a result, you may get more immediate and fulfilling support from the people in your group. Those with co-occurring PTSD and addiction, or who otherwise have concerns about underlying trauma, may also want to consider attending a rehab that offers trauma-informed care.

sunrise recovery ranch mens rehab — In the men’s program at Sunrise Recovery Ranch, clients work through “the pain, embarrassment, anger, and fear surrounding an addiction that can ultimately lead to relapsing.”

Shame

Although “the rate of substance abuse and dependence is higher among men³ than it is among women,” men tend to enter treatment later in the course of addiction than women do. This may be because there is a greater stigma attached to the idea of seeking help among men than there is among women. That stigma is isolating and extremely harmful. As a result, men may feel it’s better to suffer in silence than it is to get the help they need and deserve.

In a men’s rehab program, clients can work through some of this socially imposed shame among people who innately understand the pressures they face in their daily lives. Just by being present with each other, clients are reminded that they’re not alone. This facilitates community building, which is an important part of recovery.

Co-Occurring Disorders

Dual diagnoses can contribute to addictive tendencies for people of any gender. Research suggests that the prevalence of certain diagnoses varies between men and women.

One study on gender differences in substance use disorders⁴ found that women “have a significantly higher prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety, than do men, and these disorders typically predate the onset of substance-abuse problems.” However, Glen R. Hanson, Acting Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, believes this data may be misleading. He explains, “Depression is much more common among women than men in the general public. This gender difference is much less pronounced among drug abusers. Possible explanations are that depression is a more potent risk factor for drug abuse among men than among women, or that drug abuse is more likely to cause depression among men⁵ than among women.”

Because of these distinctions, men, and women may require radically different kinds of therapy and medical treatment. By working with a team that specializes in rehab for people of your gender, it may be easier to get the specific kind of help you need.

Specific Addictions

Men and women have tendencies to misuse different substances. For instance, when compared to women, men are twice as likely to develop alcohol addictions.⁶ Experts say, “For most of American history, men were much more likely than women to drink alcohol and use illicit drugs recreationally, while women were more likely to be prescribed drugs as medicine.”⁷

These distinctions may be due to the different expectations that society places on men and women. Men are encouraged to go out and impress their friends and colleagues. This makes it easy for them to develop—and then to hide—addictive behaviors. On the other hand, women’s health issues are chronically under-researched and misunderstood.⁸ As this begins to change, there is hope that women may have more resources for healing from substance use disorders.

Susceptibility to Cravings

Overall, “women may be more susceptible [than men] to craving and relapse⁹ which are key phases of the addiction cycle.” This may be connected to gender-specific tendencies toward depression and anxiety. Hanson writes, “Among men relapse is more likely to be associated with anxiety and positive feelings,¹⁰while among women depression and negative feelings appear to be more common triggers.”

Part of any rehab program includes the process of planning for aftercare. Your specific risk factors for relapse may impact how your team of healthcare providers helps you prepare for life after rehab.

hannahs house womens rehab — Hannah’s House focuses on issues that many women face, including “body image issues, financial inequality, burnout, trauma, and mental health disorders.”

Gender-Specific Approaches to Treatment

If you choose to attend a gender-specific rehab program, you’ll likely spend your time there focused on the common experiences of people who share your gender identity. Although no two people have the exact same history, these commonalities empower clients to teach and learn from each other. Doing this in a protected environment may make it even easier to build strong relationships with your peers.

Treatment for Women

Women-only rehab tends to focus on trauma and relationships with loved ones. In an effort to make clients feel as safe as possible, many of these programs even have all-female teams of therapists and other staff.

Hannah’s House, a rehab center in Texas, is one facility that exclusively treats women. This program focuses on issues that many women face, including “body image issues, financial inequality, burnout, trauma, and mental health disorders.” Their clinicians are experts in these specific areas. In fact, ““each primary therapist is a masters-level clinician, experienced in treating…physical and sexual trauma, disordered eating, body-image issues, self-harm issues, and other challenges commonly facing women with addictions.”

While Hannah’s House only treats women, some rehab centers offer separate treatment programs for both women and men. If you attend this type of program, you’ll be surrounded by people of your gender, although both programs may take place on the same campus.

Sunrise Recovery Ranch, for example, is structured this way. They recognize that “The unfortunate reality is that many women who have abused or become addicted to alcohol,¹¹ cocaine, heroin, stimulants, or prescription painkillers have also experienced domestic violence, assault, or other forms of trauma.” While these and other issues may impact people of any gender, their program honors the fact that “addressing them in a mixed-gender setting may preclude some women from receiving the full benefit of the therapeutic experience.”

Treatment for Men

It’s true that, in many cultures, men experience less societal oppression than women. However, the presence of women in a treatment program may still be a trigger for some men, either as a distraction from the emotional work at hand or due to the pressure to present a certain image.

In the men’s program at Sunrise Recovery Ranch, clients work through “the pain, embarrassment, anger, and fear surrounding an addiction that can ultimately lead to relapsing.” By doing this surrounded only by men, they may be able to get some much-needed space from these emotions. This allows clients to hone certain skills, such as emotion regulation and distress tolerance, before returning to their lives outside of treatment.

Soberman’s Estate, in Arizona, is a men’s-only rehab. Unlike Sunrise Recovery Ranch, there are no women on-site at the facility. This program is designed for professional men aged 30-80, and provides treatment with a focus on the emotional issues unique to men with substance use disorders. They honor the fact that “it takes courage to reach out for help, and that confidentiality and convenience are important to you.”

This luxury rehab provides amenities that may be of particular interest to the clients they serve. Specifically, it offers clients access to a putting green, a fire pit, and a farm-to-table menu. Rehab is hard work, but recovery doesn’t have to take place in isolation. This is a place where men can learn or relearn how to enjoy the healthy pleasures that life has to offer.

Specialized Care for People of Different Genders

Individualized treatment can be extremely helpful for anyone in recovery, regardless of gender. Alex Spritzer, Family Addiction and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at The Hope House Scottsdale, says, “The biggest takeaway I’ve ever learned from addiction medicine is that everyone’s going to be different and they’re going to require different needs. Looking at relapse rates and the challenges people have in staying sober, there’s a uniqueness about that.”

This philosophy can be applied specifically, by creating a bespoke treatment regimen for every individual client, or more broadly, by offering unique programs to people of diverse identities. It’s especially important in the context of gender because women and men often have such different social experiences of addiction.

One study found that although “women and men have similar outcomes after treatment for substance use disorders…women might experience greater sensitivity to stress or the cues associated with the drug.”¹² Furthermore, “women who are addicted experience greater stigma than do men; this combined with less social support means more isolation and greater risk for relapse for women than men.”

These differences not only impact each individual client’s experience of addiction; they also change the way other people treat men and women with substance use disorders. And recovery isn’t just about improving your mental health; it’s also about improving your life and your relationships. With that in mind, gender-specific programs may take different approaches to medical treatment, types of therapy, and even the length of a client’s stay in a residential program.

The Question of Gender

While these programs may be very helpful to some, they are not effective for all clients. If you’re not concerned with the way your experience of gender has affected your substance use, it may be unnecessary to find a gender-specific program. In addition, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and transgender clients may find these programs to be isolating, or even to exacerbate dysphoria.

Other clients may benefit from seeking treatment with a co-ed group, in which they have the opportunity to learn from people whose life experiences are vastly different from their own. It’s important to find a program that makes you feel safe, but doesn’t isolate you from the interactions that will help you grow.

Reconnect With Yourself Through Community

Gender-specific rehab is a protected space. Clients can trust that they already share certain experiences with the other people in their cohort. When everyone in the room has the same basic understanding of one aspect of your identity, it’s easier to share tactics for how to effectively navigate the world around you.

These programs offer you insight into the ways that your experience of gender may impact your relationship with substances. Many people turn to substances as a way of numbing the pain or dissociating from the trauma caused by social pressures. Being surrounded by people who you know have been subject to those same challenges can be extremely validating.

Perhaps most importantly, gender-specific rehab allows you to connect with your peers in a unique way. As you watch the people in your cohort learn and grow, reintegrating the different aspects of their identities, you may find it easier to do the same. This can support you in learning the skills you need to find joy and meaning in life throughout recovery.

If you’d like to begin recovery in a gender-specific rehab, learn more about these programs in our searchable list.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gender-Specific Addiction Treatment

What is gender-specific addiction treatment?

Gender-specific addiction treatment refers to rehab programs that cater specifically to people of a particular gender. These programs recognize the unique experiences, social pressures, and risk factors associated with substance use disorders based on gender. They provide a safe and supportive environment for recovery, addressing gender-related trauma, relationship dynamics, and other specific needs.

How does gender-specific rehab benefit people in recovery?

By being surrounded by peers who share their gender identity, people in recovery can connect with others with similar experiences, reducing the need to self-censor their experiences. This safe environment allows patients to go deeper into their healing journey and facilitates communication, community building, and a deeper understanding of addiction.

Are gender-specific rehab programs suitable for everyone?

Gender-specific rehab programs may not be suitable for everyone. While they provide valuable support and understanding for many, those who don’t feel their gender identity significantly impacts their substance use may not require a gender-specific program. Additionally, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and transgender folks may find these programs isolating. It’s important to find a rehab program that aligns with your specific needs and makes you feel safe while also allowing for diverse interactions and growth.

October 1, 2021April 23, 2025

Experts Weigh In on Individualized Care

Recovery is an extremely personal process. Each person’s needs are different, whether you’re healing from a broken leg or a substance use disorder. With that in mind, many rehabs offer individualized treatment.

As Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus Recovery, explains:

“Every person is very different, and this one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, mental health, and addiction rarely works well. Everybody has a different background: culturally, in terms of their family values, political views, hobbies, what gives meaning to their lives, and their lack of purpose in their lives.”

Most rehab facilities offer some aspects of individualized care, such as one-on-one talk therapy. However, some programs take this approach much further. Certain residential rehab centers offer every individual client a completely bespoke experience, tailored to meet their exact needs.

What Is Individualized Rehab?

If you choose to attend an individualized rehab program, the treatment process may begin even before you arrive. You’ll begin by going through a detailed intake process, in which providers get to know you. Dr. Christine Merzeder, Senior Clinical Coordinator at Paracelsus Recovery, says,

“We start with an interview on the telephone or people write their own history of how they think their situation is. Then we work our way through the medical file. There’s no routine – it’s always something very, very different. Every client is a very individual case.”

Paracelsus individualized care — Paracelsus Recovery goes to great lengths to offer individualized care to each client.

Once your team is familiar with your personal needs and priorities, they’ll collaborate with you to create a treatment protocol that fits your values, needs, and goals. For example, some clients may benefit from 12-Step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Others might prefer to focus on one-to-one therapy. At White River Manor, for example, groups are not mandatory. Jeanine Fourie, Therapeutic Director and Co-Owner of the facility, firmly believes:

“Each client is here for their own treatment, and their own journey of recovery…it’s important for us that they feel that they get what they need out of their time with us. We accommodate what each client specifically needs.”

These bespoke programs offer benefits that may be hard to find in more structured rehabs. Notably, clients are more active in the process of choosing which therapies they’ll engage in. This allows you to practice making healthy choices in a safe context, surrounded by treatment providers who can provide structure as needed.

Who Is a Candidate for Individualized Care?

Individualized care isn’t for everyone. If you’d prefer to recover in a more structured and predictable environment, you may prefer a different style of treatment. However, certain demographics are more likely to benefit from a highly personalized approach.

Dual Diagnosis

Many people with substance use concerns present with co-occurring disorders. And clients with co-occurring conditions often find great value in programs tailored to meet their unique needs. For example, if you’re in recovery from both substance use and PTSD, you may require a very different treatment plan than a person recovering from both substance use and treatment-resistant depression.

The Hope House Scottsdale, for example, offers individualized care to treat dual diagnoses. According to their philosophy, “There isn’t one way to treat mental health problems.” This program utilizes a variety of treatment options—such as biofeedback, EMDR, family therapy, CBT, DBT, and group therapy—to treat clients with substance use disorders and additional mental health concerns.

Executive Clients

Like any other demographic, high-level executives are sometimes subject to substance use disorders. However, high-achieving people often have a unique set of needs during recovery. You may be unable to step away from work or family commitments to get the help you need. You may also be accustomed to a certain standard of living, and concerned about spending time without necessary amenities.

A number of rehab facilities offer executive treatment programs, which are specifically designed to address these concerns.Giles Fourie, Director and Co-Owner of White River Manor, says,

“A lot of business executives, business owners and professionals come through our program. And that’s because we offer our clients the ability to use their phones, to work from the luxury of their rooms or the business center, and keep whatever they need to keep going at their office still running.”

This approach makes recovery accessible for clients with demanding schedules. Individualized care is often a good solution for people who need to balance their health with their responsibilities, instead of sacrificing one for the other.

White River Manor lobby — A peek into White River Manor in South Africa.

High-Profile Clients

Individualized care programs tend to have a strong emphasis on discretion, which may be important to high-profile clients. Safe from prying eyes, you’ll be able to focus entirely on your own healing process.

It’s important to note that while these environments are protected, they don’t have to be isolating. Clients are often encouraged to continue the activities that make them feel the most grounded and capable. For example, Orenda at Futures is home to an addiction and mental health treatment program specifically designed for athletes. In residence here, clients continue to train throughout the recovery process.

Recovery in Private, But Not Alone

Research suggests a link between social isolation and substance abuse.¹ And many clients benefit from honing their interpersonal skills during rehab. Individualized care often offers a greater degree of privacy, but doesn’t have to be isolating.

Of course, your specific rehab program will determine how you connect with the people around you. In some facilities, you’ll go through recovery with a small cohort of peers. Soberman’s Estate, for example, hosts a maximum of 10 people at a time. This format allows clients to find common ground and build relationships with each other. You’ll also be able to practice social skills in a safe, supervised context, which may alleviate concerns about falling back into unhealthy patterns.

Dr. Thomas Gazda of Soberman’s Estate is very focused on providing individualized care to each of his clients:

“When I sit down with a patient, I want to know more about them. I want to know about their background. What are their passions in life? What passions have they lost during their addiction? Have they become bored or distracted by something? What are they getting away from? Those things kind of come out…It’s very individualized.”

Clients are able to receive a high level of personal attention, as well as observe their peers in recovery. For many people, this is an effective way to balance their need for a specific type of treatment with the universal need for community.

Other programs take individualized care a step further, treating only one client at a time. Mercui Recovery is one such rehab center. Clients are hosted in a remote wilderness location, far from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Each person’s experience is unique, and “every client service is customized for the individual, every time.” This experience would likely not be a good fit for people who want to focus on peer-to-peer support during rehab. However, this unfettered access to your clinical team gives clients the time to create a comprehensive aftercare plan before completing the program. That plan may include a network of family and loved ones, local support groups, continued therapy, and medical care.

For many clients, the experience of individualized care is “the first time in their life that they pool all their medical information together,” says Dr. Christine Merzeder, Senior Clinical Coordinator of Paracelsus Recovery.

“With one client at a time, the knowledge base and communication base are very efficient. It’s a lot of being alert and not missing any information, and there’s no standard clinical path you can develop for that because every case is individual…it’s efficient, it’s fast, it involves the client and their family. And when they leave they get a written summary with all the findings and recommendations.”

In some highly individualized programs, you’ll be able to stay in touch with your friends, family, and possibly even your colleagues. This is most often true of rehabs that treat only one person at a time, and those that cater to high-achieving professionals. This strategy allows you to connect with people from afar, and then process your recent interactions with them during therapy. Even without on-site peer support, you’ll be able to practice interpersonal relationships. By engaging with the people who matter the most, you can learn not only about general social skills, but about how those skills can have the greatest possible impact within your own community.

Choosing an Individualized Care Program

Although individualized care aims to meet your unique needs, not every program will offer the exact mix of programming and amenities that’s right for you. It’s important to find a rehab center whose treatment philosophy aligns with yours. In the right context, you’ll be surrounded by providers with expertise that applies to your experience, and able to engage in activities that support your personal healing process. There are many different therapeutic modalities to choose from, and individualized therapy invites you to do just that.

Experiential Therapy

Experiential therapy is a way to process your emotions from a brand-new perspective. Rehab programs around the world offer a wide variety of activities that you may find engaging or inspiring. For example, if you want a fully embodied, adventurous experience, several rehab centers in Orange County invite clients to go surfing. At The ‘Ohana, in Hawaii, you can swim with the dolphins. Activities like these invite you to examine your behavioral habits in a greater context, and not just in a private room with a talk therapist.

Holistic Treatment

There are countless ways to approach healing. It’s quite common for individualized treatment programs to offer holistic care, with the intention to heal the body as well as the mind. You may have the opportunity to receive massage, reiki, acupuncture, or similar treatment modalities. These techniques encourage clients to learn about mindfulness, come into the present moment, and accept themselves just as they are.

Outpatient Care

Recovery is important, but it’s not always convenient. But you don’t have to delay your own healing process. Many clients choose to attend intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), which may be more feasible than residential treatment.

For example, Evolve Treatment Centers has several locations in California, treating adolescents from 12 to 17 years of age. This program allows them to continue living at home and going to school, while still engaging in treatment that’s tailored to meet their needs. Because of this flexibility, clients can get the help they need without interrupting this important chapter of their lives.

Bespoke Treatment Puts You Back in the Driver’s Seat

People of many demographics can benefit from individualized treatment programs. Alex Spritzer, Family Addiction and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at The Hope House Scottsdale, says,

“For example, a middle-aged mom of two children going through a separation is going to have very unique needs…versus someone who might per se not have a family, not be married, might be a single male, youthful, 18 years old. Considering where the person exists before the disease process, their home environment is really essential to their recovery.” In the context of individualized treatment, healthcare providers seek to honor each client’s experience, providing the best possible care for that particular person, at that particular time in their life.

However, bespoke care isn’t right for everyone. For some clients, it may be overwhelming or counterproductive to take such an active role in designing their own treatment course. Individualized treatment is founded on the idea that your unique needs are important. If what you need is a predefined structure, it’s important to respect that.

Rehab is, among other things, a way to regain control of your own life. When you begin treatment by working with a team to assess and understand what your life entails, you will almost certainly learn a great deal about your needs, goals, and values. This process mirrors the process of recovery itself.

If you think bespoke treatment may be right for you, learn more about rehabs offering individualized care here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Individualized Addiction Treatment

What is individualized care in rehab?

Individualized care is a type of treatment that is tailored to the needs of each individual. This can involve a number of factors, such as the individual’s substance use history, mental health history, and personal goals.

What are some of the different types of individualized care available in rehab?

Types of individualized treatments available in rehab include: one-on-one therapy (where you discuss your individual needs and goals with a therapist), experiential therapy (to help you process emotions from a new perspective), and holistic treatments (like massage, Reiki, and acupuncture).

What are the benefits of individualized care in rehab?

Individualized care in rehab can help you get the most out of treatment by addressing your specific needs. Your therapists and treatment team will consider your substance use history, your mental health, and personal goals when creating a treatment plan for you. This attention to detail can help you stay on track and motivated during recovery.