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How Hypnotherapy Helps Clear the Path to Recovery

What do you picture when you think of hypnosis? 

You might not realize that hypnosis has therapeutic applications. It can even help with addiction recovery. Some rehabs use hypnotherapy during inpatient treatment. Here’s how it works.

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy, or hypnosis, puts you into a brief trance-like state1 to help you relax and concentrate. And it’s not the way you’ve seen it on TV. In a lot of media, hypnosis makes people reveal their deepest secrets, or do things against their will. But in reality, you’ll be fully in control the whole time. For most people, hypnosis feels like a state of deep rest,2 but without falling asleep.

This treatment is no substitute for other, more traditional methods. However, combining hypnosis with talk therapy3 helps some people move past mental barriers. By facing your deeper thoughts and feelings, you can gain new insight. This helps some clients heal from serious mental health issues. 

Find Your Inner Ability to Heal With the Ericksonian Technique

There are a few different types of hypnotherapy. The central idea of Ericksonian hypnosis4 is that everyone can solve their own problems. In treatment, your therapist tries to harness the natural creativity of your subconscious mind. Then, they’ll help you use that creativity to build a healthier outlook.

Erikson hypnosis uses a lot of guided imagery.5 While you’re in a trance, your therapist uses metaphors to talk about issues you’re currently facing. For example, they might ask you to imagine approaching a path with a fork. Each option represents a real life choice. By noting how you feel about each path, you’ll gain clarity about what you want to do outside of therapy.

This treatment invites you to look at your life in a new way. But researchers still need more information about it. Because this approach is so personal for each patient, it’s hard to study the effectiveness of Ericksonian treatment.6 

Cognitive Hypnotherapy Combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Hypnosis

For a more evidence-based approach, you might consider cognitive hypnotherapy. This treatment uses traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) methods in combination with hypnosis.7 Rather than simply attending a CBT session, your therapist will first induce a hypnotic state. Then, once you’re in this focused frame of mind, they’ll guide you through traditional CBT exercises.

CBT teaches you to change your thought patterns8 and practice healthier coping strategies. When you’re in a hypnotic state, you’re more open to those suggestions to change. Much like the Ericksonian approach to hypnotherapy, experts are calling for more data about this type of treatment.

Self-Hypnosis Can Be Self-Care

In most hypnotherapy methods, a trained hypnotherapist acts as your guide. But if you’d like to use these methods outside of therapy sessions, you can learn self-hypnosis.

It’s important to learn this technique from an expert before you try it alone. First, your therapist will teach you how to safely enter a hypnotic state9 by yourself. They’ll also teach you what to do when you’re in hypnosis, and how to re-alert yourself out of the trance-state when you’re ready. 

After you have this training, you can practice self-hypnosis on your own, whenever or wherever you need to. This coping strategy can empower you to take control of your own healing process.   

Using Hypnotherapy in Mental Health Treatment

Therapists rarely use hypnotherapy by itself.10 More often, they’ll have you engage in other treatments while you’re in a hypnotic state. This strategy can help you stay open to other therapeutic techniques. 

Treating Anxiety

Several types of hypnosis can treat anxiety.11 Research shows that self-hypnosis gives you a greater sense of control.12 In one study, this reduced the frequency of patients’ panic attacks. This method can also help with the chronic symptoms of anxiety, like insomnia.

Because Ericksonian hypnosis relieves stress,13 it can also treat these conditions. It’s especially helpful for people with generalized anxiety disorder. This treatment is relaxing and rejuvenating. It even helps some people stop procrastinating.

Healing From PTSD

Some therapists treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with hypnosis.14 People with a history of trauma often benefit from cognitive therapy. Treatment can relieve flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive memories.

However, hypnosis can sometimes be triggering.15 You might even re-experience a traumatic memory during a trance state. Because of this risk, it’s important to work with a trained hypnotherapist, instead of trying self-hypnosis. They can help you work through painful experiences, and move past lingering triggers.

Managing Chronic Pain

Studies show that hypnotherapy decreases chronic pain.16 This method might be even more effective than physical therapy. This might be a viable treatment for people who developed an addiction due to chronic pain.17 By improving your physical symptoms, hypnosis might replace drug abuse as a healthier coping mechanism. 

Hypnotherapy for Addiction Recovery

Some studies show that hypnosis can aid in addiction recovery. This treatment may increase patients’ self-esteem and lower their impulsivity, making it easier to stay sober. Experts have used hypnosis to treat several different types of addiction:

However, there’s significant controversy about hypnotherapy as a mental health treatment.  Some authorities on addiction science, like the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), say that there is little to no evidence that hypnotherapy treats addiction.21 As research continues, this treatment may gain support from the medical community. But even now, there are ways you can safely incorporate hypnosis into your recovery.

How Does Hypnosis Help With Treatment?

Hypnotherapy can be a valuable part of addiction treatment, but it isn’t right for everyone.22 If you have certain diagnoses, it might even be dangerous. Hypnosis is not an appropriate treatment for people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or seizure disorders—just to name a few. 

If you want to try this therapy, it’s important to get your doctor’s opinion in advance. And if it turns out hypnosis is a good fit for you, there are a few ways it can support your recovery. 

Learn to Sleep Soundly 

Many people in addiction recovery experience sleep issues23 long after they start treatment. And this isn’t only exhausting; it can also get in the way of your continued healing. Research suggests that hypnosis can alleviate some sleep disorders,24 like insomnia and sleepwalking. 

Relax During Recovery

Recovery is a stressful process. And experiencing a lot of stress can increase your risk of relapse.25 You can use hypnotherapy to find deep relaxation26 during rehab. Even if it’s not a formal part of treatment, you might practice self-hypnosis to unwind at the end of the day. Over time, it can even become part of your self-care routine. 

Hypnotherapy Can Support Long-Term Healing

Hypnotherapy is an adjunct treatment. In other words, it’s no replacement for rehab. But it can support other therapeutic methods. And as you prepare for life after treatment, you can use it as a coping strategy. Because you can practice it on your own, this approach can be empowering in every stage of recovery. 
Search for a rehab that offers hypnotherapy and learn about their treatment philosophies, complementary therapies, housing options, and more.

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How Long Does Rehab Last?

The short answer is: it depends. Many factors influence the length of your stay in residential rehab. You can plan around some of these in advance. For example, your insurance might only pay for certain types of care, but other issues may arise while you’re in treatment. Ultimately, you’ll work with a team of experts to come up with a plan. And by following it, you can move toward your personal recovery goals.

How Long Is Rehab for Addiction?

Different types of rehab last for different amounts of time. Some programs—like initial detox—might last only a few days to a week. Others can go on for months or even years. And according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “good outcomes are contingent on adequate treatment length.” ((Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition). (2014). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/podat-3rdEd-508.pdf)) NIDA recommends at least 90 days of treatment for most patients.

As you prepare for rehab, consider which types of treatment are right for you. But remember that your plan may change after you start recovery. It’s important to stay present with yourself, so you can meet your evolving needs.

Detox

Medical detox from addiction ((Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 45. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 15-4131. Rockville, MD: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2006.)) usually lasts 10 days or less. If you detox in an inpatient setting, a care team will help you navigate the process. You may receive prescription medications, attend therapy, or get other medical treatment during withdrawal.

If your symptoms are more severe, your stay might last longer. That’s especially likely if you’re detoxing from certain substances. Withdrawal from alcohol, ((Kattimani, S., & Bharadwaj, B. (2013). Clinical management of alcohol withdrawal: A systematic review. Industrial Psychiatry Journal, 22(2), 100. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-6748.132914)) benzodiazepines, ((Pétursson, H. (1994). The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Addiction (Abingdon, England), 89(11), 1455–1459. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.1994.tb03743.x)) and opioids ((Yes, people can die from opiate withdrawal | NDARC – National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2022, from https://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au/blog/yes-people-can-die-opiate-withdrawal)) is especially risky. It’s essential to get medical attention when you start recovery from any of these substances.

Detox is often the first step in recovery—but it’s not the last. Some programs even require you to have a plan for longer-term recovery before you start treatment.

Inpatient Treatment

In one review of inpatient addiction treatment options, ((Reif, S., George, P., Braude, L., Dougherty, R. H., Daniels, A. S., Ghose, S. S., & Delphin-Rittmon, M. E. (2014). Residential treatment for individuals with substance use disorders: Assessing the evidence. Psychiatric Services, 65(3), 301–312. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201300242)) researchers found that “most planned stays now range from weeks to months, depending on the program and the person’s needs.” Most addiction rehab programs last at least one month, ((Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. What Is Substance Abuse Treatment? A Booklet for Families. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14-4126. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2004.)) and some can last as long as 1 year.

Several issues can affect your total length of stay in rehab. If you want to plan ahead, you can start by answering these questions for yourself. Then, share your thoughts with your care team. They’ll help you make a plan that accounts for your current health status, and your long-term goals.

  • What is your physical health status? Do you need close medical supervision?
  • Are you recovering from any co-occurring disorders, along with addiction?
  • Do you have any ongoing legal obligations? For example, are you required to complete rehab in order to fulfill a court order?
  • What types of addiction treatment does your insurance cover?
  • What are your plans for aftercare?

Healing isn’t linear, and your answers to these questions will probably change over time. But with the right support, you can stay on track before, during, and after inpatient treatment.

Outpatient Treatment

There are several types of addiction treatment programs. Whether or not you attend inpatient rehab, you can also consider outpatient recovery. For example, you could attend a partial hospitalization program (PHP), or an intensive outpatient program (IOP). In either of these, you would live off-site, and travel to the center for therapy. In a PHP, patients attend up to 30+ hours of treatment per week. IOPs offer more flexibility, with an average of 10-15 weekly hours.

Outpatient programs can work well if you’re in good physical health, but still need support during recovery. And if your insurance won’t cover residential treatment, it may still pay for an IOP or PHP. You can also get outpatient aftercare once you finish inpatient rehab. Outpatient addiction treatment ((Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. What Is Substance Abuse Treatment? A Booklet for Families. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14-4126. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2004.)) typically lasts somewhere between 2 months and 1 year. If you’re healing from a dual diagnosis, like co-occurring addiction and depression, that may also affect your recovery timeline.

How Long Is Rehab for Other Mental Health Issues?

Rehab isn’t just for addiction. You can also get inpatient treatment for diagnoses like anxiety and depression. There are even rehab programs that treat grief. It’s harder to predict the appropriate length of stay for these conditions, since recovery means something different for every patient.

Your treatment plan will depend on your exact symptoms. And with the help of your rehab’s admissions team, you might be able to predict how long you’ll need to stay in treatment. For example, rehab for depression normally lasts for a few weeks. But if you need more support, it can continue for a matter of months.

How Long Will Insurance Pay for Inpatient Treatment?

Most insurance plans will cover at least 60 days of inpatient rehab, ((Mojtabai, R., Mauro, C., Wall, M. M., Barry, C. L., & Olfson, M. (2020). Private health insurance coverage of drug use disorder treatment: 2005–2018. PLOS ONE, 15(10), e0240298. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240298)) for both addiction and mental health treatment. But every insurer is different, and it may depend on your specific plan. Make sure to confirm the details with your insurance provider before you start treatment. The admissions team at your rehab should also be able answer your questions about pricing.

Learn more about the costs of rehab and how to make sure your insurance covers treatment.

Medicare

If you have Medicare, it may limit which rehab centers you can attend. ((Inpatient rehabilitation care coverage. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2022, from https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/inpatient-rehabilitation-care)) Before you commit to a program, make sure it’s covered by your specific insurance plan. You’ll also need your doctor to confirm that it’s medically necessary for you to attend rehab. If you satisfy these criteria, Medicare will cover 60 full days of inpatient treatment after you meet your deductible.

Private Insurance

In the U.S., most private insurers cover rehab for addiction. ((Abraham, A. J., Andrews, C. M., Grogan, C. M., D’Aunno, T., Humphreys, K. N., Pollack, H. A., & Friedmann, P. D. (2017). The affordable care act transformation of substance use disorder treatment. American Journal of Public Health, 107(1), 31–32. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2016.303558)) But that’s not universally true. And, there are often strict limitations on how long private insurance will pay for treatment. ((Gerstein, D. R., & Harwood, H. J. (1990). Private coverage. National Academies Press (US). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235505/)) This varies between different providers, and different insurance plans. Contact your insurance directly to learn more about your options. You can also ask the admissions team at your rehab for assistance. By planning ahead, you’ll avoid unpleasant surprises after you complete treatment. With that peace of mind, you can focus on what matters most: your continued recovery.

How Long Does Addiction Recovery Take?

Many experts believe “recovery from addiction is a lifelong process.” ((Laudet, A. B., Savage, R., & Mahmood, D. (2002). Pathways to long-term recovery: A preliminary investigation. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 34(3), 305–311. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1852519/)) Because this condition has both psychological and physical components, healing isn’t easy. And the process is different for everyone.

It might be complex, but addiction is highly treatable. ((Abuse, National Institute on Drug. “Treatment and Recovery.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, –, https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery.)) And as you heal, you’ll start to define what recovery means, ((Laudet, A. B. (2007). What does recovery mean to you? Lessons from the recovery experience for research and practice. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 33(3), 243–256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2007.04.014)) on your own terms. For you, success might mean total sobriety from all substances. Or, it might mean that you no longer drink, but you still smoke cigarettes. There’s no wrong answer here. You don’t need to fit into anyone else’s box. The goal is to build a rich, meaningful life that makes you healthy and happy.

Connect with a residential rehab facility directly to learn about their typical treatment timelines, facilities, and programming.

Reviewed by Rajnandini Rathod

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Connecticut Rehab Centers: Recovery in Peaceful Settings With Expert Medical Care

With rigorous treatment in peaceful surroundings, Connecticut rehabs offer the best of 2 worlds. You can attend treatment nestled within beautiful nature, just a stone’s throw from a major U.S. city. This state is also home to world-renowned research universities. And as a result, rehab here can connect you with some of the greatest medical minds in the world.

Going to rehab in Connecticut is a good fit for people who want a middle ground between retreat and connection. At some centers, you can even stay in touch with your loved ones during treatment. But, in this serene setting, you’ll also have the space you need to heal.

Finding Balance

In the heart of New England, Connecticut is close to some of the biggest cities in the U.S.—and some of the country’s most beautiful nature. Clients can enjoy the stunning scenery, without feeling cut off from urban amenities. 

Enjoy a Serene Environment for Recovery

Despite being close to several big cities, many areas in Connecticut are rural.1 The Connecticut River flows through old hardwood forests and rolling hills, with the Berkshire highlands rising out of the northwest corner. In these beautiful surroundings, recovery can be peaceful and restorative. Studies show that immersing yourself in nature can improve symptoms of anxiety and depression,2 sleep quality, and stress. 

In rehabs like Mountainside Treatment Center, in the foothills of the Berkshires, clients heal “surrounded by lush greenery and open skies.” Without the distractions of urban life, you can put all your energy into recovery.

turnbridge connecticut
Turnbridge in New Haven, Connecticut

Test Your Limits With Outdoor Adventures

If you’re longing for adventures in the great outdoors, Connecticut offers easy access to world-class hiking, skiing, rock climbing, rafting, and more. These activities get your heart pumping—and they help your mind heal. 

At treatment centers like Turnbridge, patients can go on camping, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding trips, depending on the time of the year. You can also try paintball, rock climbing, even deep sea fishing. Thanks to Connecticut’s diverse geography, which includes mountains, rivers, and a rugged coastline, this is a wonderful place to go if you’re interested in outdoor adventure therapy. 

Addiction Treatment From Leading Experts

Even if your rehab is in a rural area, Connecticut is small enough that you’ll never be far from a big city. That means you’ll be close to major universities, like Yale and UConn. And some of the world’s top experts in addiction and mental health are based at these schools. For example, The Steward House at Silver Hill is “the product of collaboration among the leading psychiatry institutions of Yale New Haven Health and the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine.” Clients here have access to leading experts while in residential care in a non-hospital setting. These specialists can help you define your unique needs and goals for recovery.

Be Yourself in Connecticut

Recovering from addiction or mental illness is all about finding yourself again. In Connecticut, there’s room for you to be exactly who you are. 

Connecticut Rehabs Welcome LGBTQ+ Clients

It’s crucial for LGBTQ+ clients to find affirming treatment. Anything less can interfere with your recovery journey. And unfortunately, not all treatment programs are inclusive. But Connecticut has a long history of supporting LGBTQ+ rights.3

The state is well known for its progressive legislation. It even boasts rehab centers just for LGBTQ+ people, like Recovery at WildWood Farm. In this program, clients recover alongside people who share at least 1 part of their personal experience. This can make it easier to connect with the other clients in your program, and share mutual support.

mountainside treatment center connecticut
Mountainside Treatment Center in Cannan, Connecticut

Stay Independent During Recovery

Not everyone wants to connect with their peers during recovery. Some Connecticut rehabs—like Blue Sky Behavioral Health—let clients live a more independent life, even during intensive treatment. In their “intense outpatient program,” clients live in off-site housing while attending rehab. You’ll shop for your own food and have your own private space, in a house you share with other clients. And you’ll still have round-the-clock guidance from a life coach, in addition to on-site therapy 5 days a week. For people who value freedom and autonomy, this can make treatment less stressful.

Treatment for High-Level Executives

If you’re a busy professional, going to rehab might feel like an abrupt halt. That’s especially true if you think of your job as part of your identity. And unplugging from work can be stressful, instead of feeling like a break. Some of Connecticut’s rehab programs let you stay connected, while still getting the treatment you need.

Perhaps because the state is close to so many major cities, several centers in Connecticut offer rehab for high-level professionals. For example, Privé-Swiss specializes in treating executives. Their experts can help you rebuild the skills you need to live a life you love, sustainably. 

If you can’t leave work for inpatient treatment, some Connecticut rehabs have outpatient options. These programs might be a good fit for people who live in the area, and have strong local support networks. If you’re traveling to the area for treatment, you can attend a residential program, or ask your care team about local housing.

Traveling to Rehab in Connecticut

Connecticut is centrally located in New England. Because this region is such a hub for travel, it’s easy to access the state from anywhere in the U.S. or around the world. If you’re flying in for treatment, make sure you plan your route carefully. Within the state, you can fly into Bradley International Airport, which serves 9 domestic and 7 international airlines. If you can’t find a direct flight from your area to Bradley, you can fly into any of the New York City, Boston, or Providence airports. 

Once you arrive in New England, it’s easy to get exactly where you’re going. You can take an Amtrak train from any of the major cities to over 20 different stations in Connecticut. There are also frequent MetroNorth trains through Fairfield and New Haven counties. 

While it’s easy to get around Connecticut, it’s still important to plan carefully. The last leg of your trip to rehab is a delicate time. If at all possible, avoid traveling alone. You might ask a loved one or support person to go with you. And many rehabs in Connecticut also offer complimentary rides within a certain radius. For example, Retreat Behavioral Health South Connecticut will transport you to treatment for free within a 4-hour radius. 

Start a Healthier Life in the Land of Steady Habits

Choosing a treatment program can be scary. This is a big decision, and you might have to make it quickly. Here, rehab will help you stay grounded as you start recovery. There’s a reason Connecticut is known as the Land of Steady Habits. Treatment professionals here welcome people of all identities, offering a balance of independence and support. If respectful, structured environments make you feel safe, these programs might be a great fit.  


Browse our list of rehabs in Connecticut to learn about types of treatment, pricing, locations, and more.

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Nourishing the Recovering Body: Nutrition in Rehab

Eating well is a huge part of feeling well. Food doesn’t just support wellness—it can also be a source of joy. When you go to rehab for addiction or mental health treatment, great meals can be the thing you look forward to.  

Food is both a source of pleasure and an important tool for long-term recovery. Addiction and chronic stress deplete your body and compromise its ability to absorb nutrients. That’s why it’s crucial for your treatment plan to include healthy meals. And in some rehabs, nutrition is a major part of the program. 

Nutrition and Addiction

Addiction takes a toll on the body and mind. As the experts at Siam Rehab know, “if your body is healthy, you have a healthy mind with it as well.” Healing—both physically and mentally—starts by learning how addiction affects your eating habits.

How Substance Use Depletes Nutrients

Malnutrition is common among people with addiction.1 While you’re actively using, drugs and alcohol might be a higher priority than your diet.2 In some cases, drug use can even damage the organs that absorb nutrients. Different types of addiction have different effects on the body:

Diet During Detox and Withdrawal

When you’re ready to recover, detox is often the first step. You can expect this process to have immediate physical and emotional effects. For example, you may have digestive symptoms during withdrawal,8 like nausea, stomach pain, and a reduced appetite. Eating well supports your body’s natural healing abilities. 

Eating Well in Early Recovery

Drug cravings are a normal part of early sobriety. Food cravings might be, too. Data shows that your appetite can increase in your first 6 months of sobriety.9 You may even have more of a sweet tooth than usual. As a result, weight gain is common during inpatient rehab.10

For some clients, weight gain and body image become mental health issues. Gaining weight can even be a trigger for relapse.11 And experts believe that women in particular “increasingly report weight-related concern as motivation for drug use.” Some people even develop disordered eating habits during treatment.12 Without proper medical care, these issues can work against your long-term physical and emotional health.

With the right treatment, food can support your recovery—not undermine it. Eating balanced meals and learning about nutrition can help you heal from addiction.13 Plus, most people’s cravings and appetites return to healthy levels 6 months into addiction recovery.14 That’s especially likely for people who use structured eating plans. 

Food as Aftercare and Relapse Prevention

Good nutrition is important in every stage of recovery—even after you complete treatment. Eating well improves your physical health, of course. But that’s just the beginning. Poor eating habits also increase your risk of relapse.15 Studies link good nutrition with ongoing sobriety,16 overall mental health.

Nutrition and Mental Health

Balanced meals are a powerful way to boost your mood.17 As nutritional therapist Julia Ross writes, “this is the law of malnutrition: when your food quality or quantity deteriorates, your mood is the first casualty, even before your physical health begins to deteriorate.” Ross and many other experts report a link between food and emotional well-being.

The Gut-Brain Axis

There’s a direct line of communication between your gut and your brain.18 Experts call this the “gut-brain axis,” and it’s key to your mental health. Gut health impacts your mood, “motivation, and higher cognitive functions.”

Stress and changes in diet can affect digestion19 by harming the bacteria in your gut. That can cause a range of issues, from inflammation to leaky gut syndrome. Researchers have linked these conditions with depression and anxiety. On the other hand, several studies show that healthy digestive bacteria can improve your mood.20 

Eating Right for Your Brain

Studies indicate that people with certain mental health issues are very likely to have nutrient deficiencies.21 Those with depression, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder are especially vulnerable. But, research also found that patients’ mental health improved when they took certain supplements. 

If you have any of these diagnoses, you can talk to your doctor or nutritionist to learn more. Make sure to get an expert opinion before taking any over-the-counter supplements. They may interact with other medications, or impact other parts of your recovery plan. 

Eating Disorders

If you’re healing from an eating disorder, good nutrition is a vital part of recovery. Because these conditions change your eating habits, they often damage your physical health. The exact risks vary, depending on your specific symptoms. 

Most eating disorder treatment programs include nutrition education,22 meal planning, and therapeutic meals. These activities bolster your skills around healthy eating, and give you the nutrition you need to fuel physical and emotional recovery. 

Studies show a strong connection between eating disorders and the need for control.23 This can make it feel especially scary to enter a treatment control. But, by learning to trust a team of professionals to help you heal, you’re working to take back control of the rest of your life. And good nutrition can empower you to do the hard work of building better habits.

Improve Your Energy and Clarity

Recovery takes effort. And in the early stages of treatment, you might not be used to keeping a strict schedule. You’ll also be working through heavy emotional issues, which can be tiring. Good nutrition boosts your energy and improves mental stamina, helping you focus on treatment. Certain nutrients are especially important for regulating energy and preventing fatigue:24

  • complex carbohydrates
  • fats
  • minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc
  • vitamins like B vitamins and vitamin C

Because of the link between addiction and poor diet, eating well might feel like a big change when you enter rehab. This is also an issue during mental health treatment. For instance, studies show a link between depression and low vitamin levels.25 

Your mental health can impact your dietary requirements, and vice versa. But everyone’s needs are different. Your care team may advise a meal plan, IV therapy, or even fasting. Ask your admissions team about their approach to nutrition, and how that will impact your treatment plan. 

How Do Rehabs Provide Proper Nutrition?

Because nutrition is such a large part of both recovery and everyday life, it can affect every aspect of rehab. Every center has its own way of integrating nutrition into the healing process. 

In-House Nutrition Experts

Some rehabs employ nutrition specialists or other food experts. For example, you might work closely with a nutritionist or dietitian. These specialists create balanced meal plans, which they can tailor to meet each client’s needs. They may also give you vitamins, minerals, or other supplements. And when talented chefs design the daily menu, you can look forward to every meal. 

At Soberman’s Estate, a men-only rehab in Arizona, culinary excellence is a big part of the healing process. Using local ingredients from their on-campus greenhouse, their executive chef creates meals that are “as good as or better than most five-star restaurants,” as one previous patient said. 

If you have a refined palate, dietary restrictions, or other food-related needs, talk to your rehab’s admissions team about their ability to accommodate you. 

Designing Your Meal Plan

Addiction and mental health issues affect everyone’s body differently. Some rehabs create individualized meal plans to bring your body back into balance. They may take a blood test as part of your initial screening to see what nutrients you’re lacking, then work to remedy that throughout your stay. 

At Istana, a 1:1 rehab with locations in Bali, Barbados, and Ibiza, menus are designed to “address deficiencies in your diet and strengthen your body’s nutrition.” Each meal plan is designed by their team of professionals to meet clients’ unique dietary needs.

You’ll also have regular check-ins with the nutritionist to track how your body responds to meals throughout treatment. They can then make changes based on real-time feedback. By taking part in this process, you’ll learn about your own evolving needs and practice listening to your body. And when you leave the center, you’ll be more empowered to eat healthy and respond to your body’s needs.

Planning for Long-Term Recovery

Recovery doesn’t end when you leave rehab. Many centers offer nutrition education, so you can learn life skills before finishing treatment. This helps clients make long-term plans for their ongoing nutritional health. 

You can continue to benefit from proper nutrition on your own after learning about balanced eating from professionals. Inpatient treatment centers like Paracelsus Recovery in Switzerland help you set up long-term nutrition plans. These aren’t fads or quick fixes. Instead, they’ll show you how to care for your body and mind sustainably, using food as a tool.

Some centers even help find support for you closer to home in your aftercare. Rowland Tweedie, the center’s Health and Fitness Manager, explains, “I often try to find a local person that [clients] can be supported by: a personal trainer or nutritionist. Someone locally they can go to, to help them maintain or reinforce what they’ve been doing during the program.” 

Find Joy in Nourishing Your Body

Recovery isn’t just about moving away from unhealthy habits. It’s also about learning how to enjoy your life in a healthy way. And for many people, food can be a positive, healthy way to find that joy. Eating a tasty, nourishing meal can be a source of pleasure, no matter what else you’re dealing with.
Explore our searchable list of rehabs and filter your search by dietary preference, see centers that offer gourmet dining, and more.

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How Fitness Supports Us in Addiction Recovery and Beyond

It’s no secret that exercise makes you feel good. These positive feelings are thanks to endorphins released during and after physical activity. It can also be an important part of healing your body from the effects of addiction, trauma, and stress.

Recovery is all about building a sustainable, healthy routine, and exercise can help you get there. Because of this, many addiction and mental health rehabs focus on fitness, and have amenities to help you stay active during your care. 

Why Exercise is Good For You

Exercise helps physical and mental health,1 and can improve the following:

  • brain health
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • sleep
  • focus
  • confidence

One study found that “People who exercised had about 43% fewer days of poor mental health.”2 

Exercise Lowers Stress Levels

Exercise reduces stress3 by lowering stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Rhythmic activities like walking clear the mind, helping you relax naturally. 

Stress makes people more prone to relapse,4 so learning to manage it is crucial for recovery. A regular fitness routine decreases the likelihood of falling back into familiar coping patterns.

personal training the banyans
An exercise physiologist designs individual exercise plans for each client at The Banyans in Brisbane, Australia.

Physical Fitness Helps Treat Depression

Studies show that exercising is effective in treating depression.5 On the flip side, not exercising is a risk factor for developing depression. When you work out, your brain releases serotonin, a hormone that improves your mood. (Antidepressants relieve depression by increasing serotonin levels.)

Even just a few minutes of physical activity per day can make a big difference in your mood. One study compared people who exercised with those who didn’t. Researchers found that 1.25 hours of walking per week lowered the risk of depression by 18%.6 This decreased by 25% with at least 2.5 hours per week.

Regular Exercise Reduces Anxiety

Research shows that physical activity is associated with less anxiety.7 It can help distract you from anxious thoughts. Instead, you’ll focus on something positive, like finishing a workout or achieving a goal—even if that’s just walking for 20 minutes. 

Exercise Improves Your Overall Well Being

By trying new activities and overcoming challenges, your confidence will increase.8 You’ll start to feel better as your immunity, sleep, and energy levels improve. And your risk for disease and health complications goes down as your body repairs the damage caused by substances and prolonged stress. Drugs and alcohol aren’t kind to your body, but the good news is that damage is usually not permanent. Exercise can be the first step in working towards better health—and a better outlook on life.

Exercise and Addiction

Studies show that exercise facilitates recovery from substance abuse9 in these ways:

  • decreases the likelihood of relapse
  • lessens drug-seeking behavior
  • reinforces positive change

People who exercise are less likely to use drugs.10 It’s likely that its ability to reduce stress, and therefore regulate emotions, is a factor. You can see the effects in animal studies, too: opioid-dependent rats took morphine less often when they swam consistently.11 Rodents dependent on cocaine were less likely to use the drug when they had access to an exercise wheel.12 A fitness routine adds structure to your day, allows you to explore new interests, helps you build community, and even overcome addiction.

A New, Healthy Hobby

Physical activity can become a new way to spend time outside of substance abuse. It can even become a new hobby. You might realize that you love spending time at the gym or running outside. Or, you may return to an old interest: maybe you used to shoot hoops for hours or play volleyball every weekend with your friends.

Regardless of the role fitness has in your life, it’s important to find activities you enjoy doing while sober. These can replace the time that you used to spend using drugs. Remember that recovery can—and should be—fun.

cycling white river manor
Cycling at White River Manor in Mpumalanga, South Africa

A Way to Meet Other Sober People

Physical fitness can give you a way to connect with new people, both in rehab and after you leave. During rehab, you can bond with people over similar interests in a specific activity, like rock climbing or dancing. These new relationships can be instrumental in your recovery process: it’s important to have people to talk to when you’re feeling down. It’s especially helpful to surround yourself with others that have had similar experiences. They can empathize with, and truly understand, what you’re going through.

Exercise Rewires Your Brain

Exercise releases dopamine in your brain. This hormone is responsible for “good” feelings, and can even have pleasurable effects similar to those you get from drugs. This is because exercise and substances activate some of the same reward pathways.

Exercise also prevents further brain damage from substance use13 and promotes cell regeneration. And forming a new habit can actually change your brain. “Neuroplasticity” is the brain’s ability to create new connections. You can use this to your advantage by introducing exercise into your own routine. If you continue to exercise consistently in a way that’s fun and sustainable, it can become a healthy habit that you genuinely enjoy. 

Luxury Rehab Fitness Amenities

You’ll have an array of fitness options at different luxury facilities, from fun activities to personal trainers. Remember that it’s important to choose something you like doing. Studies show that you’re more likely to stick with an exercise routine14 if you enjoy it. So if you already love yoga, you can choose a center like Veritas Detox that offers classes. Or if you’ve always thought that boxing looked fun, you can check out a facility like SOBA New Jersey.

Gym Amenities

Many rehab facilities have fitness centers. At Sierra Tucson, clients can take advantage of their many fitness amenities. Soak up views of the Santa Catalina Mountains from their outdoor swimming pool or work out in the fully equipped gym. You can even learn how to rock climb on their indoor rock wall.

At Hollywood Hills Recovery, clients have access to a personal trainer, as well as group or private fitness classes.

Sports Opportunities

Social support is an important factor in sticking to an exercise routine.15 Team sports are a great way to foster new relationships. Futures Recovery Healthcare is an ideal facility for sports lovers. Challenge another client to a game of tennis, basketball, or volleyball on one of their many courts.

Rehab Facilities for Athletes

If you’re an athlete, you may want (or need) to continue training while in treatment. All Points North’s specialty program for athletes was created by professional athletes. Their center provides top-tier amenities to support your needs, like an indoor lap pool and personal trainer. 

At Soberman’s Estate, clients work with fitness coach Carl Hargrave. Once an NFL coach, he now helps clients find healing through fitness and prepare for the “field of life.”

Outdoor Activities

Recreating in nature provides many benefits—and some rehab facilities offer adventure therapy activities, like hiking and biking. For example, Lions Gate Recovery provides recreational outings to the nearby Zion National Park. Colorado is world-renowned for its outdoor opportunities, and All Points North Lodge in Vail is no exception. Clients can hike, paddleboard, or mountain bike in the summer, and go snowshoeing, snowboarding, or skiing in the winter.

Spending time in nature positively affects mental health.16 For example, researchers found that people who were outside for at least 2 hours per week had better overall well-being. This averages out to just 15 to 20 minutes per day. When you combine this with exercise, the effects are twofold: you reap the benefits from both physical activity and time in green spaces.

Find Joy on the Other Side of Healing

No matter your age or ability, even small amounts of exercise provide important mental and physical benefits. While physical activity is only part of your recovery journey, it plays an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle for years to come.
See our curated list of rehabs with exercise programs to view fitness amenities, activity options, compare prices, and more.

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Evidence-Based Care in Quietude: New England Rehabs

When you go to rehab in New England, you’ll have easy access to beautiful nature and cutting edge treatment. These programs offer access to the outdoors, metropolitan areas, and some of the best universities in the U.S. From the Berkshires to Boston, you can choose the setting that suits your needs. But you won’t have to choose between a beautiful setting and top-notch care.  

At the Heart of Addiction Research

Rehabs in this region can connect their clients with some of the best research universities in the U.S.1 Many of these schools have renowned addiction research centers. Some of them also partner with nearby rehabs to offer clinical care.

For example, McLean Hospital is a Harvard Medical School affiliate in the suburbs of Boston. Their clinicians teach at the university, and pioneer state-of-the-art addiction treatments. In Connecticut, Yale New Haven Health and the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine team up to run The Steward House at Silver Hill. In this executive rehab, you’ll get treatment from Yale’s renowned professors. 

Not every rehab in New England is connected to a research center. But clients throughout the region benefit from the cultural emphasis on evidence-based treatment. Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island, is home to The New England Addiction Technology Transfer Center. And their mission is to make evidence-based treatment more available to local rehabs. 

spruce mountain inn new england
Spruce Mountain Inn in Plainfield, Vermont

Year-Round Natural Beauty

New England is famous for its great thinkers, but there’s more to recovery than research. This region combines academic prowess with beautiful natural scenery. Quinn Tremblay, Admissions Coordinator at McLean Fernside, says that going to rehab in New England can help you, “stay mindful and keep yourself in a serene mode.”  

Experience the Best of All 4 Seasons

This area has 4 distinct seasons, and you can look forward to different activities in each of them. Summer in New England is warm with cooler nights.2 Clients at McLean Borden Cottage can enjoy the season by hiking, sailing, and spending time at the beach.

Autumn is especially popular in New England, thanks to its famous fall foliage. You could have a front-row seat to watch the leaves put on a show. Leaf peeping season starts as early as September in Maine and New Hampshire.

Winters are cold in this area, and the mountainous regions get a lot of snow. If you dislike harsh weather, this might be the wrong time of year for you to visit New England. But if you enjoy snow sports, it’s perfect! In programs like Turnbridge, clients can go skiing and snowboarding during treatment. 

In the spring, the gray winter skies melt into a cheery blue. At Brattleboro Retreat, you can spend this season gardening. Watching a seed you’ve planted sprout and bloom can give you a sense of achievement. And at every time of year, spending time in nature can help you heal.

“Breathe a Little Easier” in New England’s Rural Areas

New England is well-known for its natural beauty,3 with rocky shores, lush forests, rugged mountains, calm lakes, and flowing rivers. But what does that have to do with rehab?

Studies show that just having a view of nature from your room can improve your mental state.4 Starting treatment in a naturally beautiful place like New England can put you in the right mindset to focus on the hard work of recovery. 

Plus, being able to get away from the demands of urban life can give you space to heal. Katie, a former patient of Spring Lake Ranch in Vermont, explains that being in rural New England helped her recover. “As soon as I got up here, I felt like I could breathe a little easier. No more traffic, no more rushing, no more people everywhere. It was exactly what I needed.”

And you can do more than just looking out of the window. For example, at Spruce Mountain Inn, in Plainfield, Vermont, patients can go hiking, rock climbing, skiing, and canoeing. And if these rural activities aren’t for you, there are other ways to heal. Many of New England’s rehabs are located in urban areas, if you’d prefer a less secluded treatment program. 

Stay Connected to Urban Life During Recovery

Rehabs in bigger cities offer some unique amenities. Because New England is home to Boston, Providence, and Hartford, as well as many rural areas, this beautiful region offers the best of both worlds.

As Dr. Frederick Goggans, the Medical Director at McLean Borden Cottage, puts it, “There’s many amenities that you would have in more urban areas, but at the same time, you have that peacefulness and sanctuary setting, which is pretty rare in today’s modern world.” For example, rehabs in New England offer some of these interesting day trips:

These trips immerse clients in local culture. If you’re from nearby, this might help you feel at ease. And if you’re traveling for treatment, connecting with New England’s unique spirit can give you important insight into your own values.

plymouth house new england
Plymouth House in Plymouth, New Hampshire

A Culture of Individuality 

New England gives you space to be yourself.5 Its people are known for being friendly, down-to-earth, and accepting. But they know how to respect boundaries. In one report on Vermont’s culture, experts note that individuality is “at the heart of the character” of the region.6 

As a result, many local rehabs offer personalized treatment. This makes them a great fit for clients of certain demographics. If you’re looking for an LGBTQ+ affirming rehab, for instance, Clearbrook Treatment Center might be a good fit. New England is also an excellent place to find rehab programs for executives. Whatever you’re looking for, this open-minded region welcomes people with diverse backgrounds.

Traveling to New England

This region is easily accessible from all over the world. There are 14 airports in New England,7 spanning its 6 states. The biggest is Boston Logan International Airport, which serves more than 40 airlines traveling to over 100 destinations. You can also fly into a smaller airport like Bangor International for Maine rehabs, or T.F. Green International Airport for rehabs in Rhode Island. 

After you land, it’s easy to get around New England by Amtrak. These trains connect the bigger cities, like Boston, New Haven, Burlington, and Providence. You can also take regional trains, Metro-North train in Connecticut, or the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail in Boston.  

Although it’s easy to reach this area, it’s better to travel with a support person. Starting rehab is a big decision, and the journey there can be hard. If you can, ask a friend or loved one to come along and help you with logistics. Or, you can ask your admissions team about other options. Some rehabs even offer complimentary pickups within a certain radius.

New England Offers Safety and Freedom

Early recovery is a tumultuous time. And that can make it hard to choose a treatment program. In New England, you can have the best of both worlds. Enjoy the tranquility of nature, and trust the knowledge of world-renowned researchers. Climb a mountain peak one day, and explore an urban center the next. These rehabs offer plenty of support, while you define what freedom means to you. 
Reach out to one of New England’s rehab centers to learn about their exact locations, amenities, and types of treatment.

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Learning True Strength in Men-Only Rehab 

Men face a unique set of challenges that affect the types of mental health issues they have, their likelihood of seeking help, and their experience in treatment once they do. Thankfully, more rehabs are specializing in care for men, addressing male-specific struggles in a safe and supportive setting.  

Mental Health Challenges Facing Men Today

Growing up in a culture with specific expectations about what it means to “be a man” shapes male psychological development. This impacts the types of mental health issues men have, and the methods they use to cope:  

Because it can be harder for men to voice their problems, this suffering often happens in silence. Men’s mental health researcher Benita Chatmon, PhD says this raises concern: “These statistics are troubling because they reinforce the notion that males are less likely to seek help and more likely than women to turn to dangerous, unhealthy behaviors.”

A Note on Gender

In the past, gender has been thought of as being either male or female, but we now understand it to be far more nuanced. Those who aren’t cisgendered men may still be affected by cultural expectations of masculinity. And those who don’t see gender as a major factor in their experience may not find gender-specific treatment necessary. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which aspects of your care are most important.

sobermans estate mens group
Soberman’s Estate in Cave Creek, Arizona offers daily group therapy and equine therapy as part of their men-only treatment program.

Masculine Norms

“Men are subjected to a culture where the standards of masculinity are literally killing them,” says Chatmon. 

This happens through what men’s mental health activist Dan Griffin calls the “internalization of the ‘man rules.”4 Sometimes called “toxic masculinity,” this set of rules tells men how they’re supposed to behave:

  • Don’t show weakness. 
  • Don’t express your emotions. 
  • Don’t cry. 
  • Don’t admit that you’re afraid. 
  • Don’t lose control.
  • Don’t ask for help. 

Unfortunately, following these rules leads many men to struggles with depression, anxiety, stress, and substance abuse. And, it cuts them off from support when they need it most. 

“When men adhere rigidly to the kinds of norms that encourage them to not share their emotions, to be sort of relentlessly self-reliant without seeking the help or support of others, they can have poorer mental health outcomes,” says health behavior professor and men’s mental health expert Wizdom Powell, PhD, “because doing so cuts them off from the social networks and social supports that might help them get through a difficult time.” 

Everyone’s Journey is Their Own

Of course, just because certain issues tend to be more challenging for men doesn’t mean all men experience them in the same way. These norms show up differently for different people, affect men to different degrees, and vary according to context. “A man who enacts a particular masculinity in the boardroom may enact a very different kind of masculinity on the street corner,” says Powell.

Why is it Harder for Men to Ask for Help?

Mental illness is often overlooked in men,5 and is therefore more likely to go untreated. SAMHSA’s guide on Addressing the Specific Behavioral Health Needs of Men states that there are “specific issues facing men that can affect all elements of the treatment process,6 including the decision to seek treatment in the first place.”

Social conditioning can influence how likely men are to talk about their feelings or reach out when they’re struggling. And there’s far more to this picture than what appears on the outside: 

Trauma and Shame 

Intense shame is a common theme for men in recovery,7 in addition to “histories of violence, sexuality, family issues, and difficulty accessing emotions.” Some men feel this as a result of trauma they’ve experienced, or inflicted on others. And some feel shame around violating masculine norms. 

Shame is a powerful emotion.8 It affects the way you see yourself, how you interpret the world around you, and the choices you make. That includes your willingness to address the traumas underlying your addiction, anxiety, or depression. 

But working through shame is a necessary part of healing. Psychologist and former president of the American Psychological Association Ronald Levant explains: “We have to brave the shame. We were made to feel ashamed of ourselves for not being fully masculine,9 and that was nonsense…Those lessons you learn as a child are not valid. A better approach is to have an open heart, an open mind, and to freely express your emotions to the people you care about.” 

That includes yourself. 

Stigma

Mental health stigma exists across all genders, but especially so for men, who are under extra pressure to seem like they have it all together.

In a report from the 2019 Behavioral Health Aspects of Depression and Anxiety in the American Male, experts agreed that “stigma is an extreme barrier to those needing mental health treatment,”10 and that men’s acculturation affects the way they experience mental health issues.

When men do get into treatment, that acculturation also affects how receptive they are to the process.

next step adventure therapy
Next Step Recovery in Asheville, North Carolina is a 12-Step intensive outpatient program offering adventure therapy and optional sober living.

Adjusting to the Treatment Process

Many of these unspoken rules are the opposite of what recovery asks us to do. The healing process requires us to be vulnerable, make room for our emotions, and be unflinchingly honest with ourselves. Residential rehab, where feelings are shared with therapists and in groups, may feel inherently unsafe to someone with little practice doing any of these things. 

“Men are expected to be independent, self-sufficient, stoic, and invulnerable,” says SAMHSA. This means that, often, men struggle with certain issues during treatment:11 

  • Inability to see or express weaknesses
  • Difficulty opening up to therapists or peers
  • Competitiveness with other patients 
  • Defensiveness 
  • Unwillingness to take direction or accept suggestions 
  • Anxiety around privacy and confidentiality 
  • Lack of ability to connect feelings to the problems they stem from 
  • A false sense of security in their recovery status 
  • Resistance to attending continuing care or ongoing meetings 

Intensive treatment is only the beginning of the recovery journey. After treatment, men return to their home communities, where they face the same societal pressures as before. That’s why it’s important to prepare for life after rehab by gaining tools that reduce your chance of reverting to old coping habits. 

Common Male Coping Strategies 

Suppressing Emotions

Men are often taught that expressing emotions is wrong. But regularly holding them in doesn’t make them go away—it just makes them come out sideways.

“Suppressing emotion in and of itself isn’t necessarily harmful,” says Powell. “It’s when you do it habitually; if it’s your go-to response to all the stress that you experience. Eventually, that suppression will cause a rebound in some other areas, like whack-a-mole. You hit it down in one place and it pops up in another.”

Humans are blessed with an astounding range of emotions—and ideally, we should be fluent in all of them. But this is easier said than done. Many men are limited to just a handful of emotions that are considered acceptable to express. 

Anger 

When we’re stressed, we tend to respond with the emotion that’s most readily available to us. And for men, who may not be well-versed in expressing sadness or fear, that emotion is more likely to be anger. 

Sometimes, we channel anger and other “negative” feelings into behaviors—some of which are harmful to us. Especially if we feel the need to “suck it up” and get through hardships on our own, those behaviors are less likely to look like talking through our problems with a friend or therapist, and more likely to look like social withdrawal, overworking, aggression, or alcohol and drugs. 

Substances 

Substances are a common way to cope with problems we’d rather not face head-on. And for men, anger and the inability to untangle difficult emotions can lead to more substance use. 

Data shows that “men tend to use more alcohol as opposed to women when they are stressed.”12 According to Powell, “we can see higher rates of substance abuse in males because of that anger and emotional response.”

Mental Health Among Minority Men 

Mistrust of treatment professionals comes from a particularly deep-rooted place for men and boys of color. There’s not only a verified link between racism and poor mental health,13 but an established history of racial trauma and access inequities in the American healthcare system.14  

The good news is that this can be changed. “Even with those experiences in the background,” says Powell, “when Black men have more patient-centered, empathic experiences with physicians, they report lower medical mistrust. So in other words, mistrust is not immutable. It can be fixed. It can be intervened upon.” 

Fortunately, some treatment programs are evolving to be more responsive to the societal issues their patients are grappling with. 

How Treatment Can Help  

Looking at deeply held traumas and unprocessed emotions is a necessary step toward healing. “When they feel safe enough, [men] are willing to look at many important, although difficult, issues commonly overlooked in traditional treatment. Some of these are relationships, sexuality and sexual behavior, power and control, criminal behaviors, privilege and entitlement, and grief,” say the authors of Helping Men Recover: A Program for Treating Addiction. 

Rehab can be a safe place to do just that. 

Gender-Responsive Care Takes Men’s Issues Into Account

“The keys to developing effective treatment for men,” says Griffin, “are acknowledging their life experiences and the impact of living as a man in a male-based society.”

In men-only rehab, patients can ease into the treatment process alongside others facing similar issues, with less distraction and a chance to build lasting bonds. 

Soberman’s Estate in Cave Creek, Arizona caters exclusively to adult men. They find that this gender-specific grouping raises the comfort level, leading to more sharing and honesty in group sessions. This creates an environment conducive to recovery, comradery, and true release. And because they make special efforts to accommodate working professionals, business access time is built into the daily schedule. 

For those who prefer to live at home during treatment, Next Step Recovery in Asheville, North Carolina offers a men’s-only intensive outpatient program (IOP) with optional sober living options for men ages 18-40. In addition to a focus on building a healthy daily routine, the center offers a range of therapeutic outdoor activities including river rafting, paintball, and high ropes.

Face the Fears That Keep You From Your Best Life

Being a man doesn’t need to mean foregoing care that will make you well, and ultimately more capable of living to your full potential. 


See our directory of men-only rehab centers to learn more about their programming, facilities, activities, and more.

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What to Do If You Relapse: A Complete Guide to Recovery After Setbacks

If you’re healing from addiction, it makes sense to worry about relapse. This can be a concern at every stage of recovery, whether you’re just starting detox or years into sobriety. Cravings and triggers don’t just disappear. But with the right type of addiction treatment, you can make a plan to keep yourself safe.

Notice the Warning Signs

Everyone’s triggers are different. And in recovery, you’ll learn to recognize and work through them as they arise. Some of them you can simply avoid—like going to the bar, or missing a night of sleep. Others are inescapable. But because these situations are so common, you can often see them coming. And that foresight can help you navigate them more skillfully.

Stress

Stress is a natural part of life. And that’s not always a bad thing. Even positive events can be stressful,2 like buying a new car or planning a wedding. You can’t avoid all big changes—and you shouldn’t try to. But you can manage your emotional response to them.

As you return to life after treatment, try to be gentle with yourself. Data shows that people with addiction are more vulnerable to stress.3 And what’s more, unmanaged stress can increase your risk of relapse.4 That’s why it’s important to have a plan for how you’ll handle these situations when they come up.

According to experts, emotion regulation skills can help you get through stressful situations.5 You can learn these skills in rehab or from a therapist, and practice them on your own. For example, you might meditate, do breathing exercises, or try other mindfulness techniques. These coping strategies can keep you centered during intense moments.

Trauma

Even in times of stability, you might be distracted by painful memories. And unprocessed trauma is linked to addiction.6 This is true whether it occurred in childhood, in recent years, or as a result of drug use. Working with a trained therapist can help you move forward, but it won’t undo the past. You may still confront triggers from time to time. When that happens, you can use skills to work through your emotional response.

Addiction is a common response to trauma.7 Taking drugs can make you feel like you have control of your own mind, even though the opposite is true.  And if you’ve ever used drugs to deal with trauma, you might be more likely to fall back on that behavior. Scientists have established a clear link “between craving, relapse, and PTSD symptoms.”8

Traumatic memories and events might always trigger your cravings. But in trauma-informed rehab, you’ll learn coping skills that work better than drug use. And when you put those skills to use, it’s more than damage control. It can also be empowering.

Know Your Triggers

Recovery from almost anything is the process of getting to know yourself again. That’s true for addiction, mental health issues, trauma, and even some physical conditions. Maybe your energy levels are different, or you have new needs and boundaries. Maybe you want to pick up different hobbies, or restructure your relationships. There’s no wrong answer, as long as you stay present, honest with yourself, and focused on living a healthy life.

Understanding your own triggers is a big part of this process. And triggers aren’t always easy to predict or even explain. If you were once in a car crash, you might be triggered by loud noises or getting stuck in traffic. But you can also be triggered by relationship dynamics, sensations, and even emotions.

Learning to anticipate triggers and cravings can be confusing at first. But over time, it becomes intuitive. The first step is just paying attention to your own emotional reactions. Then, you can discuss your feelings with your therapist or another provider. With this information about your own impulses, you can start planning healthy ways to respond.

Guard Against Relapse by Planning Ahead

From the moment you enter rehab, your team will help you prepare for the risk of relapse. During treatment, you’ll amass resources and coping strategies to help you guard against it. And if you do relapse, you’ll already have a plan for what comes next.

Build an Emotional First-Aid Kit

Cravings aren’t convenient. They won’t always happen in the comfort of your home, or when you’re about to have a day off. In fact, because of the link between relapse and stress, you might be at a higher risk while you’re doing something important.

When you’re already feeling stressed, it can be hard to think clearly. That’s why some people in recovery make emotional first-aid kits. Your kit can take any form, from an actual first-aid kit to a post-it note to an art project. Just make sure it’s easily accessible, and has genuinely helpful information. You can start by including a few standard resources:

  • A list of activities that help you calm down, like exercising or playing games
  • A list of distress tolerance skills you find helpful, like breathing exercises or listening to a song you love
  • A comfort object, like a soft pillow or a worry stone
  • A copy of your favorite book
  • A mantra you can repeat to yourself during meditation
  • The phone numbers for trusted contacts, like your therapist, your sponsor, or your best friend

Connect With Your Community

Strong relationships decrease the risk of relapse.9 And you can start building your support network as soon as you enter recovery. That could mean meeting new people, or recommitting to loved ones. In many programs, you can even do family therapy during rehab.

Your support system can include several different types of relationships. Friends, family, and chosen family members are a great place to start. But you can also join more formal communities. Both 12-Step and non-12-Step groups  (like SMART Recovery groups) offer peer support. In these meetings, you can share your concerns about relapse with people who likely feel the same way.

When people expect things from you, they’ll hold you accountable. This even applies to low-stakes situations. If you miss a friend’s birthday party, they might ask if you’re ok. In the long term, these gentle nudges can help you stay on track. And, after you build trust over time, you’ll have people to lean on in crisis situations.

Stick With (or Revisit) Your Continuing Care Plan

Personal relationships are essential, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. While you can ask friends for emotional support, you can’t depend on them for clinical treatment. It’s important to find a team of mental health providers who can see you through recovery.

If you attend residential rehab, you can start planning for aftercare during treatment. In some cases, you can continue seeing the same therapist after you return home. But most of the time, you’ll need to look for a new one. You might also find other specialists, like a psychiatrist or a medical doctor who understands addiction.

These experts can help you plan ahead. They might notice behavioral warning signs, and suggest you take action even before you relapse. And if you’re in crisis, they can connect you with valuable resources, and help you focus on healing.

Responding to Relapse

Relapse happens. Healing is complex, even if you have great coping skills. And your path toward recovery might not be a straight line. And that’s okay.

If you do relapse, it’s important to face the issues behind it. Shame and addiction are related,10 and hiding your problems can exacerbate them. Instead, it’s best to find help as soon as you can. Reach out to your support network and your care team to let them know what’s happening. You can also call your original treatment center and ask them for advice.

Depending on your circumstances, you might need to kickstart recovery again. This could mean going through detox, returning to rehab, or trying something new. Your mental health provider can help you decide on the best way to move forward.

Recommitting to the Recovery Journey

Whatever comes after relapse, you can rely on one thing: you won’t be starting from scratch. Even this bump in the road is a step toward recovery. Relapse gives you important information about your triggers, needs, and recovery goals. And you can use that information to make even better choices about what comes next.

See our searchable list of rehabs to get support at any stage of recovery, from detox to continuing care.

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8 Ways Healing Can Be Joyful 

Challenges are a natural part of any growth process—but that’s not all there is to it. Healing can also be punctuated by small wins, big triumphs, exciting breakthroughs, and deep connections.

At the end of the day, the self-knowledge, empowerment, and resources you gain are immeasurably rewarding.

Here are 8 ways to find joy in the journey of addiction recovery.

1. Changing Your Relationship With Fear

This may not exactly sound joyous, but the payoff is nothing short of life-changing.

So much of addiction and maladaptive behavior comes from avoidance. ((“Maladaptive Behavior: Causes, Connection to Anxiety, and Treatment.” Healthline, 18 Mar. 2020, https://www.healthline.com/health/maladaptive-behavior.)) As humans, we avoid the things we’re scared of: our past traumas, our emotional pain, and our deepest insecurities. Substances are an easy way to check out of feelings we’d rather not deal with—and sometimes, with very valid reason. Maybe we’re not emotionally ready, we don’t have adequate support in place, or we can’t afford the disruption in our lives. Avoiding is a coping strategy ((https://www.verywellmind.com/avoidance-coping-and-stress-4137836#:~:text=Avoidance%20coping%20involves%20trying%20to,reduce%20the%20stress%20it%20causes.)) that’s designed to help us survive. But the problem is that it works until it doesn’t. And some coping strategies have serious consequences for our health.

True healing requires the deep, vulnerable work of facing our fears. While it’s not easy, doing so in a therapeutic environment means you’ll be surrounded by professionals who guide you through the process, and peers who are doing the same thing right alongside you. Taking on this brave task taps you into your personal fortitude and shows you what you’re really capable of. As you get used to facing life’s challenges head-on, they’ll start to feel more like normal ebbs and flows and less like full-on crises.

2. Getting to Know Yourself Better

The healing journey is a deep dive inward. Parts of it may be uncomfortable—but growth requires us to move beyond our comfort zones.

The upside of recognizing our pain (and the need to do something about it) is that it can serve as an entry point onto a path of self-discovery. As Rumi famously said, “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” ((https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/103315-the-wound-is-the-place-where-the-light-enters-you)) Being utterly honest with yourself is an illuminating process. You’ll discover strengths you didn’t know you had.

Knowing yourself puts you in control of your own life. It increases your self-acceptance, self-trust, emotional intelligence, and ability to have healthy relationships. “I argue that we are in an inescapable relationship with ourselves ((https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329216347_Knowing_Yourself_and_Being_Worth_Knowing)) that requires both self-love and self-respect,” says Jordan MacKenzie, Faculty Fellow at the NYU Center for Bioethics. “Self-love gives us a noninstrumental reason to know ourselves, while self-respect demands that we take this reason seriously.”

One way to honor this relationship is to reconnect with your physical self.

3. Coming Back Into Your Body

A common response to trauma is dissociation—that is, mentally and spiritually disconnecting from ourselves when physical escape isn’t possible. Dissociation is the body’s natural way of protecting us. But when we do this habitually, it becomes our default state. By numbing ourselves to negative emotions, we also numb ourselves to positive ones, diminishing our ability to feel fully engaged with life.

Movement- and touch-based therapies are helpful for reconnecting with the body in a safe and guided way. Many rehabs offer these as part of a holistic treatment program:

It’s especially important for physical and sexual assault survivors to do this in a trauma-informed setting. And while it may be challenging, it can also be one of the most transformative, and ultimately enjoyable, aspects of the healing process.

By grounding into our bodies and staying present with ourselves, others, and the world around us, we experience more of what life has to offer.

4. Practicing New Ways of Doing Things

Changing long-held patterns means dealing with life in ways that don’t rely on old coping mechanisms—and that can feel awkward at first. Thankfully, rehab is a great place to practice. Whether it’s letting yourself cry instead of looking for a distraction, or talking through a problem with a recovery peer instead of stewing in resentment, you’ll get to try new approaches until you find what works for you. And, you’ll have encouragement from counselors and support staff along the way.

By the end of your stay, you’ll be empowered with new knowledge of how to navigate relationships that you can take with you into the real world and continue to build on.

5. Setting Healthy Boundaries

“We get our needs met by communicating them. And that can be really hard,” says Nedra Glover Tawwab, therapist and author of Set Boundaries, Find Peace.

Boundary-setting sounds easy, but in reality, it’s an advanced skill. Insecure attachment (a result of childhood trauma) tells us that if we upset our loved ones, they might leave. And that makes it hard to state a need or preference when you’re unsure how the other person will take it.

“Boundaries are statements that make you feel safe and comfortable in your relationships,” ((https://www.vox.com/even-better/23310442/vox-conversations-boundaries-nedra-glover-tawwab-even-better)) says Tawwab. And, contrary to what our fears tell us, they help to preserve them. Learning to tolerate the discomfort that often follows these statements takes time. With practice, you’ll see how boundaries set a healthier tone for your relationships and create the space necessary for you to meet your needs. This grows your sense of ownership over your life—and what’s more rewarding than that?

6. Discovering Therapies That Resonate With You

Residential rehab gives you a chance to try healing modalities that you may not have otherwise. You may find that you relate to the philosophy behind DBT, that acupuncture reduces your cravings, or that the path of yoga aligns with your recovery journey. Hopefully, you’ll walk away from rehab with resources for ongoing therapy, which can lead to a beneficial relationship with a new therapist.

Many rehabs include complementary therapies as part of their treatment program, even if it’s clinically based. Often, patients choose to continue with therapies or activities they find helpful, adding to their fulfillment in life after rehab.

7. Knowing Where to Turn When Things Get Rough

Being healed doesn’t mean hardship stops happening. It means you get better at dealing with it.

In addition to treating your symptoms, rehab also provides a training ground for life. Most residential programs have a 28-day minimum because this allows enough time to establish a rhythm in a new, healthy routine. Much of your time in treatment is spent building a toolkit of healthy outlets, coping strategies, and connections you can turn to when you need them. These can include exercises for self-soothing, processing, or releasing emotions; connections for professional care; sober community; and restored relationships with your loved ones.

8. Learning Self-Love

Addiction is a form of self-harm, and is often fueled by negative self-talk. ((https://www.verywellmind.com/negative-self-talk-and-how-it-affects-us-4161304)) The healing process teaches us now to recognize when we’re telling ourselves a story, ask whether that story is accurate, and replace it with a more helpful belief. Especially when we have less than nurturing childhoods, we get the message that self-criticism will help us achieve the change we desire. But what if all it achieves is turning us against ourselves?

“We are often at war with our difficult emotions—judging and hating ourselves for our fear, anger, clinging or shame,” says meditation teacher Tara Brach. But “our continued evolution, healing and freedom depends on learning how to embrace what we have pushed away. ((Lavery, Shannon. “Loving Ourselves into Healing – Part 1.” Tara Brach, 16 Dec. 2021, https://www.tarabrach.com/loving-ourselves-healing-i/.))

We deserve love, even when we’re not exactly where we want to be. The journey toward healing is a lifelong process—and approaching it with acceptance and self-compassion helps us find joy in it all.

Longtime yogi Richard Rosen challenges the idea that we have to punish ourselves in pursuit of progress: “But must the process of ending sorrow be sorrowful itself?…What about the idea that our effort toward happiness can itself make us happy?” ((“The Joy Is in the Journey.” Yoga Journal, 28 Aug. 2007, https://www.yogajournal.com/yoga-101/philosophy/joy-journey/.))

Reclaiming Your Happiness in Recovery

We may never fully “arrive,” but things can get better and easier along the way, and we can learn to enjoy the ride.

Rehab can be a great place to start. An immersive environment gives you space to do this vulnerable work in a safe, supported way, with all the necessary tools at your fingertips.

Browse our searchable directory of residential rehabs to learn more about their programs, facilities, and staff, and reach out to centers directly.

Reviewed by Rajnandini Rathod

Posted on

How Rehabs Protect Your Privacy

Addiction can affect anyone, from high-profile CEOs to teens. In spite of this, there’s a stigma attached to admitting you have a problem. And unfortunately, that stigma prevents some people from getting help.

If you’re considering rehab, it makes sense to think about how it will impact your reputation. But that doesn’t have to get in the way of treatment. Wherever you go to rehab for addiction, there are ways to maintain confidentiality. When you trust that the details of your recovery will be private, you can focus all your energy on healing.

Why Does Privacy Matter?

Privacy isn’t always a priority. Depending on your lifestyle, you may not mind having people know you’re going to rehab. And because community support is so important for recovery, ((Dobkin, P. L., Civita, M. D., Paraherakis, A., & Gill, K. (2002). The role of functional social support in treatment retention and outcomes among outpatient adult substance abusers: Social support and treatment outcome. Addiction, 97(3), 347–356. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1360-0443.2002.00083.x)) this can work in your favor. But going public isn’t right for everyone. There are several reasons you might choose to keep your circle small.

High-profile patients, like politicians, might not want the stress of managing their image. Parents may be concerned that their recovery will impact their children’s relationships. Whether you’re thinking of your family, your job, your future, or all 3, you have the right to decide who knows your story. And there are clinical standards in place to ensure that.

Legal Standards for Confidentiality

In the U.S., healthcare providers must adhere to certain laws that govern patient privacy. When it comes to addiction rehab, 2 important regulations are the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) ((How does HIPAA interact with the federal confidentiality rules for substance use disorder treatment information in an emergency situation—Which rules should be followed? [Text]. (2018, January 4). HHS.Gov. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/faq/3005/how-does-hipaa-interact-federal-confidentiality-rules-substance-use-disorder-treatment-information-in-emergency/index.html
)) and Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 2 (42 CFR Part 2). ((Confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. (2017, January 18). Federal Register. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/01/18/2017-00719/confidentiality-of-substance-use-disorder-patient-records))

HIPAA

HIPAA is a federal law.  According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “The Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (“Privacy Rule”) establishes, for the first time, a set of national standards for the protection of certain health information. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) issued the Privacy Rule to implement the requirement of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”).”

Sometimes it’s important to share this sensitive information. For instance, you might be seeing both a therapist and a psychiatrist. And if they can talk to each other about your mental health, you can get more comprehensive support. But you get to decide. If you so choose, you can authorize providers to share your private medical data. ((Health insurance portability and accountability act of 1996 (Hipaa) | cdc. (2022, June 28). https://www.cdc.gov/phlp/publications/topic/hipaa.html))
In most cases, your healthcare providers cannot share your information with your employer, ((Employers and health information in the workplace [Text]. (2008, November 19). HHS.Gov. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/employers-health-information-workplace/index.html)) or with your friends and family. ((Family members and friends. (2008, November 19). HHS.Gov. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/family-members-friends/index.html)) However, if a judge issues a court order to disclose your medical records, ((Court orders and subpoenas. (2008, November 19). HHS.Gov. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/court-orders-subpoenas/index.html)) they may have no choice. If you’re attending rehab involuntarily, you should talk to your lawyer and your healthcare team about how that may affect you.

42 CFR Part 2

While HIPAA governs how all medical data is shared, 42 CFR Part 2 governs only addiction treatment. ((Disclosure of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records: Does Part 2 Apply to Me? (n.d.). SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/does-part2-apply.pdf)) This federal law prevents some rehab centers from sharing identifying information about their patients. This is so people in recovery won’t be treated unfairly in other legal cases, such as employment, child custody, or divorce.

It’s important to note that 42 CFR Part 2 only applies to federally assisted recovery programs. ((42 cfr part 2—Confidentiality of substance use disorder patient records. (n.d.). Retrieved October 24, 2022, from https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-42/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-2)) This can include programs that are run by the government, receive federal funding, or meet certain other criteria. You can ask your admissions team if your rehab center is legally bound by this regulation.

Whether or not a center adheres to 42 CFR Part 2, it may still emphasize confidentiality. And some programs go above and beyond federal regulations. You can even choose a type of treatment based on what level of privacy feels safest to you.

Privacy in Different Types of Addiction Treatment

There are many ways to approach addiction recovery. Whether you’re looking for residential treatment or an intensive outpatient program (IOP), most centers offer some level of confidentiality. Here’s what you can expect from different types of rehab.

Residential Treatment

From a privacy perspective, residential treatment has several advantages. With physical distance from your community, you won’t have to worry about prying eyes. Even if you attend rehab nearby, you can choose a program in a discreet location. Many rehabs are located rurally, so you can enjoy the healing benefits of nature, and trust that no one you know will just happen by.

If you travel for addiction treatment, you’ll gain an extra level of confidentiality. You might also benefit from the change of scenery. And if anyone asks where you’ve been, you can honestly tell them about the place you visited—while omitting any mention of your recovery.

Residential rehab does have some drawbacks. Most of these programs treat several patients at once. So if you’re a public figure, the other residents might recognize you. And if you go on any outings, you may interact with people who aren’t bound by privacy laws.

Outpatient Treatment

In outpatient rehab, you’ll live on your own while you attend treatment. Often, patients keep living at home—but you can still travel for rehab if you prefer. These programs have more flexible scheduling than residential ones.

Depending on your program, you may need to take time away from work to focus on recovery. But that’s not always the case. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) have a lower time commitment than residential rehab. ((For people in treatment, who engages with recovery residences, and does it boost retention? (2022, March 24). Recovery Research Institute. https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/deeper-dive-recovery-residence-participants-who-more-likely-use-them-how-affect-engagement-outpatient-care/)) These programs usually include about 10 weekly treatment hours. That gives you the freedom to keep working part time, going to school, or seeing your friends. Keeping these commitments helps you keep up appearances—and keep your recovery private.

Much like residential rehab, outpatient treatment normally takes place in a group setting. For some patients, this is a benefit. You can start building a sober community right away, instead of waiting to get home from your travels. But if confidentiality is your top priority, these connections can be an issue. If you’re concerned about attending rehab with a group, there are other options to consider.

1:1 Rehab Facilities

Some centers offer the ultimate type of confidential care: personalized rehab for 1 patient at a time. These programs cater to high-profile patients, who require absolute privacy. You may find yourself in a beautiful, remote location for the duration of your stay.

The goal of 1:1 addiction rehab to meet each patient’s unique needs. From your schedule to your meal plan, every aspect of 1:1 treatment will be personalized. And with no other patients to attend to, the staff will be entirely focused on your recovery.

This type of treatment might not be accessible to everyone. Many of these programs take only private insurance, and some of them don’t take insurance at all. And what’s more, this level of confidentiality can be isolating. And there are other ways to get complete—or near-complete—privacy during rehab.

Recover in a Virtual IOP

As telehealth grows more popular, some centers now offer virtual rehab. Usually, patients can design their own treatment schedule. This lets you work around professional and personal commitments. And best of all, it lets you start recovery in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

These programs strike a balance between connection and confidentiality. You’ll stay in touch with local friends and family, who can offer daily emotional support. But you’ll also have daily access to a team of experts in addiction treatment. And there will be no need to explain why you left home for several weeks.

Virtual treatment isn’t right for everyone. By the time you start rehab, there might already be a strain on your relationships. If that’s the case, you may need privacy from even your family during initial treatment. Or, you might need more emotional support than they can offer while you’re living at home. If you’re not sure which option is best for you, ask the admissions team at your rehab to help you make a plan.

The Confidential Care You Deserve

When it comes to addiction recovery, not everyone requires total privacy. But if you do, it can be a major barrier to treatment. Asking for help is hard enough on its own, without the added concern of unwanted attention.

You have every right to get the treatment you need. You can distance yourself from the general public, but stay connected to people who can help. The important thing is to find the balance that best meets your needs.

Browse our searchable list of rehabs to learn more about their privacy policies, locations, insurance coverage, and more. Also, explore the latest RehabPath News for updates about our company.

Reviewed by Rajnandini Rathod