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Why Choose Residential Rehab? 8 Benefits to Consider

When it comes to addiction treatment, there’s no one, universal approach. Psychologists and medical experts today have a better understanding of substance use disorder treatment than ever before. We now know that everyone’s path to recovery is unique and that there are many different ways to heal.

Some people want to keep up with daily responsibilities and have a strong support system at home. For these people, an outpatient program may be the best fit. Others might find their support network lacking, or face everyday stressors that could hinder their recovery efforts. In these cases, attending a residential rehab might be a more effective choice.

Residential rehab, also known as inpatient rehab, isn’t just for people who need distance from their everyday environment. Residential treatment provides you with round-the-clock care, the opportunity to fully focus on achieving your sobriety goals, an empathetic community of people undergoing similar experiences, and other supportive aspects, from on-site detox opportunities to a peer support network.

1. On-Site Detox Opportunities

Residential rehab can be an appropriate option for clients who require specialized treatment, including those who are concerned about substance withdrawal. It can be physically and psychologically uncomfortable or even dangerous to quit certain substances cold-turkey following prolonged use. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), withdrawal symptoms from substances like opioids, alcohol, and stimulants1 can range from anxiety, headaches, and nausea to delirium, hallucinations, and seizures. For this reason, undergoing detox under the supervision of experienced professionals is the safest option.

With this in mind, some inpatient rehabs provide on-site detox services. Completing a safe, medically supervised detox at the same location as your program can result in a smoother transition into treatment.

In contrast, Boston Medical Center’s HealthCity platform reports that the period following detox can “be a dangerous time if it doesn’t lead to continued treatment.”2 This is because the possibility of relapse combined with the risk of unintentional overdose. In a study by the Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center, out of 30,681 patients who were admitted to a detox facility, those who didn’t receive any treatment in the month following the detox program had the greatest mortality rates.3 By 12 months after detox, 2% had died. On the other hand, “the greatest mortality reduction, 89%, was seen among the few patients who received both medication and an inpatient residential stay within the month following detox.” These rates show a vital benefit to continuing treatment as soon as possible post-detox.

The length of an average detox program is 3 to 7 days. However, if you’re detoxing from certain substances like benzodiazepines, withdrawal symptoms can persist even after you’ve completed the program. In these cases, it’s valuable—and potentially life-saving—to have access to experienced medical staff on campus. Any continuing withdrawal symptoms can then be addressed and treated alongside therapy to help with deeper issues.
Some residential rehabs that don’t offer on-site detox work closely with detox centers in the area and can help with the transition from detox to addiction treatment.

2. A Structured Schedule

Whether it’s pressure at work or friction at home, day-to-day life is full of triggers. These triggers can lead to substance use that disrupts your daily schedule. In turn, a lack of structure in your day can produce ripe conditions for engaging in damaging habits. This is where residential rehab programs can offer unique support. When you live on-site at a facility, you’ll be following a fully scheduled treatment program.

A typical schedule at a residential center often includes opportunities for individual therapy, group meetings, and recreational activities. Medical support is also incorporated into the day’s program. Most residential programs also allow participants some downtime to unwind and digest what they’re learning. But regular schedules are strongly featured, though the level of intensiveness may vary from program to program. This routine can serve to close the gaps in time that allow cravings to grow and instead help you fully concentrate on your recovery. Time and attention that you would otherwise spend on household, family, and job responsibilities can go on pause during inpatient treatment. All scheduled activities share the goal of providing opportunities for you to give attention to yourself and your needs. At the end of the day, the most important item on your agenda at residential rehab is to work on changing your life.

Sierra Tuscon offers an example of a well-structured day at rehab.

“The residential treatment structure at Sierra Tucson makes for a busy day. Typically, individuals will wake up somewhere between 6:30 and 7:00. They receive support from nursing and our residential safety coaches in the morning, followed by breakfast and then a lodge meeting. Later in the morning, they’ll go to group lectures, group therapies, complete a two-hour process group and then they’d have a number of individual appointments. When the day starts to close down, they go for dinner and join wind-down group activities, which are meditative or artistic expressions. Finally, they end with a lodge meeting, connecting with peers, and say gratitude for the day. We start the day by setting intentions and end the day with gratitude.”

– Dr. Chasleen Chhatwal, Chief Medical Officer, Sierra Tuscon

3. A Helpful Change of Scenery

A change in environment can have a positive impact on brain chemistry,4 according to research published in the journal Nature Neuroscience. “New and diverse experiences are linked to enhanced happiness, and this relationship is associated with greater correlation of brain activity, new research has found.”

Going away for addiction treatment may provide you with the motivation you need to work on your relationships with the goal of rebuilding them when you return. On the other hand, creating physical distance can encourage emotional separation from bad influences. The time away can be a good start in distancing yourself from destructive relationships, whether you’re beginning to create permanent boundaries or taking a break to regroup and consider your options.

A change of scenery can also be a catalyst for a change in perspective. In fact, behavioral health experts recommend that we “place ourselves in situations and locations that spark growth.” But what if our regular environment seems to spark only negativity? Spending time away in different surroundings and participating in new experiences can help us view life through a different lens. This, in turn, can assist us in moving away from a negative mindset and toward a more positive outlook on life.

It’s worth noting, too, that triggers may not necessarily come from toxic relationships or stressful situations. They may also come from the mundane sights, sounds, or smells that are present in our everyday environments. Physically stepping away from these possible triggers can do a world of good and can help you find freedom from some of the basic, yet sometimes unnoticed, habits of addiction. You’re less likely to encounter some of those signals that trigger cravings when you’re in the organized, healing-focused environment of a residential facility.

4. An Immersive, Sober Environment

Residential rehabs provide a sober living environment. In most accredited rehab centers, you wouldn’t have access to the substances that could jeopardize your recovery. These centers provide an environment that’s carefully formulated to be conducive to your sobriety. This confidence can help you cope emotionally during the challenging phase of coming off of substances and transitioning into the deeper work of recovery.

5. An Understanding Peer Support Network

According to studies conducted by the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) on groups and substance abuse treatment,5 “Groups intrinsically have many rewarding benefits—such as reducing isolation and enabling members to witness the recovery of others—and these qualities draw clients into a culture of recovery. Another reason groups work so well is that they are suitable especially for treating problems that commonly accompany substance abuse, such as depression, isolation, and shame.”

These benefits can be attained in the residential rehab setting. Some are hesitant to seek treatment because of the stigma associated with substance abuse. But entering a residential treatment environment can connect you with people who truly understand the suffering that addiction brings. Clients benefit from the social dynamics at rehab facilities since they provide group support and opportunities to improve interpersonal and communication skills.

The professionals you’ll meet on campus act as understanding guides, while your recovery peers’ shared experiences create a sense of camaraderie. This environment fosters a valuable sense of connection that, in turn, can be empowering. Even meals shared with people who can relate to what you’re going through can provide comfort when you need it most.

6. Personalized Care

A person in residential treatment can truly focus on themselves, free from the constraints they left at home. It might seem difficult at first to put other obligations aside along with destructive habits, but one-on-one therapy sessions can help clients begin caring for themselves again. Opportunities to express your feelings in a confidential setting with a trustworthy therapist can help you stay on course throughout the process. Studies even show that building rapport between counselor and client can contribute to a higher possibility of continuing recovery.6

Residential rehabs offer a wide variety of programs that can cater to different clients’ needs. Since you’ll be spending considerable time at a facility, you may find it helpful to choose a treatment format that suits your personal philosophies. Many residential facilities, for example, include faith-based rehab programs; others may offer a form of animal-assisted therapy or a pet-friendly environment. Other centers may place a greater emphasis on family participation. With so many options, clients have a better chance of finding the right center for their unique set of needs. This can provide a measure of comfort during a challenging time.

7. Incorporated Complementary Therapies

According to the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), complementary therapies are non-mainstream therapy approaches7 that are used together with conventional treatments, such as talk therapy. If non-mainstream therapy is used instead of conventional medicine, it’s considered “alternative therapy.” The research shows that “most people who use non-mainstream also use conventional health care.”

Following are some examples of complementary therapies:

An important aspect of many residential rehabs is the incorporation of complementary therapies as an integral part of the treatment experience. Residential facilities that utilize these therapies recognize that this can help clients learn more about themselves by breaking old patterns and experiencing something new. Complementary therapies can integrate different aspects of a person’s thinking besides just the psychological component involved in talk therapy.

In some circumstances, talk therapy may not be as conducive to healing. Those who have experienced trauma, for example, may even risk becoming retraumatized by talking about their experiences. This is why, for example, many PTSD sufferers drop out of exposure-based therapy before seeing any results.

On the other hand, complementary therapies allow clients to access their emotions in a different, relaxing, or fun context. This can actually help them become more receptive to treatment. For example, art therapy can immerse you in the process of creative expression and open the door for breakthroughs that you may have never expected. These benefits can be a key part of the therapeutic experience and are part of the program at many residential treatment centers.

Complementary therapies are important for healing.

“In the wintertime, we’re able to go out and take advantage of skiing or snowshoeing and hiking in the mountains. In the summer we have activities like fly fishing and rafting, so that individually and together, clients can also have fun. Fun and play are super important to getting well.”

– Ryan Soave, Director of Program Development, All Points North Lodge

Whitney Armistead on All Points North’s hospitality team adds, “We offer a lot of holistic approaches to our clients’ healing process, including massage, Reiki, detox facials, a float tank; anything we can do to help our clients relax and help reset their bodies.”

8. Aftercare Provisions

Recovery doesn’t end once your time in rehab is up. Setting clients up for success when they leave residential therapy is a practical and important component of treatment. According to the U.S. National Institute of Health, “There is convincing evidence that continuing care can be effective in sustaining the positive effects of the initial phase of care.”8 With this in mind, residential rehab facilities may arrange for aftercare provisions:

  • Continuing individual therapy
  • Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
  • Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)
  • Support groups (12-Step and non-12-Step)
  • Activity – or interest-based groups

Exploring Your Options for Residential Rehab

Unplugging from your everyday surroundings for a time can be a wise choice in taking the first steps toward recovery. Making this significant life change requires time, focus, and the support of experienced treatment professionals.

Residential rehab can help by affording you the time and space you need to focus on getting well. This immersive environment provides a way to disconnect from potentially toxic relationships and surroundings, as well as important opportunities to share this journey with others who understand what you’re going through. And the complementary therapies and recovery-friendly facilities at residential treatment centers can provide enjoyable ways to access and heal new parts of yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Rehab

What are the benefits of residential rehab?

Residential rehab offers several benefits: 

• On-site detox at some centers
• Round-the-clock support
• A structured environment 
• A break from triggers
• Access to medical professionals
• Personalized treatment plans
• Therapeutic activities
• Peer support

These benefits enhance the chances of successful and long-lasting recovery.

What kind of treatment plans are offered in residential rehab?

Residential rehab offers treatment plans tailored to individual needs, although the level of personalization depends on the center. Treatment plans often include evidence-based therapies, individual and group therapy, and complementary therapies. Types of therapies and treatments vary based on the facility.

How does residential rehab provide 24/7 support?

Residential rehab provides round-the-clock support through a team of dedicated professionals. They offer continuous monitoring, guidance, and assistance. This level of support helps create a safe environment for individuals to navigate their recovery journey.

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What Happens When You Arrive at Rehab?

When you first begin rehab, you’re at the start of a big transition. It’s often helpful to know what to expect when you arrive at a residential facility. Although every rehab center has a slightly different process, there are certain things you can reasonably expect.

Above all, try to remember that the staff at your rehab facility is on your side. Their job is to help you navigate the healing process as seamlessly as possible. As daunting as recovery can be, your providers will be on hand to guide you through every step.

Traveling to Rehab

After you choose a rehab center, you’ll start making travel plans. If you’re attending rehab locally, this might be as simple as packing a bag and getting into a car. On the other hand, if you’ve chosen a destination rehab, you may need to book plane tickets, schedule a ride from the airport, and make sure your passport is up to date. These logistics may sound overwhelming; remember that you are not alone. Your program’s admissions team can answer your questions and help you decide between various options.

Many rehab centers offer their clients free transportation to and from the airport. If at all possible, it’s best to avoid traveling alone. This ensures that you’ll have emotional support throughout the process, and that you’ll arrive at the facility at the time you planned.

Arriving at Rehab

When you arrive at the rehab center, you’re beginning a new chapter of your life. As soon as you enter into the care of the program, you’ll have round-the-clock care from a team of experts.

For many people in recovery, this is a starkly different environment from the one they’ve most recently experienced. As positive as it is to have support, the adjustment period can be uncomfortable. That’s normal. It doesn’t mean that you’re doing it wrong, or that rehab isn’t for you. Do your best to be patient with yourself as you get used to your new surroundings.

One of the biggest differences between life before rehab and life in an inpatient program is the level of supervision. You can expect your providers to set clear boundaries around what is and isn’t allowed at the facility. These guidelines will be implemented from the moment you arrive on site.

Restricted Items

When you check in, someone on staff will perform a bag check. During this process, they’ll inspect your luggage, going through your belongings to see what you’ve brought with you.

Each facility has its own rules about which items are and are not allowed in the program. Sierra by the Sea, for instance, has a dress code. Clients are instructed to pack “casual, comfortable clothing that fits appropriately (no large, baggy clothing or any clothing that exposes your midriff or underwear).” Many rehabs also regulate their clients’ use of personal electronics during rehab. And you almost certainly won’t be allowed to bring weapons or substances of any kind.

Sierra by the Sea interior
Located in sunny Newport Beach, California, Sierra by the Sea requests clients to pack casual and comfortable clothing.

If you bring an item that’s not permitted, it will either be sent home with family members, or stored until you leave the program. Substances will likely be disposed of. Because this process may feel invasive to some clients, it’s best to emotionally prepare yourself in advance. Remember that you’ve come to rehab in order to get help from experts. And when you first arrive, your providers may have a better sense than you do about which boundaries are appropriate.

Health and Wellness

In this post-2020 world, you can expect to take a COVID test when you first arrive at rehab. If you test positive, different facilities may have different rules about how to proceed. As we continue to research the virus, and as more treatments and preventative measures become available, these rules may change quickly. If you have concerns about your program’s COVID protocols, make sure to find out more from the admissions team before you arrive.

You may also be asked to take a drug test, upon arrival and/or at regular intervals throughout the program. Your facility may enact certain protocols if you test positive for substances at any point in your stay. However, because rehab is tailored to meet the needs of people with substance use disorders, you can talk openly with your team about what will happen if this occurs. The more information you have, the better equipped you will be to navigate residential treatment.

Initial Assessment

During your initial assessment, you’ll talk to at least one provider about your personal history, including symptoms related to your physical and mental health. Some programs perform these assessments over the phone, before you even arrive at rehab. Others wait until you can speak to your team in person. You may even do both. This is especially likely for people who attend medical detox before rehab, and have already begun the process of recovery.

An assessment is an in-depth exploration of your personal experience with substance use. According to Alex Spritzer, Family Addiction and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at The Hope House Scottsdale, practitioners learn as much as they can about each client, looking at “social factors such as where the client existed in their illness. Were they at home? Were they far away from their family?”

“We consider their barriers to recovery, which could include fractured relationships, homelessness, joblessness and other social factors that promote continued use. And through a systematic process, we seek to reduce those barriers to recovery.”

– Alex Spritzer, Family Addiction and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, The Hope House Scottsdale

Clients may fill out paperwork, including a number of questionnaires. This information may help the psychiatric team diagnose co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety, or just get a better understanding of your emotional experience.

the orchard on the brazos
Your initial assessment with the clinical staff at The Orchard on the Brazos is held on their property in Wallis, Texas, or via telephone before you arrive.

“​​After completing the initial paperwork” at rehabs like The Orchard on the Brazos, “you will have a one-on-one meeting with a member of our clinical staff. This meeting will allow our doctors to assess your unique substance abuse patterns, as well as your medical and mental health history.”

This comprehensive process is intended to give your team all the information they need for the next step: developing a treatment plan.

Creating a Treatment Plan

Every person’s needs for recovery are unique. With this in mind, you’ll work with your treatment providers to design a plan that meets your specific needs.

Rehabs with personalized treatment take this to the next level, giving each client a great deal of control over their own experience. At these facilities, you might get to set your own schedule or choose between various therapeutic modalities.

Other rehabs have a much more structured approach to healing. Nevertheless, no recovery experience is one-size-fits-all. Even if you attend a program with a stricter framework, your providers are there to help you heal, in whichever way will be most effective. With that in mind, your treatment plan is likely to include several different components, such as:

Talk Therapy

During individual therapy, you’ll have regular one-on-one conversations with a provider. This relationship may serve as an emotional anchor throughout your time in rehab. You’ll have the opportunity to learn new strategies for managing your mental health, process what happened in your life before rehab, and integrate insights from your other experiences in the program.

Psychiatry

Some clients work with a psychiatrist during rehab. This provider will prescribe you psychiatric medications intended to help you manage your mental health. In some cases, these are only intended to help you stabilize during and immediately after detox. Other clients find that ongoing medication is an important part of their continued recovery.

Group Therapy

In group therapy, you’ll connect with the other people in your cohort. This process invites you to practice building healthy interpersonal relationships. It also encourages clients to provide each other with mutual emotional support. You may find that connecting with your peers gives you insight into your own experience that would be harder to glean from individual therapy alone.

Some clients attend focused group therapy using a specific therapeutic modality, such as DBT. You may benefit from support groups, including 12-Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous.

Experiential Therapies

Many rehabs offer some form of experiential therapy, in which clients engage in activities that help them process emotions from a new perspective. For example, you might take a dance class, go on a safari, or do a ropes course. These experiences have the potential to be both fun and meaningful.

kruger
One of the more unique experiences offered atWhite River Manor in Mpumalanga, South Africa includes a wildlife safari.

Jeanine Fourie, Therapeutic Director and Co-Owner of White River Manor explains that this rehab offers “quite a wide selection of activities. We feel that it’s important for people to find themselves. This fits into the therapeutic program.”

“Sometimes people can overcome their fear only in a practical setting, whether it’s ziplining, or bungee jumping. Sometimes that’s an important component: just learning how to have fun without being high or needing any external source of comfort.”

– Jeanine Fourie, Therapeutic Director and Co-Owner, White River Manor

Complementary Therapies

Many rehabs offer holistic modalities, such as massage, yoga, and even acupuncture. These therapies are designed to help you stay present in your body as you become reacquainted with your own needs, and learn how to meet them in a sustainable way.

Strengthening the mind-body connection may help you learn how to work through triggers whenever they arise. Simply taking a deep breath, stretching, or coming back into your body can be extremely powerful. These therapies can also have a positive impact on your physical health.

Medical Treatment

It’s quite common for clients to work with a medical team during their time in rehab. Even if you don’t have pre-existing physical health conditions, recovery can be hard on your system. As you learn or relearn how to stay in tune with your body, you may benefit from certain prescription medications, especially if you choose to undergo medical detox.

There’s more to health than treating illness. For example, even if you’re perfectly physically fit, it can be helpful to work with a nutritionist. These strategies are designed to help you build healthy habits that will support you during and after residential treatment.

Rehab Can Be a New Beginning

When you first arrive at rehab, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. You’re going through a major life transition, and there’s a lot to take in. During this time, be as gentle with yourself as you can. It may take you some time to acclimate to your surroundings.

Once you settle into residential treatment, you’ll start to find a rhythm. Your internal experience may continue to change quickly, due to insights gleaned in therapy, physical recovery, or a combination of the two. Rehab itself, however, is intended to be a stable environment in which you can do this important work.

Browse our list of rehab facilities and filter by price, location, amenities, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About What Happens When You Get to Rehab

What happens when you arrive at rehab?

When you arrive at rehab, you’ll undergo an intake process including assessments, paperwork, and orientation. You’ll get to know the center’s rules, meet your treatment team and other staff, and receive a treatment plan. This process sets the foundation for your recovery journey.

What should I pack for rehab?

You should pack essentials for rehab, including comfortable clothes, toiletries, and key documents, such as medical records. It’s important to check with the center beforehand on what to bring and what to leave behind. For example, some rehabs allow cell phones while others don’t.

What support can I expect upon arrival at rehab?

You can expect rehab staff to provide a supportive environment and guide you through the intake process. Luxury rehabs tend to be more hands-on. You can expect one-on-one meetings with clinical staff, where they get to know your unique background.

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Building Community in Rehab

Substance use disorders can be extremely isolating. These conditions are often related to difficult relationships with family, friends, or colleagues. In some cases, challenging relationships encourage unhealthy behavior. On the other hand, even the healthiest of dynamics can be undermined by untreated mental health concerns. In both cases, many people find that building community is an important part of recovery. This process can begin during residential rehab.

When you first enter inpatient treatment, you may be struggling with the idea of community. During your time there, you can work on your interpersonal skills and begin to define or redefine what social support means to you. Different facilities take various approaches to this aspect of healing. You may be getting to know a cohort of your peers, staying in touch with far-away loved ones, attending groups, or all of the above. Whatever therapeutic modalities you use, you’ll likely learn how to relate to the people around you in a healthier way.

The Impact of Substance Use Disorders on Relationships

Your illness is not your fault. It’s all too easy to blame yourself for factors outside of your control, including genetic predispositions and traumatic life experiences. No matter what, you are not to blame for simply having a substance use disorder. That being said, you can choose to change your behavior in ways that will make your relationships more sustainable. It can be very challenging to make those changes. But, with appropriate support, it is possible.

There is a complex association between social support and substance use disorders. For some clients, substance misuse feels like a solution to social isolation.1 On the other hand, previously healthy relationships may deteriorate when a person develops a substance use disorder. This often results in unsustainable social dynamics and interpersonal strife. Depending on how your community is structured, these difficulties may play out in a number of ways.

Family Dynamics

All Points North Lodge
All Points North Lodge in Vail Valley, Colorado, offers different forms of family therapy including virtual options.

Research has established that substance use disorders strongly impact immediate family members.2 Spouses and children, in particular, may experience psychological effects. This can result in codependent relationships, in which one partner tries to support a person with a substance use disorder, but unintentionally enables them instead.

If your family is struggling with issues like these, it’s important to focus on how you can heal, both individually and as a group. Family therapy may be especially beneficial here. Reconnecting with your loved ones may have a direct impact on the outcome of treatment. Research has found that “family support in the intervention process3…contributes to a higher rate of recovery success among addicts.”

Substance-Based Relationships

According to one study, “individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD) often have fewer social support network resources than those without SUDs4…these findings suggest that, to reach and maintain abstinence, it is important to maintain positive relationships and to engage self-agency to protect oneself from the influences of negative relationships.”

When you first begin healing—and especially if you start by attending inpatient rehab—you’ll probably take a break from certain relationships. And if there are people in your life who actively interfere with your recovery, your break from them might be permanent. One expert writes that even “thinking about people, places, and things associated with past [substance] use” may be associated with relapse.

As beneficial as it can be to let go of toxic dynamics, it can also be painful. Residential rehab can provide a buffer during this process. If you attend an inpatient program, you’ll be surrounded by trained professionals who have experience helping clients navigate this type of grief. In some programs, you’ll also be able to build relationships with the other people in your cohort.

Finding Comfort in Peer Support

The Hope House Scottsdale
The Hope House Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona takes in just 10 clients at a time.

At most residential rehab facilities, you’ll be in recovery alongside a group of your peers. Some rehabs have an especially strong focus on these relationships. The Hope House Scottsdale, for example, hosts no more than ten clients at a time. Brenna Gonzales, Clinical Director, describes this environment as “a tight-knit community.” These settings give you more time with your providers and may foster stronger relationships between clients themselves. And there are numerous ways to build relationships during inpatient treatment.

Group Therapy

In a group therapy setting, you’ll have the opportunity to talk about your emotional experience in a protected environment. Some modalities encourage clients to speak directly to each other, offering insight and support during the session. And even if you’re instructed not to discuss much of your personal history during therapy—as is true in dialectical behavior therapy—you may still develop an emotional connection to the people around you.

Support Groups

Although more research is needed, “peer support groups included in addiction treatment5 show much promise in potentially reducing substance use.” Some programs include 12-Step groups, such as A.A. or N.A. Others offer non-12-Step support groups that serve a similar purpose, with a slightly different philosophy. Most of these groups are designed to help you connect with those who have similar life experiences. You may find that the people in your group can offer insights you simply wouldn’t reach in more traditional talk therapy.

Experiential Therapy

Sierra by the Sea interior
Sierra by the Sea in Newport Beach, California offers experiential therapies unique to their beachside location.

In experiential therapy, clients engage in a wide variety of activities, from skiing to visiting museums. Along with other therapeutic benefits, these experiences allow you to practice interpersonal skills in a new setting. For example, if you and your cohort go through a ropes course together, you may learn valuable lessons about communication, trust, and how to take risks in a healthy way.

Healing Past Relationships

Not every rehab will connect you with a cohort. Some facilities offer individual treatment, serving only one person at a time. This can be very important for well-known clients, who may require high levels of discretion in order to effectively begin healing. However, healing in private does not mean healing in isolation. These programs are extremely personalized, with treatment plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual client. Sometimes, that means staying in touch with your family, loved ones, and even your colleagues during treatment.

Family Therapy

Many rehab centers offer family therapy. “Family” may be defined in many ways, including people such as parents, children, partners, dear friends, and chosen family members. If this modality is right for you, you may participate in regular sessions, either in person or online. Some facilities also offer support groups that are only for family members, helping them heal from adverse experiences related to a loved one’s substance use disorder.

Family therapy isn’t right for everyone. Some clients may even decide to cut ties with family members to focus on recovery. There is no right or wrong way to approach this; only the way that works best for you. It’s important to remember that you get to decide who is part of your community. And if your family is included in that, they may be a valuable source of support both during and after rehab.

Forming a Sober Support Network

Recovery doesn’t end when you leave rehab. At this stage, you’ll find yourself in a new environment, and therefore, within a new community. This community may be made up of your family and old friends, or it may be something you haven’t experienced before.

For example, before returning home, you may choose to spend time in a therapeutic (or sober living) community. These programs provide less structure than inpatient rehab, while still supporting a healthy lifestyle for people with substance use disorders. These environments can be helpful for people who do not have strong support networks to return to. As one expert writes about the value of community in recovery,6 “Individuals with substance abuse problems who are living in a collaborative housing setting will have their addiction treated more effectively than [those] not residing in a community-based facility.”

If and when you do return home, community will continue to be important. You may find support from 12-Step or similar support groups, which will allow you to connect with peers in your area. Many rehab programs also have strong alumni programs, through which you can stay connected with your cohort.

And as important as these programs are, they aren’t everything. After rehab, you’ll also start to create a life that feels rich and meaningful, without relying on substance use. You may engage in new hobbies, meet people with similar interests, and find healthy ways to have fun. This may sound frivolous, but in fact, it is an absolutely essential part of recovery. Research has shown that “increasing recovery-supportive social connections can have a profound benefit for achieving and maintaining abstinence.”7

The Effect of Community Support on Long-Term Recovery

When considering the importance of community for people recovering from substance use disorders, many researchers refer to a study conducted in the early 1980s, commonly known as “Rat Park.”8

In his study, researcher Brian Alexander began by giving rats free access to water laced with opiates. He found that when given a choice between plain water and drugged water, solitary rats would continue drinking the opiate solution until they overdosed. Another group of rats was placed in an enclosure he called Rat Park. As it was later described by journalist Johann Hari, this environment was “basically heaven for rats. They’ve got loads of cheese, they’ve got loads of colored balls, they’ve got loads of tunnels. Crucially, they’ve got loads of friends.” Faced with the same choice between drugged and pure water, none of the subjects in Rat Park overdosed.

This research paints a clear picture. When a subject’s needs for food, enrichment, and— perhaps most importantly—community are met, then they’re able to create healthier habits. In light of this, it is absolutely essential for people with substance use disorders to build strong support networks.9

The Rat Park experiment is not without flaws.10 Some experts critique it as an oversimplification. And indeed, this theory of substance misuse focuses only on the idea of a subject’s current environment. It ignores genetics, life history, and the effects of long-term stress, all of which can contribute to a person’s mental health. However, more robust research continues to support one of its findings: that strong communities can help guard against substance misuse.

One study, conducted in 2021, analyzed several social factors as potential risk and protective factors for substance misuse.11 Researchers found that “those with a greater number of close friends had more strengths and fewer barriers” to addiction recovery. This suggests that one’s relationships, and not just one’s environment, support the process of healing.

Recovering Your Relationship With the World Around You

Much like the process of recovery, building community takes time. Many clients enter rehab with much to learn about how to engage in healthy relationships. You may need to practice setting boundaries, expressing your needs, or navigating group dynamics. And as much progress as you might make during rehab, you’ll find yourself learning a whole new set of skills after treatment.

Remember that a strong community is more than a checkbox. It is a complex, living, breathing, changing group of people, all of whom relate to each other in unique ways. And as you reconsider your relationship with substances, you may also redefine what you need in your relationships with other people. Your support network might look very different after rehab than it did earlier in your life. And for some people, that can be extremely healthy.

To learn more about the ways different facilities foster community, browse our list of rehab centers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Building Community in Rehab

Why is building community important in the rehab process?

Building community in rehab fosters support, connection, and a sense of belonging. It creates a safe environment for patients to share experiences, offer encouragement, and learn from each other. Strong interpersonal relationships help support the healing process.

What are the benefits of peer support in rehab?

Peer support in rehab offers several benefits:

• Fosters mutual understanding and empathy
• Enhances motivation and accountability 
• Creates a sense of shared journey  
• Provides inspiration 
• Reduces feelings of isolation
• Increases the likelihood of long-term recovery

How is community built in rehab?

Community is built in rehab through various activities including group therapy, support groups, experiential therapy, outings, and shared responsibilities. These activities promote social interaction, communication, and collaboration. They foster a supportive environment for people to share and learn from one another.

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Detoxification: Frequently Asked Questions

Detoxification is the first step in addiction treatment for many people. We’re here to help you learn more about what it entails, what it feels like, and whether or not you can detox at home.

Understanding Detox

How Does Detox Work?

Detoxing is the process of allowing substances to leave your system and managing withdrawal symptoms that may follow. Your substance use history will affect your detox experience and determine whether or not you need medication-assisted treatment.

A few hours after you stop using substances, your body begins to recalibrate as they leave your system. During this adjustment period, you may develop withdrawal symptoms, which occur in stages:1 early, peak, and late.

Early stage: Generally 6 to 12 hours–or even up to 30 hours after you’ve stopped using–mild withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or difficulty sleeping may occur.

Peak stage: At the peak stage, symptoms are at their worst and can include vomiting, tremors and chills. This usually occurs 72 hours after you’ve stopped using opiates or 24 to 48 hours after you’ve stopped drinking. Because of the discomfort, relapse is likely during this stage. It’s important to have a strong support system around you, along with medical supervision.

Late stage: At this stage, your body is starting to get used to the absence of substances. Any withdrawal symptoms you may have had will start to die down.

Why supervised detox? Remember that the purpose of a supervised detox is to minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms and ensure you’re safely clearing your body of substances.

When Is Detox Required?

Whether or not you need detox depends on your history of substance use, including factors such as the type of substance used as well as the duration and level of use.

Withdrawal from certain substances, such as benzodiazepines or alcohol, can be life-threatening. That, combined with the physiological effects of frequent exposure to substances,2 means it’s recommended to receive a medical evaluation from a medical professional before attempting to detox.

You may want to consider getting an evaluation for detox if you notice the following signs of substance or alcohol abuse, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5):

  • Cravings for substances
  • Using more substances than you plan to
  • Inability to cut down or stop substance use
  • Taking substances for longer than intended
  • Trouble maintaining relationships due to substance use
  • Continuing to use substances, even when it negatively impacts your life

Can I Detox From Drugs at Home?

For your safety, it’s never recommended to detox from drugs at home without supervision.

Not all substance detoxification is lethal. However, withdrawal from certain substances, such as alcohol withdrawal, can potentially be life-threatening.3 More serious symptoms include hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens.

It’s always safest to detox under the supervision of specialized, experienced medical professionals.

You don’t always have to go through detox at a hospital or rehab facility. If you have a strong support system at home and your condition doesn’t require hospitalization, you may be able to opt for outpatient detox.4

How Long Do I Need to Detox For?

How Long Does Detox Typically Last in Rehab?

The duration of the detoxification process in rehab depends on your substance use background and the substance you’re detoxing from. On average, detox takes 3 to 7 days.

The time it takes to detox from commonly used substances varies:

  • Alcohol: 5 to 7 days
  • Benzodiazepines: One day to several months until treatment is introduced
  • Opiates: Up to 7 days (however, it’s possible to develop post-acute withdrawal symptoms5 that last weeks, months, or even years)
  • Cocaine: Up to 7 days
  • Heroin: 5 to 7 days

Detoxing From Different Substances

Alcohol

Do I Need to Detox From Alcohol?

Whether or not you need to detox from alcohol depends on how long and how much you’ve been drinking.

The media often portrays people who are addicted to alcohol as living disarrayed lives. The truth is, addiction can affect anyone—many people suffer from high-functioning alcoholism. If you notice signs of alcohol addiction, you may consider getting an evaluation for detox:

  • drinking more, or for a longer, than intended;
  • trying to stop drinking, but being unable to;
  • spending a lot of time drinking or dealing with the aftereffects of drinking;
  • continued drinking even when it negatively interferes with work or relationships;
  • and more.

Alcohol detox carries a high risk for potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, like delirium tremens (DT).6 It’s safest to detox from alcohol under medical supervision.

If you plan to attend rehab, most residential facilities require you to be substance-free for a certain period of time before starting treatment. You can find out whether or not you’ll need to detox from alcohol during the admissions process. You have several options for detox, including on-site detox at certain rehabs.

Can I Safely Detox From Alcohol at Home?

No. Complications from alcohol withdrawal7 can pose severe to life-threatening side effects. It’s never recommended to detox from alcohol at home.

Side effects like delirium tremens (DT) can lead to chronic memory disorders or life-threatening seizures. DT side effects often don’t show up until 2 to 3 days after you’ve last ingested alcohol.

Even if you don’t experience life-threatening side effects, because of the extreme discomfort of withdrawal, you’re more likely to relapse if you try to detox from alcohol at home8 in comparison to detoxing under medical supervision.

How Long Does It Take To Detox From Alcohol?

It usually takes about 5 to 7 days to detox from alcohol.

What Does Alcohol Detox Feel Like?

Most people experience varying levels of discomfort when detoxing from alcohol. As alcohol leaves your system, you can experience mild to severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms:9

  • Sleep disturbances, like insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Irritability
  • Tremors
  • Headaches
  • Anxiety
  • Visual and auditory disturbances
  • Cardiovascular complications, like rapid heart rate
  • Muscle pain and stiffness

The discomfort alcohol withdrawal causes can lead people to relapse, especially if they try to detox alone at home.

When you detox under medical supervision, clinical staff help monitor your condition, soothe your symptoms, and offer round-the-clock support. Detoxing under medical supervision enhances both your safety and comfort.

Benzodiazepines

Can I Detox From Benzodiazepines at Home?

You should never try to detox from benzodiazepines, or “benzos,” alone at home.

Unsupervised withdrawal from benzodiazepines can result in life-threatening side effects.10 Because of the potential severity of these withdrawals, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends “patients taking benzodiazepines should not suddenly stop taking them11 without first discussing a plan with your health care professional for slowly decreasing the dose and frequency.”

It’s also not recommended to quit cold turkey following long-term use; a large number of people have reported negative and long-lasting side effects of benzo withdrawal.12

How Long Does It Take To Detox From Benzodiazepines?

It takes one day to several months (until treatment is introduced) to detox from benzodiazepines. Withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, vomiting, and nausea peak within the first 14 days after you last ingested benzodiazepines.

What Does Benzodiazepines Detox Feel Like?

Detoxing from benzodiazepines can present a wide range of uncomfortable side effects. Because detoxing from benzos can be so uncomfortable, one of the goals of medically supervised detox is to help soothe patients’ discomfort while ensuring their safety.

Some of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines13 include Valium, Xanax, Halcion, Ativan, and Klonopin. They have similar withdrawal symptoms, however, Xanax may cause more severe symptoms.

When you detox from benzodiazepines after your body has become physiologically dependent on them, you may experience mild to severe withdrawal symptoms:

  • Headaches
  • Increased anxiety
  • Sweating
  • Racing heartbeat
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle spasms
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Restlessness
  • Hand tremors
  • Aches and pains

Benzos withdrawal symptoms occur in stages and depend on your history of substance use.

Stage 1: You may first notice short-lived symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia within 1 to 4 days of benzos discontinuation.14

Stage 2: Peak withdrawal symptoms occur in the second stage, which many people describe as the most difficult phase to overcome. This usually lasts 10 to 14 days.

Stage 3: An estimated 10 to 25% of people who use benzodiazepines for an extended period of time experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms,15 or PAWS. During this stage, you’ll notice a return of anxiety and other withdrawal symptoms until you begin to address them with some form of professional addiction treatment.

Opioids

What Does It Feel Like to Detox From Opioids?

Detoxing from opioids can present highly uncomfortable psychological and physical effects16 depending on your past substance use and severity of dependence. These symptoms can arise whether you’re detoxing from medically prescribed pain relievers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine, or illicit opiates, such as heroin.

During detox, as substances leave your system, you’ll begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. The extent of these symptoms depends on your substance use history, severity of use, and whether you’re detoxing from immediate-release opioids17 (such as morphine) or extended-release opioids18 (such as methadone), as defined by the CDC.

Opioid withdrawal symptoms19 are often uncomfortable. They can include anxiety, rapid heart rate, muscle pain, runny or watery eyes, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, and more.

Opiate withdrawal can be lethal.20 It’s always recommended to detox under the guidance of an addiction-specialized healthcare professional.

With short-acting opioids, withdrawals typically begin 8 to 24 hours after your last use. With long-acting opioids, withdrawal symptoms can onset 12 to 48 hours after the last use.

How to Detox From Opioids

While usually not life-threatening, opiate withdrawal can be lethal. Therefore, you should always detox from opiates under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

Whether you detox at a hospital, private detox center, or on-site at a residential rehab facility, you should have healthcare workers available to you 24 hours a day.

If you were using short-acting opioids, withdrawal symptoms will onset 8 to 24 hours after your last use. For long-acting opioids, withdrawal symptoms present themselves 12 to 48 hours after last use.

Mild opioid withdrawal management:
If you have mild withdrawal symptoms, treatment providers will ensure you consume 2 to 3 liters of water a day, along with vitamin B and C supplements to replenish lost fluids. They will also observe and monitor your symptoms 3 to 4 times a day using a Short Opioids Withdrawal Scale (SOWS).21

Moderate to severe opioid withdrawal management:
Clinicians will follow the same management techniques as with mild withdrawal cases. However, they may also use medication to minimize the severity of symptoms.

It should be noted that while detox is the first step in addiction treatment, it should be followed up with an addiction treatment program to create lasting changes to addictive behaviors.

How Long Does Opioid Detox Take?

It may take up to 7 days for opioids to fully leave your body. However, withdrawal symptoms may last longer than that.

For immediate-release opioids, withdrawal symptoms can last 4 to 10 days. For extended-release opioids, withdrawal symptoms can last 10 to 20 days

Depending on your opioid use background, it’s possible to develop post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS).22 These can last weeks, months, or even years after you’ve last taken opiates. Some of these symptoms include memory issues, irritability, and depressed moods.

There is treatment for PAWS, which can be administered over the period of time you’re experiencing symptoms. Aftercare is critical to addiction treatment. If you’ve completed a treatment program, your aftercare counselor or therapist can help you identify PAWS symptoms and recommend a treatment plan. Or, you can search for rehabs that offer detox programs and speak to an intake specialist about PAWS treatment.

Cocaine

How long does it take to detox from cocaine?

It takes up to 7 days to detox from cocaine. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms are generally more psychological than physical and can include agitation, depression, anxiety, and other effects on your mood.

Where can I Detox?

You can detox at several different types of facilities. While it should be noted that not all at-home detox is lethal, detoxing from certain substances can pose life-threatening risks. It’s always recommended to detox under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

You can undergo substance abuse detox at several types of facilities:

  • Hospitals
  • Residential rehabs (not all inpatient rehabs offer on-site detox)
  • Private detox centers

How Long Do Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

On average, it takes 3 to 7 days for substances to leave your system. However, withdrawal symptoms can persist even after you’re substance-free.

Alcohol withdrawal timeline: Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol typically begin about 6 hours after you’ve last ingested a drink. They can last up to 72 hours after your last drink. In more severe yet rare cases, moderate withdrawal symptoms, such as alcohol hallucinosis, can last for up to a month.23

Benzodiazepines withdrawal timeline: Withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines usually last 10 to 14 days. However, some people can develop post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS), which is a return of withdrawal symptoms several months after last use.

Opioid withdrawal timeline: For immediate-release opioids, withdrawal symptoms can last 4 to 10 days. For extended-release opioids, withdrawal symptoms can last 10 to 20 days. Depending on your substance use history, it’s also possible to develop PAWS from opioids. These symptoms may last weeks, months, or even years after you’ve last taken opioids.

Cocaine withdrawal timeline: Withdrawal usually begins 90 minutes following the last dose. Cocaine withdrawal symptoms,24 such as irritability and cravings, can last up to 10 weeks depending on your level of dependency.

Detox Costs

How Much Does Detox Cost?

The cost of detox This depends on the substance you’re detoxing from, the level of care, the length of treatment, and the detox facility.

In the U.S., the cost of detox at a private rehab can range from less than $10,000 to over $75,000 per month. Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most of these private rehab centers accept insurance.

To learn more about your options for detox treatment, browse through our list of detox centers.

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Discover Private and Peaceful Recovery in Switzerland

For many decades, Switzerland has been a destination for healing and wellness. In the past, visitors from all over the world would travel to Lake Geneva to soak in the mineral water and enjoy the clean air and picturesque countryside. Switzerland was known as a place where people suffering from physical and mental illnesses could find respite and peace.

Today, that healing legacy continues at rehabs in Switzerland. Switzerland has made a name for itself as a place for those struggling with addiction and mental health disorders to recover without sacrificing their comfort or privacy. Like the many visitors who took to its healing waters in the 19th century, people struggling with addiction today travel to Switzerland to heal in a unique, resort-like setting. For executives and ultra-high-net-worth individuals in particular, this country offers top-of-the-line care in a pristine location.

Healing at the Foot of the Alps

Switzerland is a country full of crystal blue lakes and snow-capped mountains. The Alps make up over 60% of this small nation, so virtually every town has a view of these iconic mountains. The largest lake in the country is Lake Geneva, also called Lake Leman. This crescent shape body of water is bordered by France to the north and is famous for its glassy surface and stunning views.

The largest cities in Switzerland are German-speaking Zurich and French-speaking Geneva. In Zürich, visitors will find a historic city with winding cobblestone streets in the old town, which can make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. But Zurich is more than just a beautiful place. ​​As Jan Gerber, CEO of Paracelsus Recovery, says: “The city of Zurich regularly gets the top spot in international rankings for the best city to live in, and there are various reasons for that. First and foremost, it’s a safe, clean, well-organized, very Swiss place.”

Zurich is one of the safest cities in the world,1 and offers the conveniences of city life without the hustle and bustle. “It’s the right size, Zurich,” says Gerber. “It’s not a bustling metropolis that’s always noisy, with sirens and motor sounds in the background. It’s very calm. We’re quite central here, and when you open the window, it’s absolutely silent most of the time.”

Paracelsus location
Paracelsus Recovery is surrounded by the serene city of Zurich, Switzerland.

The second-largest city in Switzerland is Geneva. Long known as both a tourist destination and for its mineral springs resorts, Geneva is a small, scenic city with a view of Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in the Alps. The city is deeply influenced by its French culture, making it a popular destination for francophiles. Between Zurich and Geneva is stunning countryside, which is dotted with historic stone castles2 that give the country a romantic, fairy-tale-like quality.

The climate in Switzerland is relatively moderate, with warmer summers and colder winters. The average temperature in the summer is between 65 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 28 degrees Celsius), while average winter temperatures range from 28 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 to -7 degrees Celsius). Visitors should expect snow in the winter months, and ample sunshine in the summer. At treatment centers that are higher up in the mountains, the temperatures are cooler, particularly in the winter. In many parts of the Alps, the glaciers never melt and visitors can ski all year long.

Between the snow-capped mountains and historic cities, the magical qualities of Switzerland can help those seeking treatment find inspiration for a new way of life. Switzerland offers patients the chance to take a break, both physically and mentally, from their lives back home, all in a picturesque environment that’s unlike any other place in the world.

A Safe and Private Place for Recovery

Many patients choose to recover in Switzerland because it’s safe, diverse, and private. Because it’s at the crossroads of many European countries, Switzerland is often seen as a hub for the continent. The small country has three national languages: French, German, and Italian. Depending on where you are in Switzerland, you can experience a variety of European cultures. Switzerland is also known for being politically neutral. It’s the home of the United Nations, and frequently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world.3

Switzerland is a banking and finance hub, drawing in business people from across the globe. Zurich is the hub of Switzerland’s banking industry and is a destination for many travelers. The country’s long history in business and finance may attract high-net-worth individuals and executives, who will find others with similar experiences and interests in the country. In fact, many rehabs in Switzerland are geared toward this clientele.

The open-mindedness and diversity of Swiss people, as well as their well-respected medical system, mean that rehabs in this country tend to offer innovative treatments. Some of these involve the entire family. For example, Clinic Les Alpes in Montreaux has a family program that offers mental health care for families of those struggling with addiction. According to their team, “At Clinic Les Alpes, we focus on how addiction affects the family since they aren’t treated as peripheral to the person admitted for treatment. Their needs are fully recognized, validated, and separately responded to. While they will have a very important part to play in the treatment of their loved one, it will be just as important for them to receive help in their own right.”

It’s common for rehabs in Switzerland to treat co-occurring disorders, including trauma, eating disorders, and depression, which is a common diagnosis for affluent people.4 To appeal to that audience, treatment centers here are designed to feel like hotels or luxury vacation rentals, which appeal to the comfort and expectations of those from higher income brackets.

Clinic Les Alpes drawing room
A peek into Clinic Les Alpes in Montreux, Switzerland.

For high-powered individuals, choosing to go to rehab can be a daunting decision. Those with higher-stakes reputations or who live in the public eye often struggle to find the anonymity they need to heal. Unlike other locations that focus on group therapy, rehabs in Switzerland prioritize privacy and limit outside stressors—like the pressure that many executives feel to keep running their business while in treatment. Many high-net-worth individuals are drawn to luxury rehabs in this region that take a one-client-at-a-time approach, offering a unique place to recover in solitude.

The One Client at a Time Model

Many treatment centers in Switzerland opt for the single-client model, including Paracelsus Recovery and CALDA Clinic. This approach is the ultimate option for privacy and confidentiality and is designed for celebrities, politicians, and high-profile business people who can’t be treated in more public facilities.

Single-client rehabs are designed so that only one client is in the center at any given time. Because you’re the only person receiving treatment, you will receive the complete focus of your care providers. There is no group therapy, and the rehab facility is totally private. And because there is only one patient, these programs are also highly customizable. They often offer bespoke programs that fit the needs of the patient, including incorporating family visits, business meetings, access to a driver, and highly specialized program offerings or treatments.

calda clinic slide 0
Five-star hospitality services at CALDA Clinic in Zurich, Switzerland include a private butler and chef.

Centers that intake one client at a time tend to be holistic and integrated. This includes mental and physical health care, along with emotional and spiritual support. Patients typically stay in luxury accommodations and have access to outdoor activities, personal trainers, nutrition support, and a wide variety of cutting-edge therapeutic treatments. And because this environment is a unique way to get care, single-client rehab centers provide ample aftercare to support patients as they transition back to their daily lives.

Treatment for Executives

Along with offering single-client style treatment, many rehab centers in Switzerland focus their attention on caring for executives in recovery. Executives have unique needs when it comes to treatment. They’re used to fast-paced, high-stress jobs, and may be concerned about the ability of their team to manage their business without them. Many executives also worry about privacy and confidentiality. They don’t want their healing journey to be painted in a way that might damage the reputation of their company or brand.

Luxury rehabs in Switzerland understand the unique stressors of this group because they have deep roots in business and finance. Many recovery centers offer access to the internet, phones, or even conference rooms so executives can fulfill their professional duties while in treatment. This is quite different from other centers, in which patients are totally cut off from the outside world. Rehabs that are designed for executives understand that not all CEOs can step away from work for an entire month.

On top of treatment for substance use, many of the centers that specialize in executive treatment also include treatment for anxiety. Studies show that 10-40% of people struggling with alcohol or drug addiction have an anxiety disorder.5 Executives, who are in high-stress roles and feel constant pressure to achieve, are likely to experience symptoms of anxiety at some point in their careers. By treating underlying anxiety and panic, executives can find healthy ways to cope without substances.

Rehabs for executives also frequently offer customized programs that appeal to this group’s passion for productivity. For example, they might offer therapy on creating healthy work habits or finding work-life balance. These treatments will prepare executives to live a healthier and more sustainable life when they return to the office.

Traveling to Switzerland

Switzerland is widely accessible by plane, and most clients fly into one of the country’s many airports. Both Zurich and Geneva have airports, as well as the larger towns of Bern and Lugano. If you’re located in continental Europe, you may also choose to have a sobriety coach or loved one drive you to the center, or accompany you via train to ensure you arrive safely. Rehabs typically offer car services from the airport or train station, particularly at bespoke or ultra-private centers.

Jan Gerber of Paracelsus notes: “From a medical travel perspective, Switzerland is great because it’s very easy to come to Switzerland no matter where you’re from. A lot of our clients come from countries where you normally need a visa to travel to this part of the world. When you come for medical treatments, it’s quite easy to access Switzerland.”

In terms of the environment itself, Switzerland offers both bustling cities and rural retreats. Centers in Zurich and Geneva will have a more metropolitan vibe, though these cities are on the smaller side, with only a few hundred thousand residents each. That means that patients can enjoy city life without sacrificing peace and quiet. Meanwhile, mountainside chalets and rural retreats offer the opportunity for patients to heal privately while surrounded by nature.

No matter where you choose to get treatment, Switzerland is a geographically small country, and it’s relatively easy to travel from one city or town to another. If you’re hoping to partake in hiking, skiing, or other outdoor recreational activities as part of your healing journey, there are options near virtually every city or town.

What to Do in Switzerland

Patients who choose to get care in Switzerland are often drawn to the area because of its skiing and hiking opportunities. Others are attracted to the historic and cultural aspects of the country: Switzerland has more than 900 museums in total, the most famous being the National Museum of Zurich.

Treatment centers in the area take advantage of the cultural and natural wonders Switzerland has to offer. Clinic Les Alpes, for example, offers both adventure therapy and art therapy. They describe their approach to adventure therapy in recovery: “At a height of 1200 meters, Clinic Les Alpes has many winter-themed activities, such as snowshoeing in the forests and sledging, while in summer, hikes in alpine meadows and forests, along with excursions to lake Geneva and picnics in the wildflower meadows.” Meanwhile, their art therapy program “provides an environment where the kind of creative thinking that enhances our recovery can be stimulated and facilitated by our highly qualified Art Psychotherapists.”

The CALDA Clinic in Zurich also allows patients to explore the local area and enjoy its natural beauty. They offer shopping and sightseeing excursions with a chaperone, as well as dance therapy, horseback riding lessons, and equine therapy. The CALDA Clinic sees these treatments as an instrumental part of treating addiction because they help alleviate the underlying stress and trauma that often leads to substance abuse. “In my opinion, chronic stress and how we react to it is the source of nearly every problem,” says the clinic’s founder Dr. Claudia M. Elsig.

Calda clinic spa
CALDA Clinic offers plenty of opportunity to explore the breathtaking nature that surrounds its property in Zurich, Switzerland.

Finally, if skiing is a part of your recovery plan, Switzerland has several world-renowned Alpine ski resorts, including Grindelwald, St. Moritz, and Zermatt. Skiing, snow-shoeing, hiking, and other activities found in the Swiss mountains can help patients heal both physically and mentally, while enjoying the views from the snowy peaks.

Rediscover Yourself in Switzerland

Many patients find that removing themselves from their current environment allows them to reconnect with their sense of self—and ultimately find healing. Traveling can be a powerful way to force yourself out of old patterns, and Switzerland is a particularly beautiful and safe place to break free of toxic habits and reconnect with yourself.

For high-net-worth individuals and executives, Switzerland offers a unique opportunity to start recovery in a confidential and safe space. The country is known worldwide for its private facilities and its focus on patients who may struggle to find care elsewhere. Plus, its focus on co-occurring disorders means that patients who struggle with more than just substance abuse can find healing here.

Though some rehabs in Switzerland may look like resorts from the outside, they are so much more than that. They offer innovative and holistic therapies to help you rebuild your life from the ground up, with continuing care to help you stay on track even after you return home. With so much natural beauty around you, it’s hard not to find something in Switzerland that will inspire you to move forward and embrace all that life has to offer.

See our curated list of rehabs in Switzerland.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab in Switzerland

What makes rehabs in Switzerland stand out from other rehab destinations?

Switzerland’s unique blend of medical expertise, luxury amenities, five-star service, and stunning nature sets it apart from other international rehab destinations. With a strong focus on privacy, individual treatment, and top-quality healthcare, Switzerland offers a comprehensive and rejuvenating rehab experience.

How do rehabs in Switzerland ensure privacy and confidentiality?

Rehabs in Switzerland ensure privacy through ethical practices, tight security, discreet staff, and secluded settings. Some luxury rehabs treat one client at a time for utmost privacy. With a commitment to confidentiality, clients can focus on their recovery without worrying about compromising their privacy.

What support services do Swiss rehabs provide for international clients?

Swiss rehabs offer comprehensive support for international clients, including concierge services, travel assistance, translation services, cultural adaptation support, and personalized aftercare plans. These services ensure that international clients feel comfortable throughout their recovery journey in Switzerland, especially at ultra-luxury rehabs.
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Elite Recovery: How Social Status Affects Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders can affect people from all walks of life. And despite certain cultural stereotypes, elite clients may be especially vulnerable. Because people with high status face a specific set of stressors, they also have unique needs during recovery. If you’re a person who faces these unique challenges, it may be helpful to seek out a rehab that caters to luxury clientele.

These programs are specifically designed to provide support for people who are accustomed to a certain standard of living. What’s more, the staff at these facilities are highly qualified to help people of your demographic. By working with people who can intuitively understand your personal history, your current experience, and your goals for the future, you may have a much easier time approaching recovery.

Luxury rehabs are there to help you live your best life. In this type of treatment, you won’t be asked to give up the amenities you rely on, and you won’t be pressured to make changes that might jeopardize your future. Instead, your team will help you learn to navigate ongoing stress and triggers, without giving up the most meaningful parts of your life.

Stress and Socioeconomic Status

Every person has their own experience of stress. Elite social status doesn’t protect you from this. It may actually increase your stress levels, and as a result, make you more vulnerable to certain mental health conditions.

One expert writes, “Stress is a well-known risk factor in the development of addiction1 and in addiction relapse vulnerability.” Even the most affluent lifestyles may come with unique difficulties. As you consider attending rehab, you might benefit from reflecting on which areas of your life are the most challenging, in spite of their potential rewards.

The Weight of Reputation

People with high social status also tend to have high visibility. Whether your position comes from your family, your career, or any other source, it can feel as though you’re being scrutinized by the public. Your actions may reflect on the people around you, including your loved ones, colleagues, and employees. If you have celebrity status, your behavior may even have a direct impact on the lives of your fanbase.

When your behavior has such far-reaching consequences, it’s natural to feel pressure to perform. And because of the stigma surrounding substance use disorders,2 well-known figures may delay admitting that they need help. However, new research suggests that the public acknowledgment of mental health conditions can “serve as a powerful method of communication to increase awareness of mental health3 and normalize psychiatric illnesses.

Great Responsibility

Some elite clients have a great deal of responsibility. This is often true of high-level executives, who may be responsible for the success of their colleagues, shareholders, and employees. Others may have responsibilities to their family, or even to the public.

When people are depending on you, you may be concerned about letting them down. And if you have a substance use disorder, you may struggle with associated guilt and shame about your condition. But you’re only human. If you had a physical illness, seeking treatment would be seen as reasonable and responsible. Although it may not feel this way, the same is true of mental health diagnoses. Asking for help is not a failure.

Orenda at Futures
Orenda at Futures in Tequesta, Florida, has a comprehensive treatment program for high-level executives, complete with plush amenities.

Affluence and Mental Health

Although it can bring people great security and pleasure, material success does not protect your mental health.4 In fact, your annual income may be directly related to your experience of stress. In a 2018 study, “researchers found that people who earn between $51,000 and $75,000 generally feel the least stressed. By contrast, of those who make an income of $200,000 or more, nearly 70 percent said they feel stressed.”

And stress is just one component of mental health. Additionally, affluent people “are at a higher risk for depression.”5 For some clients—but certainly not all—this can be related to your attitude about your finances.

Managing wealth requires a great deal of emotional energy. And when you’re responsible for protecting yourself, your family, or your legacy, that may be unavoidable. However, it’s important to remember that your finances are just one aspect of your life. You are more than your external circumstances. It’s easy for elite clients to lose track of this, and as a result, become disconnected from the activities that make them feel most fulfilled.

Substance Misuse Among Luxury Clients

Perhaps due to these unique and isolating stressors, substance use disorders are common among high-powered clients. As one expert writes, “While money itself doesn’t cause addiction or substance abuse, wealth has been linked with a higher susceptibility to addiction problems.”6

In addition, numerous studies have found that in particular, the children of wealthy parents are extremely vulnerable to substance use disorders.7 In fact, teens of high socioeconomic status are significantly more likely to use alcohol and drugs than those with less privilege.

The stereotypical image of a substance user as destitute couldn’t be further from the truth. While it’s true that people with this diagnosis may come from any social class, substance misuse is likely on the rise among the elite. Reporting for Forbes, Alice Walton writes, “The prevalence of substance abuse in the CEO circle8 is hard to gauge because it is so clandestine—these are not the people who are checking themselves into rehab, they’re the people who [are] staying out of it and continuing to function. A recent study from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that about 20% of alcoholics are high functioning and well-educated. Prescription medication addiction is rising in many circles, the C-suite among them.”

However, this demographic also experiences unique barriers to treatment. Walton goes on to explain that some elite clients may be less trusting, and therefore resistant to receiving care. What’s more, many high-powered clients are high-functioning substance users. If you’re used to performing under pressure, you may be able to keep up appearances for a long time, despite overwhelming emotional turmoil. “There’s often the if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it mentality.”

It can be difficult to internalize the idea that you don’t need to lose everything before you admit you need treatment. This can be especially hard for clients who enjoy an especially high standard of living. If you’re accustomed to a certain lifestyle, it can be difficult to imagine giving it up, even temporarily.

Many elite clients may delay seeking help because they’re unable to step away from pressing responsibilities. And others have trouble considering inpatient treatment because they’re concerned about leaving certain amenities behind. Fortunately, some rehab programs are designed specifically for these clients. You may be able to benefit from inpatient treatment without losing access to the healthy parts of a lifestyle you love.

Luxury Rehabs for High-Powered Clients

There are luxury rehab programs all over the world. These upscale facilities are capable of offering treatment to elite clients, without interrupting their access to important amenities. You may even be able to attend a bespoke rehab facility that will tailor the program to suit your exact standards.

Mercui Recovery interior
Stays at Mercui Recovery combine privacy and comfort with luxury.

Personalized Treatment

Many rehabs offer individualized treatment. These programs may be personalized in a number of ways, giving clients a great deal of control over their own recovery processes. For example, you may be able to decide what type of therapy you participate in, how much access you have to technology, and how long you spend in residence.

Clients at Mercui Recovery, for example, are housed in “private luxury accommodations in a natural wilderness environment.” This rehab boasts five-star service, offering clinical therapy, business coaching, massage, and infrared sauna therapy, among many other modalities. By serving only one client at a time, they offer the utmost discretion and highly personalized care.

Executive Treatment

High-level executives may have difficulty leaving work to attend rehab. To accommodate their needs, some programs allow you to work remotely while you’re in residence. Orenda at Futures, for instance, provides executive clients with a private workspace during their stay.

The team at this facility recognizes that this hard-working demographic has a unique set of needs, goals, and barriers to treatment. Clients have the freedom to work during rehab, while still receiving care of the highest quality.

Luxury Amenities

Recovery is hard work, but parts of it can be enjoyable! Remember: rehab is an opportunity for you to reset. Finding activities you can healthily enjoy is a very important part of the healing process.

Luxury rehabs offer a wide variety of amenities. White River Manor, in South Africa, offers spa services, one-on-one personal training, and Pilates. At Sierra Tucson, you can engage in equine therapy, acupuncture, yoga, and more. Many programs also invite clients on adventure outings. You might go on a safari, swim with the dolphins, or explore the rim of a volcano.

White River Manor spa
White River Manor in South Africa caters to their clientele with a host of luxury amenities, including spa services.

Some therapeutic modalities—such as mindfulness and meditation—are commonly found at holistic rehabs. This approach is designed to treat every aspect of a client’s health as a whole, and may focus on strengthening the mind-body connection.

Healing is hard work. However, one of rehab’s main goals is to help you create a life you love, even without the use of illicit substances. At the right facility, you won’t be denied access to the activities you find most meaningful and fulfilling. On the contrary, you’ll be encouraged to learn new skills, and develop healthier habits as a result.

Living a Life You Love, Sustainably

When you complete inpatient treatment, you may ultimately decide to return home. This is not a necessity, of course. And you may first spend time in a transitional facility, such as a sober living environment. But for elite clients, especially those who continue working during rehab, it’s often the appropriate choice.

Returning to your previous environment may mean that your stress levels increase. Although that can be challenging, it’s not necessarily a barrier to recovery. From the moment you arrive at rehab, your team will begin to help you strategize ways to avoid or cope with relapse. Some programs, like Orenda at Futures, may also offer you in-person support for social functions that may be triggering.

Perhaps most importantly, remember that a life without substance use can still be fun. For some clients, it proves to be even more fun and more meaningful than life before rehab. The goal of healing is not to deny yourself life’s many pleasures. Instead, you’ll learn how to live your life to the fullest, in a much more sustainable way.

Recovery on Your Own Terms

Everyone deserves care. No matter how affluent you are, how much pressure you’re under, or how many responsibilities you have, that includes you. First and foremost, you are responsible for yourself. And by getting help, you’ll be in a far better position to support the people who rely on you.

For many elite clients, rehab feels out of reach. It can be hard to imagine letting go of certain behaviors, spending time out of the office, or stepping back from social engagements. However, recovery doesn’t mean giving up the best parts of your life. It means letting go of unhealthy patterns, to make room for something even better.

To learn more about programs tailored to high-powered clients, you can browse our list of luxury rehabs here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury Rehab Programs

What is a luxury rehab and what does it offer?

Luxury rehab refers to high-end treatment centers that provide exclusive amenities, personalized care, and a luxurious environment for individuals seeking recovery. They offer upscale accommodations, gourmet meals, individual treatment, and tailored services to ensure a comfortable and comprehensive rehab experience.

How does luxury rehab differ from traditional rehab?

Luxury rehabs differ from traditional rehab by offering a higher level of comfort, privacy, and personalized care. They provide upscale accommodations, additional amenities, gourmet dining, and treatment tailored to meet the unique needs of their clientele.

What types of personalized services are offered at a luxury rehab?

Luxury rehabs provide a range of personalized services to cater to individual needs. Following a tailored plan, treatment may include one-on-one therapy sessions, holistic therapies such as spa treatments, gourmet dining, and various recreational activities. These personalized services enhance the overall experience and contribute to the effectiveness of the treatment program.
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Going to Family Therapy in Rehab

Substance use disorders don’t develop in a vacuum. They often develop due to genetics, trauma, or social pressures. Any of these factors may be caused by difficult family dynamics. Because of this, many people in rehab benefit from attending family therapy in rehab.

“Family” is a complex idea. For some people, it means only their family of origin, such as parents and siblings. Others use the term to refer to their spouses and children. Many people also have chosen families, which may include friends, collaborators, and even more complex relationships. And whomever you consider to be your family, you can be sure that your group dynamic is unique.

Depending on each specific family’s interpersonal relationships, commitment to healing, and availability, this type of therapy may or may not be a good fit. However, many people in recovery find it to be extremely beneficial.

Who Benefits From Family Therapy

When you first enter treatment, it may be difficult to disentangle your own behaviors from the behaviors of those around you. Many people benefit from traveling to rehab, putting both physical and emotional space between themselves and their loved ones while they begin recovery. Over time, you’ll likely reach a nuanced understanding of what caused your past behaviors. Through this process, many people with substance use disorders learn how to be accountable for their own behavior, without blaming themselves for the actions of those around them.

No matter what led you to misuse substances, it can be extremely helpful to examine the external and interpersonal circumstances of your life. This process empowers clients to make sustainable changes, with the goal of living a healthy lifestyle even when faced with challenging situations. By focusing on yourself, and staying in your lane, you can consistently make choices that support your own values.

The Person in Recovery

For many clients, family therapy is an essential component of recovery. As you learn more about the dynamics that enabled your past behavior, you’ll become better equipped to create more sustainable interpersonal relationships. This process can also help you come to terms with past traumas, such as growing up with an alcoholic parent, especially if those traumas were either shared with or caused by family members.

“Family work helps people achieve and maintain long-term emotional resolve and resilience.”

– Ameet Braich, Clinical Director, Camino Recovery
Camino Recovery exterior pool
Set on a lush campus in Vélez-Málaga, Spain, Camino Recovery‘s robust family program runs 4 to 5 days.

Significant data supports the idea that healthy family dynamics can help you commit to long-term recovery. Specifically, “Involving family members in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment1 can positively affect client engagement, retention, and outcomes. Positive social/family support is related to long-term abstinence and recovery, whereas negative social/family support (e.g., interpersonal conflict, social pressure to use) is related to increased risk for relapse”.

This modality not only helps clients do inner, emotional work; it can also be the first step in building a support network to help you navigate life after rehab. That network may ultimately include your family, friends, loved ones, and even work colleagues. Family therapy can help you bolster your closest relationships, giving you a strong base from which to cultivate a wider community.

One study on the effects of family therapy in addiction treatment2 found that “Family therapy enhanced family resilience, structure, and strong ties; the program improved problem-solving skills, coping skills, and family resiliency levels” of people with substance use disorders. Although this particular research focused on adolescents in recovery, the same theory may apply to adults in recovery. And these same skills may also improve the lives of the other people in your family.

Family of Origin

In most families, members play multiple roles at once. You might be a parent, a grandchild, and a spouse, all at the same time. These dynamics are always complex, even in the easiest and healthiest of circumstances. Family therapy is not only intended to help you heal; it’s also designed to help the people around you heal, and to heal the ways in which you relate to each other.

“Family members assume certain roles, which often relate to…cultural attitudes, family beliefs, gender, and overall family functioning. Some roles develop in response to stress or the underfunctioning of a family member.” When you attend rehab and begin recovery, the roles of your family members may begin to shift. Although this process can be extremely healthy, it can also be stressful and confusing. For example, if your spouse has learned to care for you in a certain way, you may no longer benefit from that specific kind of care. Family therapy creates a safe space in which you and your loved ones can process these changing relationships.

Loved Ones and Chosen Family

Not everyone considers their family of origin to be their family. And not everyone should. If your relationships with your original family were particularly traumatic or harmful, it can be healthy to surround yourself with people of your own choosing. Many rehab centers define this word much more broadly, inviting clients to focus only on loving and supportive relationships.

“‘Family’ means a group of two or more people with close and enduring emotional ties. Using this definition, each person in treatment for a behavioral health disorder has a unique set of family members. Therapists don’t decide who should be in family therapy. Instead, they ask, ‘Who is most important to you?’” By answering this question, clients can start to regain agency in their own lives. You have both the ability and the right to choose which relationships are healthy for you. Even before your loved ones start attending therapy, defining “family” for yourself may help you understand your core values and your deepest needs. “It is up to clients to identify whom they would like to include in family counseling.”3

Some rehab centers have a special focus on providing therapy for chosen families. In the LGBTQ+ affirming program at Caron Ocean Drive, for example, some clients may be estranged from their families of origin. The team at this rehab strongly believes that “family members, including people you identify as your family of choice, should be part of the treatment process. If you are dealing with rejection from your family because of your sexuality, our therapists can provide counseling for you and any family members you wish to include.”

Caron Ocean Drive OurCampus Grounds
Caron Ocean Drive in Boca Raton, Florida offers a warm, nurturing environment for family therapy.

However you define family, it’s likely that you can find a rehab program that can support you and your loved ones. Some rehab centers—especially those that offer personalized treatment—may work with you to create a specialized program that meets your exact needs, making family therapy as accessible as possible.

Making Family Therapy Accessible

Even if family therapy is the right fit for you, as an individual, it may or may not be accessible for your loved ones. This is especially true for clients who attend destination rehabs. When you’re located in a different city or country from your family, you may need certain accommodations in order to schedule group conversations. Fortunately, in this technological era, there are many options available.

Phone Calls

If family therapy sessions aren’t the right fit for you or your loved ones, you may still benefit from staying in touch. Some rehabs allow clients to use cell phones and other electronics to contact far-away family members.

Every program has its own regulations. In some facilities, you may have free access to your personal cell phone or computer throughout treatment. Others may allow you to schedule phone calls in advance. You may also be required to spend some time in therapy before you’re allowed to reach out to family, or to begin focused family therapy.

Virtual Family Therapy Sessions

Thanks to the growing popularity and accessibility of online medicine, you may be able to try family therapy even if your loved ones are far away. There are a number of HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms4 that allow clients to safely meet with therapists, trusting that their conversations will remain private and protected.

Research suggests that virtual therapy may be just as effective as in-person therapy.5 David Mohr, Ph.D., director of the Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, asserts that “telehealth is essentially just as effective as face-to-face psychotherapy—and retention rates are higher.” However, since the popularity of this format has grown so quickly, there is still much we don’t know about its efficacy.

Some programs also offer telehealth options that are only available to families, in addition to family therapy with the client. All Points North Lodge, for example, hosts weekly virtual support groups for people with a loved one in recovery.

All Points North Lodge theater room
Known for their cutting-edge facilities, All Points North Lodge in Vail Valley, Colorado, includes telehealth options specifically for families.

In-Person Family Therapy

If you attend rehab locally, you and your family may prefer to attend therapy together in person. This is an important option for people whose loved ones may not be comfortable using technology to discuss personal information, and those whose families include small children.

Many programs offer various versions of this modality, ranging from regular meetings to occasional visits. Aurora Recovery Centre offers a wide variety of robust programming for families, which people can attend either with a loved one in recovery or on their own. While these programs are therapeutic, they also share practical skills, teaching attendees “how family and community systems are affected by substance use disorder.” PROMIS London takes a different approach, hosting a family week during which your loved ones come together as a group for several days in a row.

Benefits of Family Therapy

Because every family is unique, every family is affected by substance use disorders6 in a slightly different way. These conditions can easily influence “breakdown in the ways in which family members get along, communicate, and bond with each other. A family is a system consisting of different ‘parts’ (the family members), so a change in one part can cause changes throughout the system.”

Family therapy is intended to heal not just the involved individuals, but the whole system. This process may teach you and your loved ones how to better support each other through hardships, encourage each other to use healthy coping mechanisms, and engage in activities you all find meaningful. Rehab is, among other things, a time for you to get to know yourself again. And you may find that you’ve changed. Family therapy invites your loved ones to get to know you again, too.

“Although family counseling may temporarily shake up the family system and activate intense feelings, these feelings are a normal part of counseling.” This process isn’t easy. However, for many clients, it is an extremely important part of recovery.

Aurora Recovery
Aurora Recovery Centre invites family members to their verdant campus in Manitoba, Canada.

Limitations of Family Therapy

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to healing from a substance use disorder. As helpful as family therapy can be, it may also be detrimental to certain clients. For example, some clients find that attending rehab—and especially traveling to rehab—is a helpful way to distance themselves from toxic interpersonal dynamics. In these cases, it may be better to take a break from communicating with loved ones until after you complete residential treatment.

In other cases, family therapy may be detrimental to a client’s loved ones. According to experts, “certain family members should not be included in SUD treatment and services. Such situations include when intimate partner violence has occurred, when child abuse or neglect has occurred, when individuals are currently withdrawing from substances, when clients with SUDs are also struggling with psychosis or are suicidal, and when clients have significant cognitive problems (like severe learning or memory problems).”

And even if you and your healthcare providers agree that family therapy would be beneficial for all involved, it may not be a realistic option. Your family may even be resistant to treatment,7 refusing to join you in the process of recovery. If this is the case, it’s best to focus on your own healing, and rely on your clinicians to provide you with more direct support. You may also benefit from attending support groups, and connecting with other members of your cohort.

Your Family and You

Family therapy is a way of healing not just your psyche, but also your relationships. By improving your communication skills, you’ll learn how to navigate stressful situations without losing much-needed interpersonal support.

It’s important to remember, though, that you are not your relationships. Working on your family dynamics can be extremely helpful. But regardless of their mental health, and regardless of their approval of your behavior, you have the right to be well. Whether or not you decide to attend family therapy, rehab is an opportunity for you to focus on your own personal healing process.

To learn more, view our collection of rehabs offering family programming.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Therapy in Rehab

What is the role of family therapy in rehab?

Family therapy plays a vital role in addressing the impact of addiction on the family system. It promotes healing, communication, and understanding among family members. This process can teach members how to better support each other, building a foundation for lasting recovery.

How does family therapy benefit the addiction recovery process?

Family therapy benefits the addiction recovery process by fostering a supportive and healthy family environment. It helps identify and address enabling behaviors, improves communication skills, rebuilds trust, and provides a strong foundation for sustained sobriety and emotional well-being.

Who participates in family therapy sessions during rehab?

Family therapy sessions in rehab typically involve the person in treatment and their family members. This can include parents, siblings, spouses, and chosen family. The goal is to address dynamics within the family system and strengthen relationships for long-term recovery.

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Finding the Right Rehab for Your Teen or Young Adult

Anyone can struggle with substance use. Whatever your age, gender, job, or relationship status, you deserve to get the care you need. However, it can sometimes be hard to know what interventions would be most helpful. This is especially true for teens with substance use disorders.

Substance use during adolescence may have long-term effects on brain chemistry.1 For example, “cocaine exposure during adolescence may lead to miswiring in the developing brain and result in long-lasting behavioral problems, such as increased risk-taking, in adulthood.” Because of this, it’s especially important to get teens the help they need in order to begin recovery.

Young people may not always be able to recognize that they need help. And even when they do, they may not be legally or financially capable of seeking that help on their own. Whether you’re a teen or an adult caring for a teen with substance use disorder, the good news is that (specialized) treatment is widely available. Many rehabs offer programs created specifically for younger clients.

If you’re considering rehab for your teen, it’s important to understand the different options available. Depending on the client’s age and geographical location, there may be certain types of treatment that are more appropriate. This decision will also be influenced by your teen’s unique history, diagnoses, and treatment goals.

Reasons for Teen Substance Use

Research suggests that “the human brain is still maturing during the adolescent years.2 The developing brain may help explain why adolescents sometimes make decisions that are risky and can lead to safety or health concerns, including unique vulnerabilities to drug abuse.”

Beyond the simple fact of their age, there are many elements that impact a young person’s likelihood to misuse substances. Among them are risk factors, which make substance use more likely, and protective factors, which guard against these behaviors.

These external influences change with a person’s age. While that’s true for all clients, these changes occur more drastically in children, adolescents, and young adults. For example, middle school students who are too harshly disciplined are at greater risk for substance use disorders. Receiving support from extended family, on the other hand, makes substance abuse less likely in this population. Slightly older adolescents are at greater risk for substance misuse3 when they lack adult supervision, and at lower risk when family members set clear expectations.

Also, teens are experiencing heightened stress4 in this turbulent era of history. According to one study, even teens who had not experienced early life stress—such as neglect or abuse—were prone to “increases in anxiety and depression symptoms” during 2020. In this context, young people may be at a greater risk of developing mental health conditions than they once were.

It’s impossible to guard against every single circumstance that increases the risk of teen substance misuse. However, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the most prevalent risk factors. Whether or not you’re able to protect yourself or your teen from these stressors, knowing what they are may empower you to get help when it’s needed.

Parental Substance Use

If an adolescent is close to an adult who has a substance use disorder,5 they may be at a higher risk for developing one themselves. For some young people, this is simply a way of enacting the same behavior they’ve seen modeled. Others may use substances in order to cope with the stress of an unstable home life.

Strained familial relationships, financial insecurity, and similar issues can be hugely impactful. However, instability refers to more than these external circumstances. These teens may also have genetic predispositions to substance use disorders, as well as other mental health diagnoses.

Co-Occurring Disorders

Certain mental health concerns, such as depression and ADHD,6 make teens and young adults more likely to misuse substances. In some cases, this is an attempt to self-medicate. However, it’s not always that simple.

For teens with multiple diagnoses, the root cause of substance use can easily become a question of the chicken or the egg. As their brain chemistry continues to change, due to either normal development or unhealthy habits, they may begin to develop co-occurring disorders that make substance use even more appealing.

Whatever the cause of this behavior, few teens have the resources to pull out of this cycle without external interventions. In some cases, inpatient treatment is the most effective way to begin recovery.

Choosing a Rehab for a Young Adult

If you’re a parent or guardian supporting a struggling teenager, it can be difficult to know what’s best for them. And even if you’re confident that they should go to rehab, you may or may not be legally allowed to make that decision on their behalf

In some U.S. states, a parent can unilaterally decide to send a teen to rehab. In other areas, minors’ consent is also required. This varies widely based on the client’s exact age and geographical location. It’s best to learn what your family’s options are before making any specific plans regarding residential treatment.

The client’s age will also help determine which treatment program is best for them. For example, while it may seem that children and younger teens are more likely to grow out of a difficult phase, they may actually be in greater need of interventions. According to one study, “people are most likely to begin abusing drugs during adolescence,7 and the longer adolescents defer experimentation, the less likely they are to develop long-term drug abuse problems.”

Many rehabs often treat a wide variety of mental health concerns, not limited to substance use disorders. Teens and young adults may also benefit from rehab if they’re struggling with eating disorders, personality disorders, or even PTSD. Each of these diagnoses requires a slightly different approach to treatment, possibly including different levels of family involvement.

Some teens are able to live at home during treatment, receiving in-person support from family and friends while they begin recovery. Others may benefit from traveling to rehab. This gives clients both physical and emotional space from the challenges of daily life. It can also teach young people to set boundaries with those who enable their substance use. While this change of scenery may seem drastic, it has the potential to be extremely helpful. Remember that there is no one right way to heal; just the right way for each individual person.

Types of Teen Rehab Programs

If and when you’re ready to choose a rehab center, it’s best to learn as much as possible about the available options. Various programs specialize in treating different conditions, and each takes a unique approach to the process of healing. Because of this, it’s best to choose a facility that is qualified to meet your teen’s unique needs.

Substance Use and Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are extremely common among adolescents. As of 2018, as many as 10% of young women suffered from an eating disorder.8 What’s more, a growing body of research links eating disorders with addiction.9 One theory even suggests that anorexia nervosa is in fact “an addiction to the body’s endogenous opioids.” A number of rehabs focus on helping clients with one or both of these diagnoses.

Gender-Specific Treatment

For some clients, having space from people of different genders can feel like a much-needed break. This gender-specific approach to recovery may be especially helpful for adolescents. Studies show that young men and women exhibit “unique patterns of substance use,”10 and may therefore benefit from distinct approaches to treatment.

Some rehabs focus on treating young women. The program at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, on the other hand, is tailored to meet the needs of young men, as well as non-binary and gender non-conforming teens. Although it is an LGBTQ+-affirming rehab, it is probably not the right fit for cis women.

Foothills at Red Oak
Foothills at Red Oak in Ellenboro, North Carolina has specialized programs for young men, non-binary and gender non-conforming teens.

In this protected environment, clients are invited to explore their developing identities. According to staff, “​​Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and identity formation…If one successfully navigates the tasks during this stage of life, one emerges with a solid sense of identity. This is a sense of knowing oneself despite the chaos and pressures of the world around them and is paramount to making healthy, value-based decisions.”

Experiential Therapy

Experiential therapy can be hugely beneficial for people of all ages. In this group of modalities, you may go skiing, river rafting, or rock climbing. Some rehabs even take their clients on adventure outings, where they might hike the lip of a volcano or swim with the dolphins.

These experiences aren’t just fun excursions; they’re also ways to practice the skills learned in talk therapy in a different context. They can also encourage clients to develop new hobbies, and help to restore the connection between mind and body. The latter is especially important for teens in recovery.

By surfing, horseback riding, or just playing sports, young people can get back in touch with their bodies and learn how it feels to be physically healthy. Experts theorize that this has a lasting impact on their continued sobriety and health. According to one study, “continued physical health for rehabilitated adolescent drug addicts is crucial…since it could enhance the effectiveness of rehabilitation.”11

With this in mind, some adolescent rehab programs have a special focus on physical activity. Pacific Quest, for example, is a wilderness therapy program located on Hawaii’s Big Island. Here, clients participate in outdoor programming which may include hiking, paddle boarding, swimming, sailing, and more. Participants also perform community service during their time in residence. Through this process, they are encouraged to learn how to engage with nature, their communities, and themselves in a healthy way.

Personalized Treatment

There are numerous ways to approach recovery. Although many teens benefit from highly structured rehab programs, others may require a more nuanced approach. For these clients, personalized treatment may be the best option.

Pacific Teen Treatment, for example, treats only six clients at a time. Each teen is assigned a primary, secondary, and family therapist. Their team of providers works together to carry out a highly individualized plan of care. This approach may not be appropriate for all clients—especially those who want to focus on improving their interpersonal dynamics within a larger cohort. But it can be extremely effective for families who are committed to healing their relationships with one another.

Family Therapy

Adolescent substance misuse impacts family dynamics.12 According to one group of experts, “every chemically dependent person has a significant impact on the lives of several other people.” Because of this, it’s important for the parents, siblings, and other relatives of these clients to engage in their own healing processes.

In many cases, family therapy is a productive way to approach this. Most adolescent rehab programs offer some version of family therapy. This may include in-person sessions, video chats, or regularly scheduled phone calls.

Pacific Teen Treatment
A peek inside the calming environment at Pacific Teen Treatment in Malibu, California, where family therapy is a key area of focus.

Some facilities may limit clients’ communication with people outside of their cohort. Often, these programs restrict cell phone use during rehab. Others may prohibit calls or visits at the beginning of the program, but encourage this type of contact after some time has passed. Every rehab has its own unique guidelines, and those guidelines may vary from one client to another.

Therapy isn’t easy. This process may bring up traumatic memories and shine a light on difficult family dynamics. Even so, it is often an essential component of helping a teen recover from substance misuse.

Growing Beyond Substance Use

Substance use disorders are serious conditions. At any age, and especially for teenagers, this behavior should not be dismissed as “just a phase.” That being said, it can be temporary. It’s always possible to heal and grow beyond unhealthy habits.

A person’s adolescent years are powerfully creative. Over time, teens will inevitably learn more about themselves, defining their identities and discovering their own needs, goals, and values. It’s extremely important to connect these clients with the help they need and deserve. It’s also important to trust the process.

To see reviews, virtually tour facilities, and more, see our curated list of adolescent rehab programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rehab Programs for Teens

Why are teen rehabs important for addressing substance abuse and mental health in adolescents?

Teen rehabs play a crucial role in providing specialized treatment for adolescents who face substance abuse and mental health issues. Through therapy, education, and support, these programs help teens and young adults overcome challenges and develop skills for long-term recovery.

What treatment approaches are used in teen rehabs?

Teen rehabs use a variety of treatment approaches:

• evidence-based treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT); 
• individual and group counseling; 
• experiential therapies, like adventure outings;
• family therapy; 
• and more.

These approaches aim to address the unique needs of teenagers and support their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.

How long do teens typically stay in rehab?

The duration of teen rehab programs vary depending on the severity of the issue, individual needs, and treatment plans. Most programs range from 30 to 90 days, while others extend for longer. The focus is to provide comprehensive support and equip teens with the tools for sustainable recovery.

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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.

gallus
Upscale detox center Gallus Detox allows clients to stay connected to work throughout treatment.

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.

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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.