One aspect of deciding to enter a drug rehabilitation centre is the duration of the program. Most people would like a miraculous overnight recovery, which given the nature of the illness is not possible. There is a physical detoxification, and then a period of physical recovery. Simultaneous with that the treatment of the true emotional-cognitive …
One aspect of deciding to enter a drug rehabilitation centre is the duration of the program. Most people would like a miraculous overnight recovery, which given the nature of the illness is not possible. There is a physical detoxification, and then a period of physical recovery. Simultaneous with that the treatment of the true emotional-cognitive nature of the malady is begun. Since this calls for a rigorous honesty that one isn’t used to, it takes some time to accept, understand and apply the concepts being taught.
What is the process and what is taught at Drug Rehabilitation Centres?
A typical drug rehabilitation centre program would consist of the following:
- Detoxification: In this one’s body is assisted medically, through counter medications, to remove the toxins of the abused substance from ones system.
- Physical Convalescence: The body is tired from the fight against the effects of substance abuse and the detoxification and needs a period of rest to recuperate from the intense ordeal. This depends directly on the kind of drugs taken and the amount and time they have been abused.
- Adjustment: There is a certain time taken to get to know and adjust to the people and timetable of the drug rehabilitation centre.
- Involvement: Here a person begins to involve himself in the daily routines of the drug rehabilitation centre. The daily schedule is adhered to. Being present at all sessions and doing the tasks assigned is the expectation.
- Understanding and application: This is a simultaneous activity where one internalizes the teaching and understanding one acquires from the inputs, counselling and cognitive therapy.
- Preparation for the outside: Towards the end there is a period of testing to check if the learning is strong enough for re-entry into Society and the routine life.
How long does it take from start to finish?
The detoxification and recuperation period is usually assigned a two week period, which could vary from person to person. Some people take longer to overthrow the effects and some may fight it off rapidly. Getting to know staff and other clients begins from day one and usually by the end of the month the person has become comfortable.
Simultaneously the inputs, counselling and other therapies begin and assignments leading towards self discovery are given. It depends on everyone individually how long they take to complete assignments and how well they understand and begin to apply the learning. The counsellors and Therapists are there to help during the process. Usually this is the month of intensive inward looking.
It is in the third month that one is guided into a re- entry into Society. This is the month when one is assessed through various ways about how well one would cope with the stressors of regular unsupervised living and the application of the techniques of coping learnt in the past months of therapy.
So generally speaking a Drug rehabilitation centre would have a three to four month programme which would cover all the above and prepare a person for a drug free life.
Author: Sandeep Kharkar
