This page is designed to answer some of the most common questions about Drug Rehab Programs. If you have questions that aren’t answered here, call (800) 344-8794 to speak with someone who can provide more information.

What happens in a drug rehab program?

Drug rehab (a casual abbreviation of “rehabilitation”) is a generic term for various programs and approaches, designed to treat the disease of addiction.

Generally, drug rehab programs incorporate group and individual counseling, family therapy (if appropriate), relapse prevention training, and workshops or seminars where addicts learn skills for coping with circumstances that would otherwise trigger drug use.

How long does someone need to be in drug rehab?

People learn at different speeds. Some addicts are able to grasp the tools of recovery fairly quickly. Others require more time—maybe even more than one attempt at rehab.

For many addicts, the first few days of rehab will be devoted to detoxification, where the toxins produced by years of drug abuse work their way out of the patient’s system. This process may last 24-72 hours.

The real effectiveness of rehab is based on what follows: how the addict reacts and responds to the tools that are made available during treatment (whether the addict attends rehab as an “Inpatient” or “outpatient” client) over a period of 30-90 days.

How effective is drug rehab?

The effectiveness of drug rehab is measured by how well the individual is able to return to functioning in his or her family life, getting (and keeping) a satisfying job, maintaining physical health, dealing with stressful situations, and avoiding criminal activity.

Under this definition, drug rehab programs are as successful as treatments designed to cure or relieve other chronic diseases, such as asthma, hypertension and diabetes.

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

Rehab is a regimented environment, where patients are expected to actively participate in all aspects of their treatment, and generally remain in the facility for the duration of that treatment.

In contrast, participation in 12 Step groups is completely voluntary. In most communities, 12 Step groups meet in churches, community centers and other locations several times each week. Attending meetings and participating in the discussions that take place are choices the addict makes for him or her self.