What is a Rehab Clinic: Treatment and Program

A rehab clinic is a medical facility that offers specialized treatment to people trying to recover from various forms of addiction. Clients can detoxify physically in a controlled environment under professional guidance, recover from addiction, and learn skills to prevent relapse.

According to a 2023 report by the National Alcohol and Drugs Information System (LADIS), an average of 50,000 to 60,000 Dutch people seek professional help for addiction each year.

44% of these help-seekers struggle with alcohol addiction. Other frequently mentioned substance addictions include cannabis (16%), opiates (12%), and cocaine (12%). There is also a small group seeking help from a rehab clinic for a behavioral addiction such as gambling (3%).

On-site treatment is called clinical care, where the patient stays in the clinic. This allows for better control over the goals set in the detox program. Trained professionals can provide maximum support, increasing the chances of success.

One of the key treatment methods is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for which the clinic must be certified by the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (VGCT). After intake and evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is developed for the patient.

What treatments does a rehab clinic offer?

A rehab clinic offers various treatments to aid in addiction recovery, from medical detoxification and group therapy to nutritional counseling, family therapy, and psychoeducation. The treatments offered vary by clinic and depend on the type of addiction for which treatment is sought.

You can choose on-site treatment (clinical assistance) or at-home treatment (outpatient assistance) where educated and trained professionals provide help, which is a huge advantage compared to detoxing without assistance.

What does a recovery location for drugs and alcohol look like?

A recovery location for drugs and alcohol contains various spaces and support tools for treating addiction.

The physical structure and layout of a rehab clinic play a critical role in the treatment, with even hallways serving a function, according to a 2018 study in Health Environments Research & Design Journal.

In addition to rooms for individual and group therapy, it is important to have enough quiet spaces available for clients to reflect and unwind. Recovery locations often offer different opportunities for physical activity, such as fitness facilities and yoga rooms.

How does a clinical versus outpatient detox program work?

In a clinical detox program, an individual stays in a rehab clinic for a certain period, usually a few weeks, for addiction treatment. During an outpatient detox program, the individual resides at home throughout the treatment.

A clinical detox program provides an intensive and structured environment for recovery. Clients are under medical supervision 24/7, allowing immediate intervention should complications arise. Free from daily stress and obligations such as work or school, one can fully focus on recovery.

Clinical admission is recommended earlier, according to K. Chen et al. in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, when someone suffers from comorbid conditions such as depression and personality disorders, which can be better treated during the stay.

An outpatient detox program offers the great advantage of being followed part-time from the person’s own home environment. The necessary care is provided at home, or the individual visits an institution for therapy sessions, evaluations, and possible medication.

According to M. Penders et al. in Verslaving, many people opt for outpatient treatment to avoid putting their daily lives on hold. The flexibility and familiar environment, alongside a supportive network of family or friends, can also aid during the treatment.

For severe addictions, an outpatient detox program is often discouraged due to the higher chance of complications and relapse.

A typical detox program, whether in clinical admission or outpatient treatment, begins with an intake and evaluation. Based on this, a treatment path is established consisting of recovery goals.

Treatment generally starts with detoxification of the body, gradually weaning off the addictive substance. This is followed by a combination of therapy, skill training, and healthcare services. Besides treating the causes of addiction, coping skills are taught, and clients receive advice on leading a healthy lifestyle based on pre-set goals.

What objectives does a detox program set for the patient?

The objectives of a detox program for the patient are to reduce physical and psychological dependency and acquire skills for sustainable recovery.

Besides addressing underlying causes of addiction, there is also focus on developing coping skills, promoting emotional well-being, and building a healthy lifestyle.

What education and skills do rehab clinic professionals have?

Rehab clinic professionals have studied or trained in areas such as addiction medicine, psychiatry, clinical psychology, therapy, and social work. Some healthcare professionals need to be registered in the BIG-register in the Netherlands, such as psychotherapists and nurses. This registration, according to the government, must be renewed every five years.

Professional organizations, like the Dutch Association of Psychiatry (NVvP) and the Netherlands Institute of Psychologists (NIP), often have separate requirements for membership. Continuing education and training are also commonly required.

Professionals in addiction care must possess various skills to deliver effective care. An understanding of addictions, behavior change, and therapies is essential. According to A. Clark in the Journal of Counseling & Development, communication skills and empathy are also highly valued, alongside the ability to act swiftly and decisively in a crisis situation.

Finally, rehab clinic professionals must be capable of building a trusting relationship and creating a supportive environment to facilitate recovery.

What are the benefits of professional clinical assistance in addiction rehab?

The main benefits of professional clinical assistance in addiction rehab are the expertise and experience that trained professionals bring. They understand the complexity of addiction and recovery and can develop personalized treatment plans that cater to an individual’s specific needs.

Professional help offers a structured and coordinated treatment process, with realistic goals set, diverse therapies provided, and clients learning valuable skills for sustainable recovery.

What does an example addiction rehab method look like?

One of the key addiction rehab methods is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This treatment method focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behavioral responses related to addiction. After an evaluation and explanation of CBT, the client learns to identify negative thoughts.

Then, these thoughts are examined by the therapist, and the client learns to choose alternative behavioral responses when certain triggers occur.

System therapy is also frequently used in addiction treatment. This involves mapping out how an addiction exists and is reinforced within the client’s system (the environment and relationships with others).

Through discussions with the therapist, a client learns to become aware of the impact of the system on their behavior. Subsequently, the client learns to adjust this interaction, for example, by taking more responsibility or ending certain relationships.

These steps provide the greatest possible chance of a positive recovery.

Are the statistics for addiction rehab success positive?

No, the statistics for detox success are not always positive. According to the U.S. National Institute of Drug Abuse, the relapse rate after detox is between 40 and 60 percent.

According to G. Vaillant in the British Journal of Addiction, the chance of sustainable recovery from addiction is generally higher with clinic admission and when meaningful lifestyle changes are made.

According to an interim report by the National Alcohol and Drugs Information System (LADIS) covering 2016-2021, an average of 50,000 to 60,000 Dutch people seek professional help for addiction annually.

Most addiction treatment centers do not provide specific numbers on successful treatments, partly because a relapse can occur months or even years later.

How can you increase the chances of recovery by going through each phase?

Recovery has 4 distinct phases, with successfully navigating each one significantly increasing the chances of recovery. The 4 phases of recovery are recognizing the problem, detoxification, addressing underlying issues, and aftercare.

Without recognizing the problem, proceeding with detoxification, but more importantly, addressing underlying issues becomes a major challenge that is often insurmountable.

What certification do rehab clinics need?

Rehab clinics need certification to perform treatments such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and systemic therapy. To offer these treatment methods, clinics (and therapists) can obtain certifications from recognized bodies such as the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (VGCT) and the Dutch Association for Relationship and Family Therapy (NVRG).

As addiction care falls under mental health care, rehab clinics must also comply with various norms and standards as laid out in the Quality, Complaints, and Disputes Act (WKKGZ).

A thorough intake and evaluation process always precedes treatment.

How does the intake and evaluation process work at a rehab clinic?

Professional help begins with an intake and evaluation process where the rehab clinic gathers information about the client. This information serves as the basis for developing a personalized treatment plan.

During the intake at the rehab clinic, the patient will provide data on medical history, addiction history, mental health, and personal goals. This gives the therapists a clear picture of the situation and allows them to determine appropriate treatment strategies.

Following the intake, an evaluation takes place to assess the client’s needs and considerations for admission and treatment. The physical health and mental condition can be evaluated, or addiction patterns can be identified.

Based on standardized questionnaires, interviews, and possible physical examinations, a final treatment plan is developed tailored to individual needs.