9 Benefits of Rehabilitation in a Clinic

Rehabilitation in a clinic is a process where individuals with addiction are helped to stop their addiction and recover. It works by providing a structured and holistic environment where therapeutic support is given.

People choose a rehab clinic for the many benefits it offers, as outlined in the list below.

1. Shorter recovery time
2. Structured environment
3. Holistic approach
4. Therapeutic support
5. Physical benefits
6. Prevention and management of relapse
7. Independent functioning
8. Support group
9. Cost benefits

In a rehab clinic, individuals with addiction are helped by providing a safe and supportive environment where they can heal and stop their addiction.

On a typical day in a rehab clinic, activities such as individual therapy, group therapy, physical activities, educational sessions, and support group meetings can take place. These activities are aimed at helping the person recover and learn to cope with their addiction.

While there are some disadvantages to a rehab clinic, such as it requires a certain period of time and a lifestyle change, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. The benefits of a rehab clinic, such as a structured environment, professional therapeutic support, and the ability to learn to cope with relapse, are crucial for successfully recovering from addiction.

1. Shorter Recovery Time

Recovery time is the period needed for the body to recover and heal after addiction.

In a rehab clinic, the treatment is focused on shortening the recovery time. Unlike self- or home-treatment, clinics offer a controlled environment that eliminates distractions and triggers that can hinder recovery. This is especially crucial for individuals with severe addiction problems.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), it is recommended that individuals spend at least 90 days in an addiction recovery program. A study by Maastricht University (Thomas F. Martinelli, Gera E. Nagelhout, Lore Bellaert, David Best, Wouter Vanderplasschen & Dike van de Mheen, 2020) showed that housing problems, crime, and occupational status were significantly associated with recovery. This emphasizes the importance of clinical treatment, which can at least temporarily address these issues and promote recovery.

2. Structured Environment

A structured environment is a crucial part of addiction treatment. It provides an organized and supportive setting that helps individuals cope with the medical and emotional effects of addiction.

In a rehab clinic, treatment differs on this point from self- or home-treatment. The clinic provides an environment that allows time for structured activities, therapies, and support. This promotes the recovery process, helps manage cravings, and offers a community of individuals engaging in healthy coping activities to avoid boredom and temptation.

A study by the American Psychiatric Association in 1995 found that the majority of patients in a clinic with addiction eventually stop compulsive use and have less frequent and severe relapses.

The clinic also offers a safe and controlled environment where individuals can learn to cope with withdrawal symptoms and psychological challenges. By eliminating distractions and providing a sense of peace and calm, a structured environment helps individuals focus on their recovery and avoid old habits that threaten recovery. It also provides external accountability and a sense of belonging, contributing to the recovery process.

3. Holistic Approach

A holistic approach is a comprehensive method that encompasses various aspects. It considers physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of a person.

In a rehab clinic, more emphasis is placed on understanding and addressing all relevant aspects of addiction. This offers a benefit as it is a more complete approach that can better meet the needs of people struggling with addiction.

A study in the Indian Journal of Palliative Care in 2015 showed that not all staff in the clinic use a holistic approach. The data analysis revealed three key themes that are effective factors in providing holistic care: the structure of the education system, the professional environment, and personality traits. This highlights the importance of choosing a good clinic that implements a holistic approach.

4. Therapeutic Support

Therapeutic support is an integral part of treatment for addiction and mental health. It encompasses a wide range of methods and techniques crucial for helping individuals manage and improve their health. Therapeutic support can be provided in various forms, such as individual therapy or group therapy.

In a rehab clinic, specialized therapies are offered that are designed to help individuals recover from addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms. These therapies are provided by licensed and certified healthcare providers who specialize in treating addiction and mental health issues.

A benefit of therapeutic support in a rehab clinic is the opportunity it offers to learn from others who have had similar experiences. Additionally, a rehab clinic offers a wide range of therapeutic services, such as medical care, emotional support, and holistic approaches to recovery.

5. Physical Benefits

Rehabilitation in a clinic also provides direct physical benefits. The treatment is focused on stopping the use of drugs or alcohol and improving overall health. By providing medical care, exercises, and balanced meals, the clinic helps individuals reduce withdrawal symptoms, replenish nutrients, and diminish cravings for addictive substances.

Moreover, the clinic encourages a healthy lifestyle by teaching healthy habits and creating a safe and structured environment. All of this helps reduce the chances of relapse and promotes a healthier life.

6. Prevention and Management of Relapse

Relapse is falling back into problematic behavior after a period of recovery. It can occur with various forms of addiction, such as drug and alcohol abuse.

In a rehabilitation clinic, the approach to treating relapse differs from self-treatment or home treatment. In the clinic, there is professional assistance and a positive, structured environment that aids in preventing and managing relapse.

According to a meta-analysis by Carroll KM, which evaluated more than 24 controlled studies, there is evidence for the effectiveness of relapse prevention compared to no treatment. This particularly applies to smoking cessation, but also to other forms of addiction.

Relapse prevention helps individuals make cognitive decisions and develop healthy coping mechanisms to prevent relapse and maintain their recovery.

7. Independent Functioning

Independent functioning is very important in the recovery process. In a rehabilitation clinic, this is focused on through multiple complex treatments. This involves preparing patients to independently handle their problems, both medically and mentally. In addition, social and relational aspects are also addressed, such as solving family and marriage issues.

The goal is to help patients improve their living conditions and prevent relapse. After treatment, emphasis is placed on aftercare, focusing on maximizing the patient’s physical and psychological health.

8. Support Group

A support group is a group of people who help each other in recovering from an addiction. This group offers emotional support, encouragement, and a sense of community. Support groups are designed to help individuals maintain their recovery and better manage long-term challenges.

Support groups in the clinic provide an additional form of support beyond the formal therapy and guidance offered in the clinic. These groups are composed of people who have experienced the same addiction and can complement each other in the recovery process. Having peers who have gone through the same struggles can create a sense of community and responsibility, keeping individuals motivated and on the right track.

According to the study by Ehrlich, P., & McGeehan, M. (1985) “Cocaine recovery support groups and the language of recovery,” recovery from addiction is a lifelong process, and the language of recovery is universal, and the essence of treatment is the same, regardless of the substance. This highlights the importance of support groups as an additional form of treatment, where people, regardless of their specific addiction, can find support in each other.

9. Cost Benefits

Patients who stay in treatment for long periods often achieve maximum benefits. A treatment of at least 3 months often predicts a successful outcome (Gerstein and Harwood, 1990). This ultimately results in cost savings.

A study by Health Research and Education Trust found that the average cost for addiction care in California was $1,583, while the social benefits amounted to $11,487. These benefits are mainly due to reduced crime costs and higher earnings from employment.

Even without considering the direct value for addicts in terms of improved health and quality of life, the monetary benefits are enormous.

Why Do People Go to a Rehabilitation Clinic?

People go to a rehabilitation clinic to get professional help in overcoming their addiction. A rehabilitation clinic offers structure, support, and a safe environment for treatment and recovery. It helps individuals manage withdrawal symptoms, learn to cope with stressors, and develop a healthy lifestyle.

It also offers access to peer support and emotional guidance, which aids in long-term recovery. By choosing a rehabilitation clinic, people can avoid the drawbacks of waiting times and work more effectively on their recovery. In some cases, seeking treatment abroad can also be beneficial.

How Does a Rehabilitation Clinic Help Drug Addicts?

A rehabilitation clinic helps drug addicts quit in various ways. The process begins with an intake where the addiction and the client’s personal situation are determined. Based on this, a treatment plan is developed that considers the individual’s needs and the severity of the addiction.

A key part of the treatment is detoxification, which cleanses the body of drugs. Additionally, there are conversations with a trained therapist to identify and change the addict’s thoughts and behavior patterns.

What Are the Advantages of Clinical Detox Versus Home Treatment?

Clinical detox offers personal development and the ability to develop goals and skills. The main advantages are professional help and the expertise of trained professionals who understand the complexity of addiction.

What Do You Do in a Rehabilitation Clinic?

A typical day in a rehabilitation clinic starts early. After waking and grooming, there is a communal breakfast. Then the program begins, designed to meet the residents’ specific needs. This can include individual therapy sessions, group therapy, educational sessions, and recreational activities. In the afternoon, there is usually time for individual time, where residents can work on their personal goals. Before bedtime, routines are enforced to promote a good night’s sleep.

The goal of these activities and therapies is to help addicts overcome their addiction, develop healthy habits, and foster a sense of community.

How Do You Get an Addict to a Rehabilitation Clinic?

If you want to get an addict to a rehabilitation clinic, there are several techniques you might consider. A study called “Effectiveness of coerced addiction treatment (alternative consequences): a review of the clinical research” emphasizes the importance of coercion in addiction treatment. Clinical experience and research show that it’s often necessary to let the addict experience the consequences of their addiction before they acknowledge their disease and become motivated to seek treatment.

To get an addict to a rehabilitation clinic, you can consider the following approaches.

1. Offer Understanding and Support: Show compassion and avoid a confrontational or defensive approach. Try to understand the addict and offer emotional support.
2. Provide Information: Explain the benefits of treatment and provide accurate and professional information about the recovery process. Emphasize the importance of treatment for improving overall functioning.
3. Involve Family and Friends: Encourage the addict to seek support from family members and friends. A supportive network can help persuade the addict to seek help.
4. Consider an Intervention: A structured intervention can be an effective way to persuade the addict to seek treatment. Ensure the intervention is compassionate and non-confrontational.
5. Refer to Professional Help: Point out the availability of formal treatment options, such as medical and complementary therapies. Emphasize the importance of long-term recovery and offer support in finding a suitable rehabilitation clinic.

How Effective Is a Rehabilitation Clinic?

A rehabilitation clinic is not always equally effective in helping addicts. According to the American National Institute of Drug Abuse, the chance of relapse after detox, for example, is between 40 and 60 percent. However, research in the British Journal of Addiction shows that the chance of sustainable recovery is greater when admitted to a clinic and significant lifestyle changes are made.

What Are the Advantages of Addiction Rehab Abroad?

The main advantages of doing addiction rehab abroad are shorter waiting times, the unique focus, and the greater degree of anonymity. Abroad, there are often fewer waiting lists, allowing for quicker access to specialized treatment.

Additionally, a different environment offers a completely new experience that can help change your life. Furthermore, alternative treatment methods are often available abroad, such as equine therapy, which can be a valuable addition to traditional treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Detoxing?

Detoxing itself also has many benefits. It can improve your life in various ways.

• You improve your health and energy levels.
• You reduce the damage to your body and understand better how to aid in recovery.
• You learn to better handle stress and improve the quality of your life.
• You increase your self-awareness and understand the causes of your addiction better.
• You feel better overall and can manage your life better.
• You decrease the risk of relapse and can better maintain your recovery.
• You avoid negative consequences and can balance your life better.
• You can achieve your goals better and lead a better life.

In addition to these reasons, there are many more benefits to detoxing as long as it is done healthily.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Rehabilitation Clinic?

Detoxing in a clinic also has several disadvantages as listed below.

Limited Insurance Coverage: Not all insurers cover the cost of rehabilitation clinics, which limits access to treatment. This can be solved by requiring insurers to cover treatment costs and offering subsidies to those without insurance.

Waiting Times: Finding a spot in a rehabilitation clinic can take a long time, limiting access to treatment. This can be mitigated by shortening waiting times and making more clinics available.

Costs: Treatment in a rehabilitation clinic can be expensive, and not everyone can afford it. This can be addressed by having insurers pay for the treatment and offering subsidies to those who need it.

Obligations and Childcare: For people with obligations like work and children, finding the time to stay in a clinic can be difficult. This can be solved by offering flexible treatment options, such as part-time treatment or remote treatment via the internet.

Limited Privacy: Staying in a clinic means giving up your privacy and being constantly monitored. This can be addressed by providing individuals with more privacy, such as separate rooms and limited access to personal information.