What’s Rehab like?

Social Worker and Addiction Counsellor

Supervisor Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services

You might be thinking Rehab is like being in prison, with lots of rules and restrictions. In fact, Rehab doesn’t have to be hard, punishing or restricting. It can be relaxing, with time to relax and get healthy. Think of Rehab like a health retreat, but with trained staff who understand addiction. For some people, it can be the best time of their life.

On the scale of Rehab services, an independent service with an out-of-pocket expense is likely to offer more than a free government-funded service. If you prefer smaller numbers with more comfort and privacy, then an independent service may be better for you. Rehab depends on your budget, and it is true that you get what you pay for in terms of receiving the right treatment program.

The right Rehab for you will offer a lifestyle and routine that is supportive of your needs during your recovery. You may need to keep up with your work commitments online, so make sure you choose a service that allows you to use the internet and your mobile phone. If you need to start an exercise regime or follow a new dietary routine, you may need a more holistic centre with trained staff in PT and nutrition.

If you get bored easily without drugs and alcohol, a more structured program may be better for you, with plenty of education, classes and creative outlets like yoga, art, dancing and group activities. It’s important to balance activities with personal time, so you can keep you mind active, but also have time to reflect on your counselling sessions and what you are learning. A 50:50 ratio of activities to relaxation is ideal.

Having your own 1:1 counselling session everyday can make all the difference. Group therapy can be too impersonal for some, so letting someone get to know you and your issues makes the whole experience at Rehab more meaningful. That means you get to just talk about you and your addiction, without having to listen to other people’s stories. Individual therapy means you don’t fly under the radar and your recovery is faster.

Short visits have short outcomes. Longer stays allow for you, rest and nourish your body, and get your brain chemistry back into balance. Try to give yourself the best possible chance by investing in the process and slowing your life down so you can unpack every possible contributing factor in your addiction. It takes time, so the longer the stay the better in terms of preventing relapse. Rehab is a ‘life detox.’