Private Rehab: What should you expect and not expect

Choosing a private rehab for your alcohol and drug addiction recovery needs is a smart choice. However, there are considerations you should be aware of prior to and upon admission to the program.

1) Be aware of spa programs: Being in early recovery, there is so much to learn and so much to purge in order to move forward with a recovery that is sustaining. To integrate massage, acupuncture, movement therapy, aroma therapy, etc. into your treatment is recommended for a holistic program attending to a mind, body, spirit approach. The program should offer several individual psychotherapy per week, family/loved ones sessions, traditional and complimentary medical staff, and relapse prevention training. These critical services are a MUST, in conjunction with spa services.

2) Be aware of a penitential model: Some programs have a heavy emphasis on being punitive and punishing their clients. Often these programs have "gurus" who have answers for all your recovery needs. You have punished yourself way too much, you don't need someone allegedly in recovery, playing power games with you and pretending to know you and what your needs are in a matter of days. The staff at the private rehab should respect you and attempt to approach your issues with a solution-focus, resiliency approach.

3) Be aware of "The Cure" model: The current scientific literature on addiction is clear that there is no cure for addictions of any kind. However, we have many strategies on managing our illness. We have medications, self-help groups, personal transformation, spiritual support, physical fitness and improved self-esteem is all aids in sustaining a recovery and managing your lifelong illness. Some programs will tell you they have a "cure" with unscientific research findings. Some would say, its unethical.

Overall, you need to interview key staff prior to admitting to a private rehab. If key staff (clinical director, program manager, etc.) are not available to you, then you may want to move on to another program. There are many choices...choose the right one for you!

If you, or a loved one needs rehab services, please contact one of our recovery counselors on our 24 Hour HelpLine at (866) 478-9898.

Always direct your thoughts to those truths that will give you confidence, hope, joy, love, thanksgiving, and turn away your mind from those that inspire you with fear, sadness, depression.
- Bertrand Wilbertforce

Recuperatio Primoris!