Rehabilitation is restoring someone to normal life through counselling and therapy, especially after a disability, addiction or illness. The word rehabilitation is most commonly used with regard to addiction treatments.
“Coming to terms” with an addiction of a loved one itself is a very big trauma. For the family, it’s their first step. Added to that is the anxiety of the next step forward: which line of treatment to take, who to consult, how to deal with the situation interim, choosing the right treatment facility, the expenses involved.
Normally an addiction therapist is attached to a rehabilitation facility. These facilities have options of inpatient or outpatient services depending on the severity of the case, or the level of motivation.
Before deciding on a facility there are a few issues you should be very clear about: what are you looking for in the facility?
- The legal status of the institute: It is worth spending time enquiring into the status of a facility whether it is accredited or affiliated to another facility from another city/country. This will give you some idea of the centre.
- The environment of the place is very important. It should be pleasing, homely and serene: a rehabilitation centre is not a prison or a remand home. It is not even a hospital. It should be clean, friendly, and comfortable – a welcoming place, with good quality of food supplied to residents along with other facilities for entertainment and health such as a gym.
- Qualifications of the faculty: It is advisable to check the qualifications and experience of the staff involved. The psychiatrists, counsellors, psychotherapists, physicians and Yoga / Mindfulness teachers.
- Is the treatment for the addiction a long time procedure or a short treatment with aftercare facility? Does the centre have the resources and know- how for long or short term treatments with support and after care after discharge?
- How does the centre deal with withdrawal symptoms? Does it have adequate and competent medial back up? It would be helpful to know how humane or harsh the dealings are, because only you know the psyche/ constitution of your loved one to handle difficult situations.
- Talk to families of ‘clean’ people on the merits and demerits of that facility: getting testimonials is a great idea. People who have come clean or their attenders or family members on the treatment experience. Of course, there are confidentiality issues involved but ask if the facility can provide contact details of alumni after taking due permissions.
Better to delay treatment than to give ineffective treatment to your loved one. Make comprehensive enquiries, but most importantly keep yourself physically and mentally strong to cope with the situation.
Sometimes the social media could be a good medium for anonymous discussions. As a caretaker you can always discuss your problems with online support groups. If you are unwilling to face people, then online support groups can work wonders. This is very effective in opening up about any issue you have, knowing someone out there feels the same and can understand you better. This will give you a better understanding of a situation and how to deal with it. Similarly any person who has been treated for addiction can also find support groups online to deal with everyday situations.
Always be positive and optimistic. Your optimism and positivity will go a long way in encouraging your loved one towards an addiction-free, productive, positive life. Choose wisely for your love one.