What to Expect When You Go to Rehab
The first step after enrolling in a rehab involves an assessment of the individual’s drug use history, their current symptoms and the presence of other substance use or mood disorders. An individualized treatment plan is tailored for the patient based on this assessment. This is followed by detox, which involves the elimination of the drug from the body and the management of withdrawal symptoms using medications or behavioral therapy, or a combination of the two.
Subsequent treatment involves individual and group therapy sessions, other forms of behavioral therapy, participation in 12-step programs and other activities like yoga and meditation. Therapy aims to teach individuals strategies that can help them resist drug use and coping with stress and other addiction triggers. Rehab also involves helping individuals to develop interpersonal skills and other skills that are necessary to live a sober life.
Most rehabs have strict rules requiring mandatory participation in therapy sessions and activities. Rehabs may also have restrictions on the possession of electronics like phones and laptops. Prior to completion of treatment at the rehab, strategies for aftercare should be devised to ensure long term recovery.
What Happens After Rehab?
Recovery from any substance use disorder, including marijuana addiction, is a lifelong process. Undergoing detox and enrolling in a rehabilitation facility sets an individual on a path to recovery. However, the duration spent in a cannabis rehab is generally not adequate to deal with the possibility of relapse to drug abuse. Staying sober long term usually requires continuing with treatment after rehab in the form of psychotherapy at an outpatient clinic.
Participation in a support group like Marijuana Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous can also be helpful in preventing relapse. Engaging in new hobbies and participating in social activities may help individuals who are recovering from marijuana addiction integrate into society.
How Rehab Helps
Enrolling in rehab after detox reduces the chances of relapse, whereas a longer duration between receiving treatment at a detox facility and subsequent treatment at rehab is associated with a higher risk of relapse.
Treatment at a rehab provides the individual with a better understanding of the behavioral, psychological and social factors contributing to their addiction. Treatment often encourages patients to examine the beliefs and behaviors that lead to drug use, teaches them skills to cope with stress and to recognize other triggers that cause drug use.
Rehab also equips individuals with the skills necessary to reintegrate into society by aiding the development of interpersonal skills and helping them develop a sense of personal responsibility and accountability.