| This article aims to provide information and clarification | | | | while you're detoxing. Even if you don't go to a |
| on some of the common questions that people ask | | | | residential rehab clinic, a medical professional will put |
| about drugs and alcohol rehab. | | | | together a detox programme to make sure you detox |
| What is rehab? | | | | safely. |
| You have probably heard of rehab centres or rehab | | | | How do I choose a rehab centre? |
| clinics. 'Rehab' is short for rehabilitation. Rehabilitation | | | | Different rehab centres have varying a approaches to |
| usually actually refers to a programme of treatment to | | | | treatment and you'll have the greatest chance of |
| help people overcome addiction to drugs or alcohol | | | | success if you find one that suits you. Initially, speak to |
| and readjust (rehabilitate into life) without them. | | | | professionals (such as your GP or a counsellor) about |
| Residential rehab centres and clinics provide these | | | | your options and needs. You may also want to |
| treatment programmes, but rehab can also be | | | | contact a few addiction centres and discuss their |
| undergone without staying in one of these centres. | | | | approach and methods with them. You may want to |
| Do I need rehab? | | | | ask questions about issues such as: |
| If using drugs and alcohol is having a negative effect | | | | Staff qualifications and experience |
| on your life and the lives of those around you, you | | | | Detox |
| may need help such as rehab to help you overcome | | | | Aftercare |
| your addiction. | | | | Cost |
| If you have concerns about your drug/alcohol use, | | | | Structure of the programme |
| contact a health/addiction professional. You can go to | | | | The cost |
| your GP as the first step or look for addiction centres | | | | Can I keep in touch with the outside world during |
| in your area. | | | | rehab? |
| What is detox? | | | | The rules around issues such as visiting, contact and |
| At the start of a rehab programme, detox is | | | | personal items vary between rehab centres. You will |
| necessary to rid the body of toxins built up through | | | | usually be allowed visits during allocated visiting hours. |
| drug and alcohol use. Detoxing can help reduce | | | | You'll usually be allowed to make and receive |
| (although may not eliminate) the physical or mental | | | | telephone calls too, however, sometimes they may be |
| cravings for narcotics/booze, making it easier to focus | | | | monitored. |
| on changing behaviours and habits related to | | | | It's unlikely you'll be able to take items such as laptops |
| substance use. | | | | and mobile phones into a rehab centre but rules vary. |
| Detox should be discussed with a medical professional | | | | Got more FAQs? |
| as there can be physical and potentially serious side | | | | Do not be afraid to ask questions. Speak to more than |
| effects such as: | | | | one person at the rehab centre and don't worry that |
| Sweating | | | | your questions will seem 'silly' or 'daft'. It's important that |
| Nausea | | | | you get the information you need and feel comfortable |
| Shaking | | | | with your decision. Staff at rehab clinics will be happy |
| Hallucination | | | | to answer any questions that you have. |
| In a rehab centre you'll be supervised 24 hours a day | | | | |