Whether one has an alcohol, drug, or behavioural addiction, the benefits of a rehab can help anyone into a successful and lasting recovery. Ireland offers a variety of treatment options for addiction, ranging from self-help programmes to luxury residential rehabs. Although rehab is not the only option for addiction treatment, depending on the person, it may be the best treatment option. No other addiction treatment can offer the same benefits that a rehab can.
Before deciding which option is right for you, you should examine the pros and cons of each one. You should also consult with your GP or counsellor, because every situation is different.
Ireland is fighting a serious addiction epidemic, with alcohol and heroin making up the majority of the problem. Unfortunately, those are two drugs that often require specialised treatment that only a residential rehab can provide. Compulsive gambling is also a major problem.
What is Treatment at a Residential Rehab Like?
Rehab can offer many benefits that other types of treatment can’t. In most cases, a residential rehab can be thought of as an “all-inclusive” option to treatment, which includes detox, therapy, and aftercare.
Rehab is recommended for people that:
- Have been unsuccessful with other types of treatment
- Need detox
- Have a dual diagnosis
- Live in a risky or stressful environment
- Are at a high risk for relapse
At Smarmore Castle, we provide a personalised treatment programme, based on the 12-step philosophy. Smarmore Castle offers a fully medically managed treatment plan, which inclides detox, therapy and aftercare. In addition, we have a range of complementary therapies such as equine-assisted therapy, aqua-therapy, meditation and more.
What Are the Benefits of a Rehab?
Rehab offers many benefits, which is why is it highly recommended for treatment in many cases. While not all rehabs are created equal, most share several key traits. This makes them a top choice for addiction treatment.
More Intensive
Rehab is more intensive, and typically takes 4-6 weeks (although some patients choose to stay 12 weeks or more). You will go through treatment every day, usually for several hours. This will give you the tools and skills you can take with you into recovery.
In addition, because the person lives on site, they learn to function in a more structured lifestyle. Not to mention, the busy schedule keeps people from thinking too much about their cravings. This stability is highly helpful for people in recovery.
Safe and Secure Environment
Another key benefit is that rehabs provide a safe environment free from temptation and out of reach of external influences. By removing oneself from daily stresses, they can also focus strictly on getting better.
While some people do not like the idea of being away from home, due to responsibilities or family, other patients find it necessary. In certain situations, the person may be living in a dangerous environment, or one where they can still access their substance.
Rehab provides a therapeutic community where patients live 24/7 in a safe and positive group. Every member, staff and patients alike, are all focused on the same goal of recovery. The support and social aspect of living with sober like-minded individuals can be extremely powerful, especially in the early stages of recovery.
Personalised Treatment Plan
Most residential rehabs today, including Smarmore Castle, provide a customised treatment plan for patients. Because the treatment is tailored to the patient’s needs, it will improve the chances of a successful recovery. In other treatment options, the plan may be more superficial or limited.
This is important for patients with a dual-diagnosis, because their underlying issues will need to be addressed along with their addiction. Outside of a structured programme, this can be quite challenging.
Detox and Medical Supervision
If a person has a physical dependence to their substance, it can be best to go to rehab. Withdrawal symptoms can be very painful, uncomfortable, and in some cases, they are fatal. Some drugs, such as alcohol and heroin, cause very difficult withdrawals. At a rehab, you will be under the 24-hour care and guidance of medical professionals.
Specialised Therapies
Addiction is a unique disease to treat. Those who have it, untreated, are in denial about the problem. It also has a number of underlying causes, and triggers, that can make it difficult to treat. Treatment requires that you treat the person, because addiction affects and is affected by, every aspect in your life. This means that specialised therapies, such as for trauma or grief, are essential to treatment. The benefit of a rehab is that it can provide all aspects of care and therapy in one place.
In addition, rehabs usually provide complementary therapies, such as art, music, or massage. Nutrition and healthy food are also important, because people often neglect this self-care when using.
Aftercare
Continuing care after treatment is vital in order to sustain a sober lifestyle. During therapy and before completing treatment, you will be provided with the tools to help once you leave rehab. This will include a personalised continuing care plan. It will help you identify your triggers, and how to avoid them.
In addition, most rehabs will provide aftercare for you. This could take the form of in-person therapy, teletherapy, or regular group sessions, for example. This is critical in the early stage of recovery, when your chance of relapse is highest.
What About Other Treatment Options?
It is wise to take the time to study every option for treatment before you decide what will be best for you.
Harm Reduction and Substitution Treatment
Harm reduction can be useful as temporary maintenance therapy or part of detox. It focuses on substituting harmful substances with more manageable ones. Ireland offers this widely.
However, at Smarmore Castle, we believe that the only meaningful recovery can be achieved through abstinence. The best outcome should be considered a sober life. This is what will really allow you to get your life back, and welcome positive changes into your life.
Outpatient Treatments
Outpatient clinics can be quite similar to rehabs, but without the residency aspect. The most intensive programmes are as effective as rehab, but they are rarely offered.
Outpatient treatment can vary, from weekly therapy to day-only programs. In most cases, outpatient treatment programmes do not provide the same structured schedule. They are also often limited in the types of therapies on offer. In addition, at the end of the day, the patient is required to return to home. For some people, this can be bad for their recovery.
The limited time spent on recovery-focused activities can make recovery more challenging for people with severe addictions. Furthermore, the less intensive the program is, the longer the treatment will be likely to take.
Self-Help and Support Groups
Self-help resources, such as counselling, and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can be beneficial. Many people have used these alone to enter recovery. They are usually free, and you can attend as many as you feel you need to.
Like outpatient treatment, self-help groups do not provide the 24-hour safe and structured environment that a rehab does. Unless the person is also living in a sober home at the time, they are likely exposed to daily stresses and temptations. In addition, detox is not part of such programmes.
Detox Only
Some people think of detox as a quick fix for their addiction. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. It only addresses the physical dependence of addiction and does nothing to prevent the person from using again. Detox is only the start of treatment.
In order to enter and remain in recovery, you need to go through therapy to address any underlying issues, triggers, and negative thinking.
Natural Recovery
Natural recovery refers to starting a sober lifestyle without the aid of any resources. For example, a person who says, “This is my last cigarette,” and never smokes again. While this is possible for some people, it takes a lot of willpower and determination. With a serious illness such as substance addiction, this is a rare phenomenon.
In some cases, it can even be dangerous. Quitting some drugs – such as alcohol – cold turkey can be fatal. Supervision is recommended.
Where Can I Go to Find Out More About the Benefits of Rehab?
If you’re looking to get referred to a rehab, it’s best to start by speaking with your GP, counsellor, or a local addiction clinic. They can guide you through the necessary steps for admission. You can find your local alcohol or drug services on drugs.ie.
You can also call or email us at Smarmore Castle. Our staff are always happy to answer any questions about treatment options.
