This is the most common question we are asked. We always explain that there is no guarantee that treatment will be successful. Each individual’s road to recovery and sobriety is unique. It is a personal journey. We offer a drug and alcohol treatment program that we know from experience works. We know that sometimes relapse is a part of recovery. It doesn’t have to be! However should it happen, we want to be there for you? Our goal is that you are successful in your recovery. That’s why we stand behind our treatment programs. Recovery cannot be guaranteed. Rehabilitation is the most effective treatment for addiction. The process of rehabilitation aims at recovering the life of an addict at the physical, mental and spiritual level. A behavioral change brought about as a result of the process helps the addict to handle life on life’s terms, thereby, strengthening his resolve to maintain daily abstinence.
Ans. Addiction is a disease of the mind and of the body. Addicts and alcoholics need to be in a safe and structured environment where they can learn to function without the use of drugs and alcohol. The mental obsession and the phenomenon of craving can be overwhelming, even for the strongest of will. The best case scenario is that the addict be in a safe place where they can learn about the problem of addiction, the solution to addiction, and the program of action to overcome addiction.
Q3.Why short term rehabilitation converts into long term stay?
Ans. During rehab, physical therapists and other staff members set initial (starting) treatment goals for patients. These are based on a person’s condition and what he or she needs to learn or relearn to do. Sometimes patients make slow or little progress toward initial goals. There are many reasons why this can happen. For example, patients may be too weak or not able to do all needed exercise and therapy. Or they may be too sick. And sometimes, no matter how hard patients try, they do not respond to treatment right away.
Although long term rehabs are rarely the first form of therapy chosen by a person struggling with substance abuse, statistics clearly show the longer the stay at an inpatient facility, the greater the prognosis for long term recovery. Typically the decision to undergo a long term rehab stay follows other, different types of attempts at recovery. The first attempt may be simply to a stay at a detox facility followed by a short term rehab, usually 28-30 days, is attempted. A lack of success at shorter term facilities is then the motivator that leads to long term inpatient rehabilitation.
There seem to be different factors in determining the method of treatment needed for each individual. Some factors include length of time abusing substances, amount of substances being abused and the number of unsuccessful attempts at recovery in the past. The commitment made to a long term rehab has been shown to be an integral first step to successful recovery.
Q.4 What is importance of long term rehabilitation for addicts?
Ans. A stay at a long term rehab can offer the patient more time to identify these issues that have hindered his attempts at recovery in the past. Long term inpatient rehabilitation is often necessary for a long term substance abuser. It has, more than likely, become nearly impossible for this individual to imagine living a life without drugs or alcohol. Thirty days clean and sober is a good start for some, but for the individual who has abused substances for years, even decades, thirty days may not be sufficient to offer hope of a happy life without drugs or alcohol. Spending up to two years at an inpatient facility can also be valuable to an individual as he attempts to re-integrate into society. Many facilities will aid attempts to find employment. Long term rehabs can also be valuable as the individual develops and rekindles relationships with peers and family members. Work and relationship difficulties often cause stress that the newly sober person is ill equipped to deal with. Deeply ingrained addictions are not easily overcome. The long term rehabilitation concept offers the addict the most important resource for his recovery, time. Time for self awareness, time for in depth therapy, time to find employment without stress, time to rebuild relationships, these are benefits of long term treatment unavailable through a 28-30 day program. The personal accountability one must adhere to at a long term rehab will be extremely useful as the individual attempts to live a structured, responsible life required for recovery.
Q.5 How Long Does Rehab Take?
Ans. There isn't a set period of time that applies to everyone when it comes to rehabilitation. Some addicts may need a 90-day stay at an inpatient treatment facility to truly find their path in recovery, whereas others may only need a 30-day program. It simply varies according to the addiction in question, the individual's history with addiction, dual diagnosis conditions, and the individual's specific physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.
Studies find that those who spend longer amounts of time in rehabilitation programs achieve better rates of long-term sobriety. This is because more time spend at a treatment facility means more opportunity to focus on the root causes behind the addiction. If these issues are effectively addressed, the individual is more likely to be able to resist temptations to relapse.
Drug and alcohol addiction treatment doesn't conclude after the patient exits the rehabilitation program, regardless of its duration. Recovery is an ongoing process that will continue for the rest of the patient's life. Long-term recovery often involves ongoing therapy, both in individual and group form. Some patients find other activities key to their ongoing recovery, such as meditation, yoga, exercise or art.
It's important to note that many addicts don't achieve perfect, lifelong recovery with one rehab stay. Relapse should not be viewed as a failure; instead, it should be seen as an obstacle to overcome on one's lifelong journey to sobriety. Relapse is an opportunity to reassess one's path and get back into a program that offers the support and help needed to maintain sobriety. Many addicts complete more than one stay in rehab before they are able to find their footing in their recovery journey
Q.6 Which Is Better -- Inpatient or Outpatient Rehab?
Ans. Inpatient facilities differ from outpatient facilities in a number of ways, from costs involved and intensity of treatment to the overall environment throughout the recovery process.
Inpatient facilities are 24-hour facilities that usually have medical and paramedical staff members present at all times. These facilities allow patients to live there, and they provide medical support whenever necessary. Inpatient programs include group therapy, individual therapy and often complementary therapies. Inpatient treatment is the most comprehensive form of treatment, allowing the patient to fully focus on their addiction and recovery. Since they are removed from the stress of their regular lives, patients are better able to attack their addiction issues. Inpatient facilities often cost more because the patient is provided with everything -- therapy, meals, lodging and activities.
Outpatient facilities allow a patient to come for treatment, therapy and other services, but then leave at the end of the treatment sessions. This lets a person have a normal work, school or home life while seeking treatment. Outpatient programs vary; some involve all-day sessions whereas others may only treat patients for an hour or two per day. Outpatient care generally costs less because there are fewer amenities and fewer staff hours involved in direct care. Because patients can leave, patients do not have to pay for the around-the-clock care that often makes inpatient treatment much more expensive.
Inpatient rehab is recommended for those with long-standing addictions, addictions to multiple substances, and dual diagnosis conditions. It is also advised for those who have had previous rehab stays and then relapsed. Outpatient rehabilitation is best for those with short-term addictions.
Q.7 I’m not sure if I want to go to an inpatient or outpatient facility. Which one is best?
Ans. This depends on your particular situation — the type of substance you use, how long you’ve been abusing it and at what dosage levels. If your addiction involves a physical dependency, inpatient care with on-site detox is often recommended so you can safely remove the substance from your body. It’s essential to have 24-hour medical care during this process.
When you choose inpatient rehabilitation, you are removed from your “regular” life and all the temptations that come with it, and able to put your sole focus on your recovery. Generally, those with severe addictions, negative home environments, and dual diagnosis conditions benefit most from inpatient care.
If you have career or family obligations that you can’t get away from for a period of time, outpatient care is your best option. Generally, outpatient rehab is recommended for those with less severe addiction issues.
Q.8 Is a Rehabilitation the same as a detox centre?
Ans. No, but they often overlap. Many rehabilitation programs have a detoxification program that they offer to patients, although those patients will not be allowed to participate in the standard rehabilitation program until they have completed the detox process. It is important that the patient completing detoxification is in a supportive environment, with medical staff on hand to keep withdrawal symptoms under control. This decreases the likelihood of relapse and health complications.
The true recovery work is completed during the rehabilitation portion of treatment. This often involves one-on-one therapy sessions with a counselor, group therapy sessions with other recovery addicts, and complementary therapies that can help addicts embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Q.12 Are there programs for families?
Ans. Prabal offers a variety of services designed to support families. We know that addiction impacts on everyone surrounding the person living with the addiction. Just as a family experiences the pain of addiction, a family must also experience the journey of recovery. We offer on and off site therapeutic consultations for family and individuals to explore options, support decision making and develop healthy, positive relationships. Families are invited to participate at key intervals through the core residential treatment program. This provides the opportunity for family counselling, educational groups, and relationship building.
Q.16 What is a typical day like in your program?
Ans. Just as in normal life, Prabal Treatment and Rehab Centre runs on a weekday and weekend schedule. The weekdays are more structured, similar to a work day. The weekends will present opportunity for out trips, laundry, and self-directed activities. During the weekday our program commences at 7:30am with a morning routine which includes physical exercise. morning prayer. You will enjoy a nutritious start to your day with breakfast. Every day from Monday to Friday you will participate in psycho educational and process groups from 10:30am and 1pm. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon will provide the opportunity for a recreation break. During this time you will be allowed to relax and will have individual counselling sessions. Evenings are primarily client self-directed time, with the exception of three community-based AA or NA meetings.
Q.18 What kind of counselling will I get?
Ans. At Prabal you will work in conjunction with your counsellor to meet your individual needs. You will engage in individual counselling sessions, and participate in daily psycho educational and process groups. These are experientially based and designed to build skill and confidence with key tools of recovery. Our clinical team brings a wide base of therapeutic experience to the community of recovery, providing clinical practice in solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, systems theory, mindfulness, motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy.
Q.21 What happens when I check in for drug or alcohol rehab treatment?
Ans. After admission, detoxification and stabilization begins immediately if needed. We perform a thorough physical exam and a complete medical history. From there we will determine the level of treatment, length of stay and support needs for the family and children, if applicable. Depending upon your specific needs or those of your loved one, we lay out a therapeutic program designed to effectively treat the addiction. It may include individual treatment, one-on-one or group therapy, regular meetings with physicians and intensive case management.
Q.24 If I am experiencing depression and anxiety, will that be addressed?
Ans. Yes, our goal is to give you all the tools of treatment and recovery necessary to make sure you never have to use an addictive substance again. In many instances, though, we discover that addiction may not always be the only issue. There are often other “co-occurring” disorders. Our staff, which includes psychologists and a psychiatrist, is able to recognize depression and anxiety. Our drug and alcohol rehab programs provide support and care for such co-occurring disorders. We provide the skills to meet life’s challenges without the use of drugs and alcohol.
Q.26 If a person relapses after treatment, does that mean that the treatment was not successful?
Ans. When a recovering addict/alcoholic retreats to old habits, it does not mean that the treatment was not successful or that the person is a failure. It simply means that the person has relapsed. The key is to get help and get back on track as soon as possible. In its simplest terms, our goal is your recovery. However, it would be irresponsible and inaccurate for any treatment provider to claim that their methods “cure” individuals or forever prevent relapse. It's important that patients and families are clear in their understanding that addiction is a chronic, lifelong disease that requires changes in lifestyle and behavior. Chronic addiction is often characterized by periodic relapses, resulting from peer pressure, not following your recovery program and after care plans or the inability to cope with stress. Prabal offers addiction treatment and recovery programs for patients with varied needs, from initial treatment through continuing care and relapse prevention.
Q.27 Can I take my usual prescription medications while in treatment?
Ans. Usually, yes. However, certain medications may be unsafe while in treatment. We have seen many individuals struggle to recover from alcohol or drug abuse, unaware that a medicine prescribed for them is triggering their addiction. Each medicine is checked for its relapse potential as well as its safety to determine whether you should continue taking it. In certain cases, an alternative, safer treatment can usually be prescribed.
Q.29 Do you treat anything besides drug and alcohol addiction?
Ans. Many people who come to Prabal seeking treatment for their drug or alcohol addiction may also struggle with mental health issues such as depression, grief, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder & other Psychiatric illness. This combination of addiction along with a mental health issue is called "co-occurring disorders" and, in fact, is quite common. Prabal has medical staff, psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors on site who are skilled at addressing the complexity of issues around co-occurring disorders alongside the addiction to drugs and alcohol.
Q.33 What is Recovery?
Ans. After a patient has completed their rehabilitation program, they are not finished with recovery. In fact, recovery is a lifelong process that an addict must work at for the rest of their life. Sometimes, the path to lifelong recovery will be easy; other times, it will be difficult for individuals to withstand the temptation to relapse. Like anything in life, it's a journey that may feature varying terrain so lifelong support is essential.
Prior to leaving an addiction treatment program, the patient will meet with counsellors to discuss a plan for aftercare. Many addiction rehab facilities offer follow-up programs to assist the patient as they return to normal life. These may include weekend stays back at the rehab centre when the individual feels a touch-up stay is needed. Or a patient may live in a sober living facility for a while with other recovering addicts before returning home. While in a sober living facility, recovering addicts perform chores, work at an outside job and participate in group therapy sessions. This offers a supportive transitional time for recovering addicts before being thrown back into "normal" life.
Many patients maintain regular therapy sessions post rehab, and some submit to schedule drug testing as a way to keep them accountable to their sobriety. Group therapy is a wonderful method for building a support system in your local area. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are well-known 12-step groups that many recovering addicts attend on a very regular basis. Both AA and NA have meetings all across the country at easily accessible
Q.34 “What is your success rate?” The most common question we are asked?
Ans. OUR PATIENTS TELL US THEY FEEL SUCCESSFUL.
Success and its measurement are subjective. We at Prabal are aware that without continual personal growth and progress, success or improvement may not be achieved.
Success is acknowledging and accepting help. Life becomes easier when you learn to accept.
Success is starting a recovery journey. The journey in between what you once were and who you are now becoming is where the dance of life really takes place.
Success is having a good laugh. – Laughter has a therapeutic benefit to body, mind and spirit.
Success is doing something different. Without doing things differently there will be no change.
It is important to understand that recovery is a journey, not a destination. It is a journey of healing, growth and change. Our team of qualified and experienced counsellors and support staff, facilitate an individual recovery program for each client to address the underlying emotional issues that lead to addiction. Our treatment approach is client centered, and has abstinence as its core aim. We work with our clients to develop health habits evidenced based, positive emotions, personal growth and change.