28 Day Rehab over Alternatives

There are several advantages to 28 day rehab programs. Many times people are ambivalent when they begin a program and the other participants in the program serve as a great support system that encourages them to stay in the program. This support system evokes sense of family and also provides vital resources in learning how addiction has affected their life, self-esteem, character, spirit, employment, environment, health, and the people who love them. When one is surrounded by others who share the same experience it serves to normalize their own helping the individual to have common ground with others feeling less isolated and alone in their suffering. Often times kicking the addiction is the hardest in the first month and it takes no less than every ounce of effort and encouragement to get through that fragile period. Not only are the other participants vital in encouragement and building self-esteem, but the rehab program has nutritional menus that serve to replenish resources that has been neglected through their addiction. Also a nurse is usually available to monitor withdrawal systems and any other health concerns that may arrive. Another important factor is that the program offers a routine, a schedule that is important for the individual to get back into rhythm in their life. Often times the alcoholic or addict throws away the daily routine where making up their bed, their hygiene, eating habits, meals and sleeping routines are disregard and individuals loose their way making days turn in nights, nights into weeksn, weeks into months until ones life is wasted. These routines and schedules are vital in keeping the rhythm of the body in harmony with life. Many rehab programs offer the participants the opportunities to attend outside activities i.e., going to outside AA meetings, to local parks, yoga classes, etc., outside the rehab setting which helps in getting the participants accustomed to the recovery community. The program also offers didactic lessons facilitated by professional counselors, as well as group therapy sessions where each participant can voice concerns about their own personal problems in an atmosphere that is safe. In the group therapy sessions each individual can hear the concerns of other participants and can learn from each other's situations, their suffering, and their accomplishments.

When comparing the monetary value of recovery, one can't really put a price tag on it. Addiction, whether it's from alcoholism or illicit drug use is a disease, a life-long disease that is not curable and can only be managed daily, sometimes moment by moment. It is believed that, relapse is part of the disease and it is for many people, however when one learns how to surf the problems of ones life, as well as the skills and the tools to deal with the triggers that leads one back to their drug of choice the better equipped they will be the next time they become vulnerable and or triggered by life's upsets in order to handle them.

I've heard many clients tell me, "I can't take that much time off of work to check into rehab", or "I can't leave my children for that long". My response is, if you do not have time now to take care of this disease then when? The probability that the individual will lose their job or lose custody of their children is greater if they don't Seek help. Basically the individual can't afford not to. What you resist, persists.

I would also ask you if you could have done recovered alone with a therapist why haven't you? One ingredient that must be present when seeking help is the ability to want to receive the help. The individual seeking treatment must be seeking recovery for themselves and not for anyone else. It is true that you can't make a horse drink just because you led him to water but you can certainly make him thirsty. Being in the presence of others who take recovery seriously and seeing then embrace recovery is contagious. It isn't until one gets out of their comfort zone do they find the strengths within.

I have seen miracles happen in a residential rehab program. I have seen young people coming enlightened by older individuals continuing their struggle with addiction after decades, realizing that it doesn't get better and less it is arrested earl. I have seen middle aged people with newly acquired addiction observing the ravages from drug-worn, chronic users. Residential rehab programs serves as a wake-up call and one either walks away ready to change, having the tools and the resources in which to do that, or they return to their drug of choice. There are no guarantees. The power is in you. It always was. Namaste dear one I hope you choose life.