Why You Need Outpatient Alcohol and Drug Rehab Centers

Did you know that at least 10% of Americans have had a substance use disorder at some point in their lives? Of those affected, less than 25% received treatment.

While it can be tempting to try to fight addiction alone, this makes you vulnerable to relapse. In addition, you could be risking your health. Withdrawals can be dangerous when not managed by medical professionals.

So, if you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, it’s time to consider rehab centers. In this article, we’ll be going over all the ways that a rehab center can help you finally live a life free of addiction. Read on to learn more.

Detox Programs

If you’ve ever tried to get clean before, you know how difficult it can be. The cravings are more intense and can feel uncontrollable. In addition, the physical and psychological symptoms are overwhelming. 

At a minimum, you’ll likely experience:

• Shaking
• Sweating
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Hallucinations 
• Anxiety 

These symptoms, paired with intense cravings, often have addicts reaching for their substance of choice. The longer you’ve had your addictions and the more you take, the more difficult the detox will be. In severe cases, detoxing from alcohol and opioids can be fatal. 

For that reason, supervised detox is essential. In a rehab center, a doctor will control the whole detox process. They will use medications to control symptoms, keep you stable, and ease cravings.

While detox is never described as a pleasant experience, rehab centers can make you as comfortable as possible so you can get through it. In addition, you’ll be in a controlled environment, which will prevent you from reaching for alcohol or drugs to cope. 

Learn New Coping Skills 

Getting the drugs out of your system is only the first step. After that, you need to create sustainable new habits that can help keep you sober. 

Almost 9 million people have a comorbid mental health disorder alongside their substance use disorder. This suggests that, in many cases, alcohol and drugs are used as coping mechanisms for mental health concerns.

In other cases, alcohol and drugs are coping mechanisms for periods of stress. This can evolve into a substance use disorder.

Regardless of what started your substance use, it’s not an effective coping mechanism. A  rehab center can help you find new ways to handle stress, mental health problems, and anything else life throws at you. 

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, is one of the best ways to cope with addiction. CBT seeks to re-examine the faulty behavioral patterns that contributed to the addiction. 

Your brain can very easily re-wire itself to convince you that you can and should be allowed to use drugs or alcohol. For example, if you avoid substances for a few weeks, you might notice yourself thinking that you deserve a treat as a reward for your good behavior. 

Alternatively, you might relapse and use substances once. Your brain will tell you that you’ve already slipped up, so there’s no point in resisting. This turns a small mistake into a full-on substance binge.

These are some of the sneaky ways that substances can re-wire your brain. CBT will help you unlearn them. With a therapist, you’ll work on your triggers and how to outsmart that inner voice that’s always giving you permission to use.

In addition, you’ll learn coping mechanisms for any underlying mental health struggles. When you learn how to cope with depression, anxiety, or any other mental health disorder, you’ll be able to eliminate your need for drugs or alcohol. 

Build a New Support System 

If you’ve been an addict for a long time, it’s safe to say your life revolves around your substance of choice. Your friends might also be addicts, or you might find yourself at the bar every night of the week. 

If you don’t restructure your life, it can be very easy to slip back into these old patterns of behavior. If you go to rehab but all your friends are still at the bar every night, it’s only a matter of time until you join them. 

Attending inpatient or outpatient rehab, you can create a new support system of friends and therapists. You’ll find other people who are on the same journey as you, and you can start establishing new and healthy habits in your life. For example, with your new sober friends, you can replace nights at the bar with movie nights.

In addition, you’ll have someone to turn to if your cravings come back. After a stressful day, you might find yourself itching for a cocktail. Instead, you can call up your friends from rehab or even your therapist.

They can talk you down and help take your mind off of your cravings. 

Health Benefits 

The CDC reports that excessive alcohol use can shorten your life by an average of 29 years.

This is partly due to an increased risk of car accidents and falls. But, drugs and alcohol can also have some serious negative effects on your health including: 

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Liver disease
• Cancer 
• Weakened immune system
• Worsening mental health problems
• Changes in weight

Attending alcohol rehabilitation can help you take control of your life and your health. You’ll be extending your life expectancy and improving your quality of life at the same time. 

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Programs

Inpatient rehab is one of the best ways to get over an addiction. You’ll be supervised all the time and you’ll be in an environment that’s completely free of substances and temptation. In addition, you’ll be far away from your life stressors such as work and family.

That said, inpatient rehab can be very difficult to schedule. It can also be very expensive. Outpatient rehab is a great way to get all the benefits of rehab without putting a hold on your life. 

You’ll be able to get regular therapy and support groups so you can build a new sober life and healthy habits. But, you’ll be able to go home at the end of every day and you’ll still be able to go to work. It can also be much more affordable. 

Outpatient Rehab Centers Can Change Your Life 

Outpatient rehab can help you live a life free of addiction. Take control of your substance use so it doesn’t control you. 

If you’re looking for Tennessee rehab centers, look no further than APEX Recovery. Our staff is highly trained and we can offer either inpatient or outpatient rehab services. If you’re ready to get help, reach out to us today!