Attending a rehab facility is certainly not a guarantee of staying sober once treatment is complete. The number of individuals who can’t stay sober after receiving treatment is between 40-60 percent within one year, according to a 2014 study in JAMA^[1]. Often, an individual will end up attending multiple rehab facilities and still fail to remain sober. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. Addiction is not a straightforward condition that someone can quickly put behind them with a simple solution. Many factors can contribute to relapse.

Why It Can be Challenging to Remain Sober

Admitting you have a problem is an essential first step towards achieving a state of recovery. But it is only one part of the process. Taking action to attend a rehab program is not a guarantee of success. An individual must continue to practice positive self-care long after they have exited treatment. Detoxing from a substance does not mean the addiction has ended. Detox is the act of removing a harmful substance from the body, as well as the physical dependence on the substance^[2]. Detox allows for a person to begin addressing the reasons for their addiction under sober circumstances. However, if a person detoxes and does not receive treatment for the underlying causes of their addiction, relapse is extremely likely to occur.

Addiction is often the cause of a multitude of factors, making the act of addressing addiction is a complex process. Beyond one’s chemical addiction to a particular substance, issues such as mental health disorders, trauma, social pressure, and a lack of purpose can all contribute to a person struggling with an addiction. The idea of merely taking medication and being “cured” is a short-sighted belief. This is because it overlooks the various aspects which make up the sum of one’s addiction. An individual must receive comprehensive treatment, which addresses the specific causes of their addiction to have a better chance of avoiding relapse.

Common Reasons Why a Person Can’t Stay Sober

There are many reasons why a person can have a hard time maintaining their sobriety. These include things such as stress, as difficult life circumstances can make a person want to self-medicate by using their drug of choice. It can also include things such as having over-confidence. An individual will begin to believe they are no longer addicted to a substance, and thus can use when they want.

Additionally, being around people who can trigger one to use can also be a source of relapse. In particular social situations, such as being in the company of fellow users, circumstances can make it much more likely to want to use. Moments of celebration can also end up becoming a reason a person decides to relapse, as a positive moment can allow a person to rationalize using.

What To Look For in a Drug Rehab Program

Attending rehab is not a guarantee of staying sober. However, specific rehab programs offer individuals a higher potential for success. These programs allow a person to avoid having to participate in multiple rehabs to find one that works. The best rehab programs provide a person with comprehensive and holistic solutions that address every aspect of one’s addiction. They include peer support groups, to help a person feel more connected and supported by those who are in a similar predicament. Successful programs also offer regular, one-on-one sessions to provide a person with the specialized attention they need.

Additionally, the best rehab programs also address other components of one’s health. By doing so, they increase the odds that a person will remain sober. These factors include exercise and nutrition, elements that can play a role in achieving lasting sobriety. An effective rehab program will also be one that is evidence-based. This is why Ocean Hills Recovery implements the latest research findings to create a plan that is grounded in science. If you or someone you love requires a rehab program that effectively addresses all aspects of addiction, contact Ocean Hills Recovery today. We offer a solution-focused approach structured to each individual’s situation. We are committed to helping you achieve the sober life you deserve.

Sources:

[1] https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/2017-04-24/why-do-alcoholics-and-addicts-relapse-so-often

[2] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detoxify

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does drug and alcohol rehab last?

The length of your stay at drug and alcohol rehab will vary for each person attending rehab and from treatment center to treatment center. Most inpatient programs are at least 30 days long; however, some programs may incorporate a shorter inpatient stay with a more extended outpatient stay. The best rehab centers will provide a more custom treatment plan for each person that takes into account the individual’s needs before determining the length of treatment. Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of options for addiction treatment. A typical stay at our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs last between 30 to 45 days.

Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

Outpatient is an excellent option for people who are unable to take time away from work or their families while receiving addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment is an excellent option for people who can be away from their work or families for at least several weeks for treatment. We recommend that you contact a reliable treatment center, like Ocean Hills Recovery, for a complete assessment before you decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction is best for you.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

The answer to whether you should go away or stay local for addiction treatment is very individual. Many people need to get away from their everyday life for them to fully submerge themselves in their addiction recovery process. For these individuals, going to an out of state treatment center is the best option to be able to commit fully and concentrate on their recovery. For others, this is not an option because of work or family obligations.

What do I do if I don’t have insurance for drug rehab?

There are options for drug rehab, even if you don’t have insurance. When you decide to get help, the best thing to do is to find a treatment philosophy that you believe may help and contact them for assistance. Rehab professionals can help you determine if you have insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and what options are best for you. Many drug rehabs accept insurance but also have private pay, or financing options available. Contact our rehab admissions specialist today, and we can help you navigate insurance questions, payment options, and treatment plans.

How to find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is a great place to start when you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We recommend that you make a list of a few different centers to contact and speak with them to get a feel for their programs, therapies, and staff and find the center that you feel most comfortable with. Have a list of questions that you can ask each center to help you through the process. One of the most important questions to ask is if the rehab holds accreditation by CARF. Having a state license is no longer enough to ensure that a rehab center is reputable. If the rehab holds CARF accreditation, they have had to meet a more strict set of guidelines and procedures.

Do I need detox before addiction treatment?

Many people require detox to help manage withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. There are several factors that we take into consideration to determine if you will need detox before addiction treatment. Our admissions professionals work with each person to obtain a thorough history of substance use and other medical conditions to help make the appropriate recommendations for care. You must give accurate information so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. Contact us today for a confidential assessment.

Multiple Rehab Stays and Can’t Stay Sober