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Addiction Treatment

Therapy As An Essential Tool In Addiction Treatment

As our understanding of addiction grows, so do the available treatment options. Few rehab facilities these days follow a one-size-fits-all approach to drug and alcohol addiction treatment: even publicly funded centres on a budget make some allowance for differing needs and circumstances.

There is also an almost universal agreement that addiction treatment is needed in the first place. We have moved on from the days when people with addictions went through detox and were sent home with instructions to never use the substance again.

Similarly, we are no longer stuck on the idea of talk therapy being the only mode of addiction treatment. Rehab centres typically use a multifaceted approach that combines therapy, life coaching, yoga, creative pursuits, exercise and more. The more customizable an addiction treatment program is, the better the long-term outcomes are.

But are there any commonalities? In this world of individually tailored addiction treatment plans, are there any elements that should be applied to everyone?

A Universal Treatment Goal

No matter who you are or what circumstances led to your addiction, there is one singular goal of participating in a drug and alcohol rehab program: to address the root causes of the addiction and develop the skills and tools to cope with the challenges of life without turning to substance use.

This goal looks different for everyone. People start using drugs and alcohol for all kinds of reasons, such as spousal abuse, trauma from serving in the military, schoolyard bullying, or unrelenting pressure to succeed in a corporate environment.

Delving into these issues is key to long-term recovery, and in most cases, this involves therapy.

Defining Therapy

For most people, the word “therapy” conjures up a mental picture of a patient sitting in an office talking to a therapist. But therapy can take many forms. In fact, Britannica (famed for the encyclopedia) defines psychotherapy as “any form of treatment for psychological, emotional, or behaviour disorders in which a trained person establishes a relationship with one or several patients for the purpose of modifying or removing existing symptoms and promoting personality growth”.

By this definition, many things can qualify as “therapy”, so individuals who are not willing or able to relive their traumas by verbalizing them can heal in ways that are more suited to them.

Individual Therapy

Talk therapy is an old favourite, and it is highly effective for many people. There are several subclasses of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT). Many people find that they can only work through their traumas if they talk about them, and individual talk therapy provides a safe, confidential environment for doing that.

Group Therapy

group therapy

Humans instinctively gravitate to other humans who have common experiences, interests, or challenges. We feel validated when we are among people who “get it”, who have lived through some of the same things we have. Group therapy allows people with addictions to share their experiences, talk about what they have learned, and support one another through the process of recovery.

Family Therapy

Some addictions arise from situations of conflict with loved ones. All people involved – the person with the addiction and their close friends and family members – may benefit from family therapy. The goal is to improve communication and conflict resolution skills.

Creative Therapies

Therapy using art, music, and dance can be an effective supplement to talk therapy, or it can be used as the primary form of therapy for those who are not candidates for talk therapy. Creativity is a great way for individuals to express themselves and communicate difficult emotions. These forms of therapy are relatively recent additions to addiction treatment.

Traditional Healing Practices

No discussion about addiction treatment is complete without a look at the traditional healing methods used in some cultures. It is important that addiction treatment acknowledge and respect the individual’s cultural and spiritual needs. Traditions like sweat lodge ceremonies, storytelling, land-based activities, and traditional teachings should be available to people from Indigenous communities.

Therapy Comes In Many Forms

We need to overturn the idea that “therapy” consists of lying on a couch talking to a relative stranger. The therapies described above are just a small part of an ever-growing, ever-evolving list. The key is to determine what kind of therapy works for you. Sometimes it will be just done, but more commonly, a combination of therapeutic modalities will be most effective.

It is important to remember that while we usually associate therapy with mental health, it can also apply to physical health. If you suffer from an addiction to painkillers, you may need an alternative means of managing the pain for which the painkillers were prescribed, such as a different medication, physiotherapy, or both. If your addiction is paired with an eating disorder, you may benefit from therapy that incorporates exercise and nutrition coaching.

therapy comes in many forms

The Importance Of Flexibility

As you move through your addiction recovery, you will change and grow. As this happens, the combination of therapies that worked for you in the beginning may need to be adjusted. A good addiction treatment plan allows for this. There should be assessments at regular intervals, during which your progress is monitored and your treatment altered as needed.

Therapy After Rehab

Addiction recovery is an ongoing process that continues long after you have left your rehab facility. As part of your discharge from rehab, you should be referred to therapists and treatment providers in your area who can help you continue the work you have started. With technological advances, many of these therapies can be conducted online.

Getting Started With Addiction Treatment

Talking about the different kinds of therapy is all well and good, but how do you get started in a facility that provides access to all of this? Fortunately, you do not have to look far. Thousand Islands Rehab Centre is located in a beautiful setting just two hours out of Toronto. We will put together a customized addiction treatment program that considers your unique needs and circumstances, and that incorporate the therapeutic methods that are right for you. Your recovery journey can start right now with a single phone call.

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Addiction Treatment

How Much Does Rehab Cost in Toronto?

Substance abuse disorder is a complex condition that results in uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences. People with this condition have an intense focus on using a particular substance such as alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs, to the point where the person’s ability to function in day-to-day life becomes impaired. Individuals keep using the substance, even when they know it is causing problems.

People with substance abuse and behavioural addictions may be aware of their problem yet unable to stop even if they want to. The addiction can cause physical and psychological issues and interpersonal problems with family members, friends, and coworkers. Alcohol and drug use is one of the leading causes of preventable illnesses and premature deaths nationwide.

If someone has an addiction, they need help. Many people with substance abuse disorder don’t realize that they have a problem, or they are too afraid to reach out. It is often up to close friends and family members to seek out treatment options for their loved one. Drug and alcohol rehab centres are an excellent place to start, but the cost of treatment is frequently seen as a barrier. There are many treatment facilities in the Toronto area, and the price varies depending on who runs the facility and what services are offered.

Addiction Treatment

Substance use has increased relative to pre-pandemic times, but a smaller percentage of people are getting the help they need. Addiction can be fatal, so those impacted by it need to seek treatment. The earlier addiction treatment is initiated, the better the outcomes are.

The first step is to contact a medical professional for assistance. They will help develop a treatment plan that will include a variety of services. The treatments recommended will depend on several factors, such as the severity of the addiction. Interventions range from at-home detox with check-in visits to your doctor, to inpatient rehab lasting for several weeks.

Rehab centres provide many services, such as education, group and individual counseling, and life coaching. Inpatient rehab is generally accepted as the most effective form of addiction treatment, although well-structured outpatient programs can work for some individuals.

In Canada, there are options for both government-funded and private rehab. Publicly funded services vary by province, and your out-of-pocket cost of private rehab depends on the facility and the coverage offered by your insurance company.

Publicly Funded Rehab

The key advantage of this type of addiction treatment is that it is free in Ontario for Canadian citizens and residents. Government-funded facilities such as the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) offer many services to people with addictions. These include medical detox, therapy, group counselling, and follow-up after completion of the rehab program. The addiction treatment program typically lasts for about 30 days.

There are some disadvantages of government-run drug and alcohol rehab. The waiting period can be up to six months, and the average staff to patient ratio is 10:1 – significantly higher than most private facilities. Aftercare is much shorter as well – usually about three months, compared with private aftercare, which can last longer than one year. There is also no re-entry after a relapse in most cases, and family support is limited.

Privately Funded Rehab

Getting addiction treatment at a private centre will require the patient to cover the cost either alone or through their insurance company. Many facilities and treatment providers offer financing or income-based pricing in a quest to make treatment financially accessible to more people. Although the price of private rehab seems high, weighing it against the cost of addiction may make it viable.

Wait times for private treatment are significantly shorter than those for public centres. Private addiction treatment facilities can typically facilitate admission immediately or within days.

There are also more options when it comes to treatment. You can sign up for a longer program, with a much better staff to patient ratio at an average of 3:1. Other advantages are the longer and more comprehensive aftercare programs, extensive support for loved ones, and the fact that the patient can return to rehab in the event of a relapse.

Private drug and alcohol rehab centres also have more resources at their disposal. Clients can expect more individual sessions and group treatment with fewer participants. There is a wider variety of therapeutic modalities, more amenities, and more choice when it comes to recreational options. The services and amenities vary from one centre to the next.

Breakdown of Fees

There are several drug and alcohol rehab centres in the Toronto area, and they vary significantly in terms of what services they offer. Some offer a wide range of therapy options and recreational activities, and some are more basic. The cost for a private room in a facility with a spa and golf course will be higher than that of a semi-private room in a centre that offers nature walks.

The price tag of your stay in rehab covers the cost of all services, amenities, and recreational options offered at the facility. If you are shopping around, be sure to ask for a detailed list of services from the rehab centres you approach.

Medical detox

medical detox

Medical detox allows the patient to stop using the substance they are addicted to with medical support. If an individual suddenly stops taking a drug, they may suffer withdrawal symptoms that range from uncomfortable to dangerous. During medical detox, the patient is supervised closely throughout this process, and withdrawal symptoms are managed as they arise, sometimes with the help of medications. Medical detox can be an expensive part of rehab, but anyone attempting withdrawal at home should be aware that emergency medical services are available whenever they are needed through the provincial health care plan.

Inpatient Rehab

All elements of this type of drug and alcohol rehab take place at the rehab facility. Patients temporarily live at the centre, where they have 24/7 access to support. This is the safest and most effective way to quit using the substance and overcome the addiction. A patient’s stay in rehab usually ranges from 30 days to several months. If the facility offers medical detox, this will be included in the fee.

Outpatient Rehab

For mild to moderate addictions, patients can enter an outpatient rehab program, where they continue to live at home and attend appointments with doctors and other addiction professionals. Some patients transition to outpatient programs when they are discharged from their inpatient rehab facilities. The fees for outpatient rehab depend on how severe the addiction is and what is included in the treatment plan.

Medication

Medications may be used to manage withdrawal and some mental health conditions, like anxiety. The medications used may be a significant factor in the cost. Although prescription medications are not covered by the provincial health plan for most people, the majority of insurance plans include a prescription drug allowance.

Getting Help

If you are living with an addiction, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Thousand Islands Rehab Centre is a full-service drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility just a two-hour drive from Toronto. You do not have to try to overcome your addiction by yourself. We are here to help you safely withdraw from the substance you have been using, and help you gain the skills and tools to lead a happy, productive life free from addiction.

Whether it is for a family member or yourself, call us today. Substance abuse disorder can be fatal, but it is very treatable, especially if you seek help early.

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Addiction Treatment

Available Treatments For Marijuana Use Disorders

There is a common misconception that marijuana is not addictive, and that therefore, marijuana addiction treatment is not necessary. The reality, however, is that regular use of marijuana can lead to addiction, especially in people who start using it during or before early adolescence.

Several factors play into the addictive nature of marijuana. One of these is the fact that it is easier than ever before to chemically enhance cannabis. This results in marijuana that in some cases is up to 200 times stronger than the weed from days gone by. An increasing body of research is showing that the effects of marijuana are amplified in young people whose brains are still growing and changing.

Another factor to consider is that marijuana is frequently used in conjunction with other substances, such as alcohol, heroin, or Ecstasy. This can create a dependency not on one substance, but on a combination.

The good news is that marijuana use disorders are highly treatable. In this article, we will talk about different ways in which you can recover, and the pros and cons of each.

Detox

The first step in any addiction treatment program is getting the substance out of your system in a way that is safe. Marijuana withdrawal is generally safe and does not require medically supervised detox. However, if you have been using marijuana with another substance, such as alcohol, you need to be more careful. Some substances can produce withdrawal symptoms that are potentially harmful, and your safest option is to check into a detox facility where medical professionals can deal with withdrawal symptoms as they arise.

Inpatient Marijuana Addiction Treatment

Inpatient rehab is generally the most effective way to treat most substance use disorders, including marijuana addiction. During your treatment, you will be on-site at the treatment facility 24/7 for several weeks. You will follow a schedule that is laid out in your treatment plan, and you will have everything you need to get you through your early recovery. Meals and accommodation are provided, all of your therapy and medical appointments are right there, and a variety of recreational options will be provided for your down-time.

Advantages

The biggest advantage of inpatient marijuana addiction treatment is that you can put yourself at a distance from all of the challenges of the real world, which allows you to focus on your recovery without distraction. You don’t have to worry about your troubled relationships, your toxic work environment, or making sure you pay the bills on time. Your only job is to focus on your rehab.

Other advantages include the following:

  • You don’t have access to marijuana, or to the real-world triggers for using it
  • You are living among people who have their own journeys, but understand the challenges of addiction
  • You have access to physical and mental health support whenever you need it
  • You will have a set schedule to follow, and this can benefit those in need of structure
  • All of your addiction treatment sessions are right there, which sets you up for early success

Disadvantages

One of the biggest barriers to inpatient rehab for many people is the expense. Marijuana addiction treatment in a private inpatient facility will set you back several thousand dollars a month. While this may seem a lot, it is important to remember that it includes everything: accommodation, meals, all therapy sessions, and some recreational options. In addition, you may be able to claim some or all of the cost from your medical insurance company or take advantage of financing plans.

Money is not the only potential problem, though. Not everyone is in a position of being able to step out of their lives for weeks at a time. Some people have to show up at work, bring in an income, and manage the home. You may not have a trusted person who can take care of children or pets for a few weeks, and mortgages and bills don’t just go away.

The transition back to the real world can also be a challenge. While it’s highly beneficial to leave your problems behind while you go to rehab, those same problems may still be there when you get out. Without proper planning, returning to your life can be difficult.

Outpatient Marijuana Addiction Treatment

outpatient marijuana addiction treatment

The challenges of inpatient rehab shouldn’t stop you from getting help, though, and there are some excellent outpatient programs available for people with marijuana use disorders. With this kind of treatment, you continue with your daily life while attending treatment sessions at the appropriate intervals. If you have high motivation to recover and a solid support system of friends and family members, you can achieve great success with an outpatient program.

Advantages

From a practical standpoint, outpatient rehab is more manageable for many people than inpatient rehab. Here are some of the advantages:

  • It costs less than inpatient rehab
  • You continue to live at home and participate in your usual daily activities
  • You can practice the tools and skills you learn in the real world immediately
  • You may be able to taper off your sessions gradually, unlike inpatient rehab which has a definite end date
  • As challenges arise in your life, you can bring them to your treatment sessions and get guidance on dealing with them

Disadvantages

Outpatient rehab is logistically easier than inpatient rehab, but it does not have the same effectiveness. Some disadvantages of this kind of marijuana addiction treatment are as follows:

  • If you are not highly motivated to recover, you may find it easy to bail on your sessions
  • The stresses and challenges of your everyday life may be a distraction to your recovery
  • If you start to experience cravings, you can access marijuana easily
  • If your personal relationships are troubled, this can indicate a weak support system, and this makes outpatient recovery more difficult

A Compassionate Approach To Treating Marijuana Use Disorders

All human beings are unique, and no two addiction stories are alike. No matter what led you to addiction and what your circumstances are, Thousand Islands Rehab Centre can provide you with a personalized marijuana addiction treatment program that addresses your specific needs. We follow a holistic approach that recognizes you not as a “drug addict”, but as a person with a debilitating condition and, above all, the potential to heal and lead a full and happy life. For more information, contact us today.

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Addiction Treatment

How Much Does it Cost for Sober Living?

When you factor in the cost of sober living in Toronto, the accumulated cost of addiction recovery may seem like a lot. But, once you start the process of recovery, doing everything right is important. You shouldn’t go through detox, withdrawal, medications, only to stop at therapy. Especially if you were an inpatient, you should take the further step of engaging in sober living facilities.

As a landing ground mainly for inpatients, the benefits outweigh the cost of sober living in Toronto. With the help of these facilities, patients get to establish new life routines that will aid their sobriety.

Some several factors and elements go into sober living homes achieving their mandate. All these in one way or the other influence the resulting cost. Hence, the need for this blog post where we examine the cost of sober living in Toronto.

sober house living

Is the Cost of Sober Living Homes Helpful?

According to the journal of psychoactive drugs from the NCBI, Toronto sober living facilities do extend your sober time. These facilities achieve a massive improvement in your psychiatric symptoms. They reduce the risk of exposure to triggers. Also, staying in these facilities helps you stay free from depression and anxiety symptoms.

So, to answer the question of whether it’s worth it. Yes, the cost of Toronto sober living is part of an effective process towards recovery. These stable environments have helped numerous persons live a responsible life, helping them achieve independence again, sober. It’s a safe space outside of the rehab center.

One very important thing the cost of sober living in Toronto affords you is being able to make the most of the 12-step program. In these spaces, you are in a safe zone and you can focus on getting better.

sober homes

Cost of Sober Living in Toronto and Influencing Factors

The cost of sober living in Toronto differs in different cities and countries. Location matters in issues of rehab, sober living homes and hospital. Hence, you should do your research for different facilities in different locations to know what works for you.

Even in a city like Toronto, the cost of sober living varies. This is because there are private facilities and government-funded facilities. For the former, there are a fixed number of persons it allows per time. Usually, these facilities are situated in serene neighborhoods.

Another influencing factor is what we mentioned above – luxury or basic. Renting space in sober living homes in Toronto is just like home-hunting (without the stress). It’s like you are trying to get a new apartment. Hence, you can go for the luxurious ones or the standard ones. It’s all on what you can afford.

For the basic sober homes, the pricing is always about $500 per month However, this is different for luxury sober homes. In most private luxury facilities, the cost of Toronto sober living can be about $12,000 per month. As we explained earlier, there are more and better amenities in luxury homes.

In basic sober living homes in Toronto, you need to buy your medications and groceries. Hence, you should hold ample cash. When you stay in these facilities, they advise you, most times, to get a job. Getting a job helps beyond finances. It helps you build routines. You also get to feel productive. This helps to keep your mind busy, and away from thoughts of drugs or alcohol.

Related Article: How to Choose Between Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab

What does the cost of Sober Living Homes offer?

The very first thing you need to understand and acknowledge is that sober living homes differ from rehab centers. Before proceeding to a sober living home, going to rehab is a compulsory requirement. You should know that rehabs in no way influence the cost of sober living. They are completely independent.

You enjoy ongoing support

One of the very first things you should expect at Toronto sober living homes is that there will be ongoing support from the group. This can either be in the form of group or individual therapy. Also, you should expect to further understand the addiction problem.

To help patients achieve the goal of remaining sober, these houses use several rules. For one, you must pay rent. Also, you need to frequently attend therapy sessions. You should also not bring intoxicating substances to the home. House meetings are also compulsory, just as you must give respect to everyone in the home.

The numerous benefits, despite the pricing of sober living in Toronto, make it worth it. Sober living homes have risen to become a haven – a compulsory one for inpatients.

It’s just like home

While these homes are different from rehab centers, they do have one thing in common. Both facilities come in different luxury grades. Sober living homes also picked the idea of having a luxury facilities version. With five-star amenities, these luxury homes offer a more wholesome experience than standard homes. The cost of sober living in such a luxurious facility is certainly higher than standard and basic facilities’.

In luxury sober living homes in Toronto, tenants get to have a very close feeling to ‘home’. Everything there makes you feel at home, just that they are shared. But if you lived in a large family before rehab, you won’t mind.

These facilities feature the best of furniture, recreation areas, electronics, and other gadgets that make living more interesting. Every part of these facilities spells luxury – both private and public areas. The spaces are elegant and comfortable. Also, while these luxury homes allow you to bring your possessions, the room you get is bound to be already furnished to perfection.

In luxury sober living facilities in Toronto, more wholesome programs are included in the routine. For instance, you get to enjoy the best of yoga, meditation, art therapy, and physical fitness.

There are tangible indications that these programs help recovered addicts reach deeper into themselves. In doing so, it helps them solve issues that led to the use of drugs in the first place. Mastering a habit of these activities is a massive boost on the journey to being sober.

sober sofa

Freedom and structure in the same package

When you are in a sober living home in Toronto, you should expect to be with others most of the time. Especially after the 12-step model, group meetings are bound to follow. Most homes are strict with these meetings. Some of these facilities even mark attendance. This is because being present at the 12-step program relates closely to recovery.

One important fact you should be aware of is that luxury homes don’t babysit you. The high-end facilities are there, but they don’t treat you like a baby. Doing so will simply be going against the general framework and tenet of sober living homes. Hence, don’t expect the staff to be waiting for you at the door upon your admission into the facility. Sober living homes, despite the cost, are all about helping you build personal responsibility.

How should you Prepare for a Sober Living Home?

After sorting the cost of sober living in Toronto, preparation for entrance into the facility is key. It’s different from rehab in Toronto. Sober living homes, as you now understand, are more like facilities where you are one leg in the world, and one leg in rehab. That halfway point is vital for your seamless transition back to society after long rehab periods.

Adjusting to life after rehab is not easy. But you aren’t alone. Even in preparing for sober living, you aren’t alone. If you ever feel like you need something more than what this section offers, talk to someone. Talk to professionals at the rehab, or the director of the sober living facility in Toronto.

In this section, we put together everything you should put in place. Your needs may transcend these, but they are a very good start.

  • Insurance plan: You should ensure that you sort your insurance issues with the company. Know everything your insurance coverage includes, amongst other information
  • The detail on your addiction history: You should be ready to reiterate your previous condition as an addict. The staff at the facility will ask you questions as they aim to know just how severe your addiction was.
  •  What substances were you involved in? This is another question you should be ready to answer. You have to lay everything bare as it helps them figure out how best to help you.
  • Medical History: Have the files with details of your medical history with you, if any. For instance, if you have heart conditions, diabetes or pregnancy.
  • History of your mental health: Suffering mental issues in the wake of addiction and its subsequent recovery is common. Hence, these facilities always want to know where you stand mentally.
  • Your personal belongings: You don’t have to take everything you own with you. You’ll be good if all you take are the stuff that went into rehab with you. Depending on how luxurious the facility you are renting from us, you may or may not need most things. The facilities are set for you already.
  • Know the sober living pricing models: You can’t just head to any random facility and seek admission. You need prior information on what the pricing is like there. You can find this out online or through a friend. You can also get recommendations from the professionals at your rehab. Just make sure you do your due diligence to know the cost of sober living you’ll incur.

When you have everything above prepared, your admission into the sober living home in Toronto will be easier. You can also go over and beyond to provide information you feel is necessary, even if we don’t have it written in this section.

You can never give the caregivers at the sober homes enough information. The more you give them, the better they understand how uniquely to treat you. This is best for your recovery and transition into society.

Facts about Sober Living Homes to Note

Beyond knowing how much sober living does cost, you should know these facts. The basis of these facts, however, is that sober living homes won’t perform magic on you. Even after paying the cost of sober living in these facilities, put in the work.

They are not homeless shelters

These aren’t facilities you check into after rehab simply because you don’t have a home. They are facilities to help you reshape your daily lives. They help you fall in sync with the real world again.

There are strict rules to follow

While these facilities offer flexibility and freedom unlike rehabs, there are rules. The administration in these homes ensures these rules are adhered to. For instance, you must obey the curfew, your visitors must be drug-free, and you can only get visitors during the visiting hours.

They are not free

As you probably know already, you will bear the cost of sober living in Toronto. These facilities aren’t free, and some can be very costly. You pay for what you are getting. Some of these facilities are very exclusive.

There are more sober living facilities for men than women

Women coming out of rehab most times have the issue of getting a sober living home in Toronto. There are not as many sober living homes for women as there are for men. One major complication is kids. There are not many facilities that support mothers and their children.

You will undergo a compulsory drug test and community life

At sober living homes in Toronto, you should be ready for random drug tests. This is in the bid to maintain the integrity of the home. Thanks to the randomness of these tests, you will have to stay sober as you can’t tell when the next testing will be.

Also, you don’t necessarily have a private life. Community formation is the strength of sober homes. So most activities of the day will be in communities and groups. You should be ready for that life.

Related Article: Medical Detox Cost in Canada

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article does justice to answer questions of whether sober living is expensive. It all depends on what you are trying to get — luxury or basic. The cost of Toronto sober living is all about your taste and what you want to enjoy in your transition period.

But one thing is more important to note than cost. And, that’s your willingness. You need to be ready and willing to stay sober even in such a freer environment.

The journey to recovery is a long, sometimes arduous, one. However, with the professionals we have at our addiction rehab center, you are in good hands. Here at 1000 Islands Rehab Centre, we will provide you with all the aftercare support and help you need. Reach out to us now!

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Addiction Treatment

What Is the Cost of Drug Rehab in the Greater Toronto Area?

Getting you or your loved one to go to a rehab center can be a huge decision. It requires you to consider factors like the cost of drug rehab. When it comes to getting treatment for drug addiction, the term rehab can be a vague one.

Firstly, there are various types of rehab each with its own cost and pricing model. For example, you can join a free support group in your community. In the same vein, you can decide to go attend a luxurious rehab centre that offers a higher quality of addiction treatment.

Asides from these two, there are other rehab options that we will further discuss in this article. These rehab programs have various timelines which can also impact the cost of drug rehab.

Depending on the severity of your addiction, an expert may recommend a treatment option for you. This can also impact the pricing for drug rehab hence the emphasis on going to a quality rehab centre. The quality of service you get plays a huge role in how effective the treatment will be.

If you’re asking to know “how much should I pay for drug rehab?” Well, there isn’t a standard price for drug rehab. However, this article discusses the factors that determine the overall cost of drug rehab.

Cost of Drug Rehab in Greater Toronto Area

Understanding the various rehab options and why they are expensive can help you avoid cheaper options. The cost of drug rehab varies from centre to centre even among private rehab centres. In the Greater Toronto Area, you can expect to pay an average price of $12, 250 for drug rehab.

However, your needs can greatly influence the cost of drug rehab. While some people may need detoxification, you may not require detoxification. With an initial detox step, the cost of your addiction rehab program will increase.

It’s always better to consider the result rather than the drug rehab expenses. As long as the treatment is effective and you’re sober, then the cost of drug rehab is justified.

Factors that Determine the Cost of Drug Rehab

When considering going for drug rehab, it’s important you know the various treatment options available. This is because the cost of drug rehab hinges on the type of treatment you’ll be getting.

Additionally, the expertise and experience of the staff in your rehab centre can impact your total bill. Rehab centres with registered therapists who have more knowledge, experience and certifications will charge more for their addiction rehab services.

Also, rehab centres charge you according to how long your treatment lasts. Here are the factors that determine the cost of drug rehab.

Private or government-owned rehab centre

Private rehab centres are owned by private individuals and aren’t funded by the government. It’s normal for private rehab centres to have varying prices. This is because of the different amenities they have and the difference in the quality of their staff. Also, if a private rehab centre has private rooms for each patient, the cost of drug rehab will be more.

Generally, private rehab centres base their price on some factors. They are,

Their staff’s educational level

Private rehab centres that have therapists with professional experience tend to charge more. Also, the attention each patient receives from these therapists influences the cost of drug rehab.

For example, a professional therapist may lead group sessions but not personal sessions. If a patient wishes to have personal sessions with the therapist, the patient will have to pay more.

Facilities

The facilities in private rehab centres can’t be compared to government rehab centres hence the cost. Also, private rehab centres have recreation facilities like swimming pools, tennis courts, gyms and spas. It’s almost like a home away from home. Sometimes, it’s even better.

Additionally, some private rehab centres offer workshops to help individuals develop certain skills. They also have personal trainers for workout classes and a conducive outdoor area. There’s no doubt that treatment will be more expensive compared to rehab centres that lack similar facilities.

Contrastingly, public or government-owned rehab centres are almost free because they are covered under OHIP. If you are a citizen in Canada, you can go to the closest rehab centre to you for treatment. However, there are clear-cut differences between private rehab centres and government-owned rehab centres.

Furthermore, because the government covers the cost of rehab, public rehab centers are usually overcrowded. This is one challenge many people face when they go to public rehab centres. prepare for what accompanies your decision.

Additionally, it isn’t immediately after you register for addiction treatment you start receiving treatment. After your registration, you will join the very long list of those waiting to receive treatment and it will take a long time.

Sometimes, the waiting period spans several months — a timeframe that may worsen the addiction. It’s not advisable to wait that long especially if you’re experiencing the adverse effects of drug addiction.

Also, asides from the long waiting list, you don’t get personal therapy sessions with the registered therapists. Unfortunately, people who go to public rehab centres have to cope with not receiving personal attention.

Because of the number of people the therapists have to attend to, they are constantly under more pressure. Unlike private rehabs, it’s almost impossible to get any personalized service in a public rehab centre.

The length of your treatment

Another factor that determines the cost of drug rehab is how long your treatment will last. Each rehab centre has a specific number of days for treatment which ranges from 30 to 45 days.

They charge you according to how long you spend in the rehab centre. When a patient’s stay is indefinite, the rehab centre will most likely charge you by the number of weeks or days.

Although people may be addicted to the same drug, the intensity of their addiction will be unique. Therefore the rehab centre cares for them according to their individual needs.

Some people may require a month to complete their addiction treatment while others may need over three months of care. People who suffer from depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or severe anxiety may require more time to receive treatment.

In addition to this, the extra time in rehab has a healing effect on the patient. It allows you to maximize how therapeutic it is to be in an environment that is safe.

Also, some treatments may require that each patient undergoes one week of complete detox. This detox usually precedes admission into inpatient rehab.

Conclusively, when considering the cost of drug rehab, factor in how long you’ll stay at the rehab centre. Also, compare the daily cost of your rehab program if it’s for a month, 45 days or more. This ensures you are prepared for the financial responsibilities and will help you prevent future surprises.

Related Article: Helping An Addict: Are You Enabling Them?

professional healthcare

Staff professional qualifications

The quality of service you get from a rehab centre largely depends on the staff. The rehab centre is as good as the staff it has. To offer the best addiction service to cater to your mental health, rehab centres need to employ only the best. This means that their therapists will need to be registered at the master’s level before they can be employed.

Furthermore, they must have other medical personnel such as registered nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, addiction counsellors and physicals. Often, many people mistake addiction counsellors for a registered therapist. However, they are different. And, so is their contribution to addiction treatment.

Standard rehab centres only allow registered therapists to conduct one on one sessions. If you have a session with a counsellor, it isn’t regarded as a therapy session.

In addition to this, the job of a registered therapist is to help you tackle unresolved issues. They also help you trace the trauma fueling your drug addiction. While contrastingly, addiction counsellors help you to handle the emotional trauma that occurs while recovering. They do this by helping you form healthy habits.

When choosing a rehab centre, inquire if they have registered therapists and how many are available. Also, note that the time you spend with an addiction counsellor or an acupuncturist isn’t the same as therapy.

Types of addiction treatment

Drug rehab services, although expensive,  ensures you get the best treatment available. The cost of drug rehab is influenced by the type of addiction treatment you need.

If you’re opting for in-patient rehab you can pay up to $60000 for a 90-day treatment program. Below are the types of addiction treatment and how they affect the cost of drug rehab.

In-patient

In-patient addiction treatment is recommended for people who have a severe drug addiction. According to Mental Health.gov, an inpatient program is valuable to patients suffering from disorders as a result of the addiction. Such disorders may include:

  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations
  • Delirium
  • Euphoria

With an inpatient treatment program, addicts will receive round-the-clock care. During this time, there is a limit to exposure to the addicted drug. Also, there is a limit to interaction with people or things that contribute to the addiction.

Additionally, in-patient addiction treatment employs professionals that supervise your recovery process. Although expensive, it is better than out-patient because of the medical treatments patients receive.

Typically, in-patient addiction treatment provides food and accommodation in an environment conducive for their recovery. Considering feeding and accommodation, the cost of addiction treatment will be higher than in out-patient programs.

outpatient

Ranging anywhere from $10000 and above, outpatient addiction treatment is for those with less severe drug addiction. Also, they are for patients that have loved ones that support them and can support their sobriety. Patients who stay in environments conducive to their recovery don’t have to opt-in for in-patient treatment.

This can be an advantage for such patients as they get to spend less on treatment. However, patients in outpatient programs have slimmer chances of recovery than in-patient programs.

Nonetheless, outpatients can continue their daily routine and receive treatment too. Furthermore, outpatient addiction treatment offers various programs that address the addiction. They are,

  • Behavioural therapy e.g motivational incentives, cognitive behavioural therapy and multidimensional family therapy.
  • Group or individual counselling.

Many people often opt for outpatient addiction rehab because it is less expensive than inpatient addiction treatment. The absence of accommodation, medical treatment and feeding are what makes it less expensive.

Detox

During detox, the drug substance is medically taken out from your body. The process can be stressful for some and less stressful for others.

It is important to know that medical detox is not a must for every drug addiction patient. Only a consultation with an addiction treatment expert will help you tell if there is a need for detox.

After quitting drug use, some patients may experience severe withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms, if not medically handled, can lead to other complications. Hence, the importance of professionals during medical detox. Oftentimes, we advise patients to undergo detox where they are receiving treatment. The cost of medical detox ranges from $1000 to $1500.

Location

Although private addiction treatment is expensive, the centre’s location can impact the cost of drug rehab. If you stay in places where the cost of living is high, treatment will be more expensive. It’s advisable to put into consideration the location of the rehab centre before applying for drug rehab.

Addiction Rehab Payment Methods

Commonly, patients find it challenging to pay for drug addiction treatments. For this reason, most people neglect thoughts of going in for addiction treatment. There are several ways to pay for drug addiction treatments including:

health plan

Insurance

A common way of paying for drug addiction treatment is through insurance companies. To ensure that patients can undergo addiction treatment without much Financial strain, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has made it compulsory that all insurance policies cover drug addiction treatments.

However, some companies have a limit to their insurance cover on drug addiction treatment. For instance, say your addiction treatment may require you to spend 60 days in rehab. Your insurance provider policy may only cover 30 days of addiction treatment. So, you may be paying for the other 30 days.

Also, insurance companies do not only decide your stay at rehab but the services you can receive. To cut costs on their end, you may not receive yoga and massage services. These services are meant to build your mind and help you stay focused. So, you may be paying extra if yoga services are included in your treatment program.

Medicaid and Medicare

If by any chance your insurance policy does not cover additional treatments, there are other payment methods. You can either use Medicare or Medicaid.

Medicare is federal health insurance that began in 1996. It focuses to help those who are unable to cater for their addiction treatment payments. To qualify for medicare, you are either

  • 65 or older
  • Below 65 and disabled.

Contrastingly, Medicaid provides free or low-cost health care to the less privileged. Most times, to low-income earning people. The good thing about Medicaid is that it doesn’t border on age or physical challenges.

Most times both medicare and Medicaid are funded by the federal or state government. Therefore, you may be paying little or nothing to gain access to rehab. However, this depends on your residence, eligibility and coverage.

Addiction treatment financing

In some cases, a patient may not qualify for Medicare and Medicaid insurances. For such people, there are other ways to get payments. Below, we have carefully highlighted some addiction treatment financing options for you.

  • A home equity loan.
  • Some scholarships are offered by addiction treatment centers. Your doctor can refer you or you can ask the admissions office about scholarships.
  • Individual savings such as IRA or a 401(k) plan.
  • Financing schemes that allow you to make payments after discharge

Frequently Asked Questions on the Cost of Drug Rehab

It’s common to have many questions bothering you concerning drug rehab. Here we provide answers to some frequently asked questions.

How do I know I’m ready for addiction rehab?

You don’t have to wait till you hit rock bottom before registering for addiction treatment. Waiting till your addiction is terrible can cause you to lose many things in the process. The ideal time to consider getting treatment is when you realize you’re addicted to drugs.

What is the length of treatment?

How long your drug addiction treatment will last depend on various factors. One factor that determines the treatment length is the severity of the addiction. The more severe your addiction is, the longer your addiction treatment will last. People who require detox will have to spend more time receiving treatment.

Can I go to rehab in another state?

While it’s not compulsory to leave your state or area for rehab, it can be beneficial. Often, patients get the most out of their addiction treatment when they are away from home.

A change of environment can help address issues contributing to their addiction. However, you can also take advantage of the rehab centres around you to get the treatment you need.

What should I take to rehab?

Rehab centres have varying do’s and don’ts. There are some things you aren’t allowed to take with you depending on your rehab centre. Before packing. ask your rehab centre for the list of items you can or can’t come with.

For instance, you are to come along with your clothes and toiletries. Also coming with a notepad and stationery is a good idea. You should also come with a valid means of identification. Your rehab centre will provide beddings, feeding, beverages and snacks.

Can I get sober on my own?

Getting professional help with dealing with drug addiction is important to your recovery. People often think they can stop drug addiction on their own but end up worsening their situation.

Withdrawal symptoms are usually painful hence the need for supervision by medical personnel. Detoxing by yourself is life-threatening and not advisable.

How do I prepare for rehab?

A lot of things will change about you when you go to rehab. Your absence may impact your family, job and lifestyle. Therefore, putting things in place before leaving for rehab is very important. This will ensure you focus on recovery and not bother about your family.

Also, consider the financial responsibilities accompanied by addiction treatment. You should consider your obligations at work and changes in your lifestyle.

Related Article: 8 Exercises That Can Help With Addiction Recovery

To Wrap It Up

Drug addiction isn’t the end of the world. This issue is most people tend to wait till their situation gets worse before getting treatment. The cost of drug rehab is worth the recovery that follows.

While preparing yourself mentally for drug rehab, you should also prepare financially. Typically, the average cost of drug rehab is about $12,250. Depending on your treatment program and rehab centre, it may be more or less. Also, people whose insurance doesn’t cover addiction treatment can use Medicare or Medicaid.

Don’t let the cost of drug rehab deter you from living a healthy life again. 1000 Islands Rehab Centre offers quality addiction treatment services in the Greater Toronto Area. Contact us to discuss pricing options with an expert today!

Categories
Addiction Treatment

How to Choose Between Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab

  1. When you finally decide to get drug-recovery help, your next hurdle is to choose between inpatient and outpatient rehab. These are the two substance recovery programs you can get. Both are beneficial, but you can’t possibly engage both at the same time.

Inpatient and outpatient rehab have different treatment approaches. However, they both start with the same process of detoxification.

The differences between inpatient and outpatient rehab don’t mean that one is better than the other. In fact, in several cases, you have no choice but to adhere to a therapist’s recommendation.

This recommendation, most times, reflects your needs and the severity of your addiction problem. The content of this page, however, is for you if you are at liberty to make a choice.

In other words, your doctor’s outright prescription supersedes the decision-making that this article aims to help you through. Only your situation and your doctor will determine which is best between inpatient and outpatient rehab for you. This blog post will explore the differences between the two, and help you realize the best option.

Everything to know about Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehabilitation is just as the name suggests. It is a treatment whereby the patient resides in the facility till the drug rehab is complete. Hence, through the duration of the drug (substance) recovery treatment, the patient will not go back home.

This, just like outpatient rehab, has several upsides and downsides. First, we will take a look at everything inpatient treatment entails.

What does Inpatient Rehab Entail?

When it’s time to choose between inpatient and outpatient rehab, you may get overwhelmed. This occurs frequently when, probably, the doctor tells you inpatient treatment is best for you.

There is no need to be scared. Inpatient rehab loosely translates to residential treatment. It requires you to check-in and remain in the facility throughout treatment. This way, you get unlimited all-day access to medical and emotional support.

Inpatient rehab is mainly for you if your drug problem is severe. It also becomes critical to take this treatment form if your addiction elicits mental issues. This form of treatment offers a better-controlled environment, where temptations and triggers are greatly reduced.

Hence, if you follow the rules and have your resolve, you can overcome your addiction without any relapses along the way. Of course, the recovery process is not going to be linear all through. However, the inpatient program makes your recovery as linear as possible. Your streak has a better chance of not stalling in this environment.

Also, the staff of an inpatient facility is usually deliberate about the health of the environment. They work to make sure the environment is right for you, to help you get rid of the addiction problem.

inpatient rehab

Why does the environment count during in-patient rehab?

According to research, the environment plays an active role in the development of addiction. This is why it is necessary that even when you complete your inpatient program, family and friends need to go the extra mile to keep your primary home (space) as clean and devoid of triggers, as possible.

Addiction recovery services that look to offer inpatient programs also need licensing. This allows them to perform 24-hour support and intensive care. Generally, inpatient rehab facilities leverage a three-phase recovery program. The program begins with detox, then reflection, and finally, growth. These facilities have the primary focus of helping you come back to a natural lifestyle.

According to Research Gate, the duration of these programs depends has several influencing factors. For some people, a duration of 30 days is enough to get them back to normalcy. However, for some persons, it can extend well beyond 90 days. Only an addiction recovery expert gets to decide how long your inpatient program will be, based on diagnosis and observation.

Earlier, we established that it is important to have a healthy environment to go back to post-inpatient-rehab. The reality is that it is near-impossible for your family support to replicate the kind of conditions in treatment facilities. These facilities have dedicated individuals keeping everywhere clean and healthy. At home, your family, friends and you, have jobs to work, and other responsibilities.

For this reason, most addiction recovery centers have a step-down after-care treatment approach. This occurs towards the end of your recovery. It aims to help you transition back to the community. This is not a direct switch back to normal life. Instead, you are handed over to individuals or groups outside the facility to keep up with your recovery.

Timeline for inpatient rehab

Now, there are two types of inpatient facilities. The difference between these two types is “duration.” Some facilities allow only short-term stays for patients. This is usually between three to six weeks. Other facilities allow patients that need to stay for between six months to one year.

Whatever length of time you are staying at the facility, the detox process marks the commencement of your treatment. Detoxification is the process of getting elements of the abused substance out of your body. This process helps you have a less painful withdrawal process.

Once detoxification is complete, the facility focuses on helping you get stable. This is followed by withdrawal, then the development of coping skills, counselling, therapy, and continuous education.

How to prepare for Inpatient Rehab

Whichever you choose between inpatient and outpatient rehab, preparation is vital. Though slightly different in the two cases, preparation for rehab is premised on putting things in order. For inpatient treatment, you will be gone for a while.

Hence, you need to prepare for the longer-term (because treatment can extend beyond the initial proposed treatment time). Here is a breakdown of how you can efficiently prepare for your inpatient treatment program.

  • Your necessities: You shouldn’t pack too heavy as you get into rehab. Your baggage should only include toiletries, comfortable clothing, and a couple of entertainment props. Your life in the rehab center will be as minimalistic as possible. Hence, you don’t need to pack as though you are going camping. The amenities and features of inpatient rehab are sufficient for your staying period.
  • Inform your workplace: Another important aspect of preparation is communicating with your place of work. You can’t just disappear into thin air. Though talking to the company may not guarantee your job when you are back, it’s the right thing to do.
  • Sort your family financially: If you are the breadwinner in your family, you shouldn’t leave them out to dry. Though, in this case, outpatient rehab may be best. But if your situation is chronic and in-house treatment is a must, then sort finances for your family. Part of your treatment is to be at peace mentally. You’ll probably not achieve this if you are worried about how your children are faring. Take them to someone you can trust, and put enough money in the bank for when you leave for rehab.
  • Find out what the facility has to offer: This is a basic need. You should do your due diligence by knowing what to expect from the treatment facility.

How to enjoy family support in inpatient rehab

Support is a major part of rehabilitation. Even though the primary support of inpatient treatment is the staff of the facility, family support is critical. Frequent contact with family, either via calls or in person, provides a huge psychological and emotional boost for addiction recovery.

However, you should note that inpatient addiction rehab facilities have different communication policies between patients and families. You may want to find out more before checking in either yourself or the family member going to rehab.

Also, some facilities offer to counsel the family of patients. It is advisable that you – the family of the patient – take this class. It helps to understand how you can better aid the recovery of your family member. Unsuspecting family members can encourage triggers, which may cause relapse in the patient.

What does daily life during inpatient rehab look like?

When you choose between inpatient and outpatient rehab, you are certainly forgoing some alternatives. One of the alternatives you forgo is normal daily living as you know it. Once the inpatient treatment starts, your movement suffers restriction. This way, you’ll be able to focus on getting sober and free, on time.

The typical daily activity of the inpatient program is scheduling and accountability. There is always a recovery-focused activity for every one of your waking hours. Frequently, counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists have meetings with patients. These meetings can be individual or in groups. These meetings also serve as a guide to faster recovery.

During the first few days of detox, the specialists monitor the patient. During this process, patients are known to have severe cravings. At this stage, constant medical care is critical, to prevent relapse. There is also the administration of medication to manage the effect of detox and withdrawal.

The treatment process in inpatient programs is always personalized. This is because individual brains react differently to the presence of addictive substances. The withdrawal process, in response, always has varying symptoms for individuals. But, generally, it’s not an easy process. This is why patients need all the support they can get. Medical attention is enough to be the deciding factor for better inpatient vs. outpatient rehab.

Related Article: How Long Does Addiction Treatment Take?

What is the cost of Inpatient Rehab?

Primarily, the cost of inpatient rehab – and outpatient rehab – vary from one facility to another. Several factors influence this pricing. Some of these factors include; location, amenities, duration of stay, etc.

For some inpatient rehabs, the cost can be anywhere between $6000 and $30,000. However, reputable, luxury inpatient rehab centers can be about $20000 for 30 days. The major difference in this pricing range is the amenities available to patients. Hence, before you choose between inpatient and outpatient rehab, you should research the specific pricing of the facility in question.

If your stay will extend to about 60 or 90 days, the cost will average between $12,000 and $60,000. Whatever price point your treatment may be, in most inpatient treatment centers, it already includes the cost of detoxification.

Benefits of Inpatient Rehabilitation

The following are the advantages that inpatient rehabilitation centers offer.

  • You enjoy a stable, healthy, and sober environment
  • You get access to round-the-clock medical and psychological attention
  • There is a reduction in the risk of relapse
  • You have all-day access to a support group of specialists and fellow patients
  • There is a reduction in your exposure to triggers
  • You get an ample amount of therapy
  • You enjoy special treatment services, which may, however, add to the overall cost
  • There is a higher probability of fast recovery.

Remember that inpatient recovery solutions are best for you if you have a severe addiction issue. It may cost more than outpatient treatments, but it’s worth it.

Disadvantages of inpatient rehabilitation

While mulling over the question of “is inpatient rehab right for me?”, consider these downsides.

  • You don’t get access to the outside world. This technically stalls your life activities. Business, education, relationships; you have to put them on hold.
  • Your finances will take a hit, as you are not actively working.
  • The cost of treatment can be on the high side, though necessary for severe addiction cases.

The bottom-line to inpatient treatment is that there is a stage you get to and it becomes necessary. No matter how difficult and inconvenient it may seem to your daily life, you should go through with it.

Everything You Need to Know about Outpatient Rehab

In the inpatient or outpatient rehab for addiction recovery debate, the latter has its benefits. The outpatient treatment is less restrictive, unlike the inpatient recovery treatment. Doctors prescribe this treatment for patients who suffer from mild addiction.

outpatient rehab

Outpatient Detox Program

This is the form of addiction treatment where you don’t have to reside in the facility. You can stay in your home and come in for treatment per appointment with your doctor. Per week, this type of treatment amounts to about 10 to 12 hours.

The main focus of these sessions is education on drug abuse. Specialists achieve this either in individual or group counselling sessions. The teachings help people better understand how to cope without their substances.

The second scenario where outpatient rehab is key is for long-term addiction treatment. Due to the brevity of each session, outpatient programs last anywhere between 3 to 6 months. While this is somewhat similar to what you sometimes have in inpatient rehab, it is different. Inpatient rehabs treat folks with a severe addiction in that time frame. On the other hand, outpatient addiction rehab is for mild addictions. There are also cases where the outpatient rehab sessions extend to about a year.

Since the patients are those with mild drug addiction issues, detox is always easier. Here, the detox is for the mild withdrawal symptoms they experience. Hence, an outpatient detox program is always faster than inpatient detox.

Though, during the detox process, it is better than the patient spends slightly more time at the facility. This aids effective monitoring and response. Also, since detox always calls for the prescription of medication, doctors administer that on-site. This is because symptoms from the withdrawal process include; increased heart rate, anxiety, and depression.

Social support during Outpatient Rehab

When the latter is what you choose between inpatient and outpatient rehab, you need to be careful. You get to go home. Hence, you are exposed to family and friends. Then, there are intermittent meetings with the specialist. This meeting can be early in the morning, or later in the evening.

One common social tool that’s used to aid outpatient treatment is the twelve-step groups. Some of these groups are Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The AA started in 1935 in Ohio and currently has about 2 million members across the world. The community has about a hundred and thirty recovery programs that are premised on the original 12 steps that Wilson and Smith put forward.

The success rate statistics show just how efficient this community is. These various programs have seen AA enjoy a 50% success rate in members. Another 25% of its members suffer relapse but find their way back.

As we said earlier, outpatient treatments are generally less costly than inpatient. The 24-hour medical care available to inpatients, alongside psychotherapy, accounts for this cost difference. Be aware that cost difference shouldn’t factor in your reason to choose between inpatient and outpatient rehab. You should solely base that decision on the severity of your addiction.

What is the cost of Outpatient Rehab?

Outpatient treatments are generally less costly than inpatient treatments. Though, depending on how long the treatment continues, the range can overlap. Outpatient rehab programs are about $5000 for a three-month program.

Though, this depends on the treatment facility you are at. With top facilities, the price can climb to about $10,000. One major determinant of price in outpatient treatments is the frequency of your consultations.

Why you should consider outpatient rehab

An expert should be the one to recommend this treatment, depending on how deep in the addiction you are. Outside these, however, there are other reasons why outpatient treatment is a good idea.

  • You don’t get to put your whole life on hold to get the treatment. This way, you can continue to fend for your family while you get treatment. This is particularly advantageous when there’s no one you can commit your family to. However, you’ll also need your family to reciprocate by providing you with the best support they can.
  •  The cost is generally lower, but can also pile up if there is an extension. Hence, be sure that you are going according to plan, and not relapsing. Relapse makes the recovery process longer.
  • You get to choose what works for you. This is possible because your addiction condition is mild. You can choose between any of the programs available. Especially if you are in a support system like the AA, you don’t have to go through the 130 programs they have. Choose what works best for you and your schedule.
  • You can choose your appointment at any time of the day. This degree of flexibility is important.
  • Some outpatient facilities can also treat mental complications. E.g. eating disorder, post-traumatic stress, depression, bipolar disorder, etc.

Outpatient treatments may not be as intensive as inpatient treatments. But if you do it right, you’ll enjoy the effectiveness of it in your addiction recovery journey.

Why you should not consider outpatient rehab

Before you choose between inpatient and outpatient rehab, there are also some downsides to note.

  • It’s difficult to avoid temptations and triggers. In this system, you don’t get the 24-hours support you get with inpatient treatments. Also, the environment is not controlled. Hence, you can’t avoid temptations and triggers even if you wanted to.
  • You may not be able to show up to group sessions unaided. As much as it sounds easy that you can. The inertia is always great. It is hard work to show up for group sessions, and the truth is, the success lies in these sessions.

Hence, if your addiction is chronic, or you see that the outpatient program is not working, you should make a switch.

How to Choose Between Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab

The decision to choose between inpatient and outpatient rehab is not up to you. First, you need to visit an expert, who will listen to you, and make a diagnosis. Post consultation, the expert will be able to determine the severity of your addiction. The severity automatically determines which of these treatments is right for you.

For mild to moderate addiction, it’s best to take the outpatient treatment route. This is different for chronic addicts that need intense withdrawal and close-up monitoring.

However, in the case where you have a choice, you should consider the various factors we have talked about for the different treatment approaches. Know what you are gaining and losing with the treatments, to inform your decision. Whichever you decide, seek further advice from your doctor.

Related Article: Holistic Addiction Treatment: Is it Effective?

Final Take

Having to choose between inpatient and outpatient rehab is not easy — especially if you are new to the whole concept of addiction treatment. You should do your due diligence during research.

Ask questions from your doctor and talk to people around you. With addiction, it’s near impossible to overcome it yourself. You also need massive support from professionals, family, and friends. Good luck!

Categories
Addiction Treatment

What Are the Most Addictive Drugs in the World?

It’s easy to conclude that some substances are addictive. However, how addictive are these substances? What are the most addictive drugs you need to educate your child or loved one about?

As much as there are several varieties of harmful drugs in the world, each has different addictive levels. Some are somewhat non-addictive, while others can cause addiction quickly. Ultimately, understanding the most addictive drugs available is essential. This way, you’ll be able to figure out whether you or your loved one is at great risk for addiction.

Generally, all highly addictive drugs have one significant quality. They offer pleasurable effects to your brain. It’s an effect that triggers the reward centre and makes you want more. This chain reaction is why drug addiction is rapidly becoming one of the biggest problems in Canada.

Several factors are responsible for determining what makes these substances so addictive. This includes the harm they pose to the brain, the entire body, and their easy availability to potential abusers. Here, we’ve put together a list of the most addictive drugs in the world.

6 Most Addictive Drugs

Generally, most individuals presume that hard drugs like heroin and cocaine are the most harmful and addictive types of drugs available. Undoubtedly, the addictive features in these commonly abused substances are intense. However, the frequency of use/abuse and availability are also factors to consider in their addictive potentials.

Somehow, not all highly-addictive substances are illegal. Others are legal and getting these drugs can be as easy as walking to the nearest store down the street. Some of the factors that determine the severity of the drugs and why they are some of the most addictive drugs in the world include:

  • Physical dependence
  • Psychological dependence
  • The intensity of pleasure

stop drug taking

Here are 6 most addictive drugs in the World:

Heroin

The first on our list of most addictive drugs is Heroin. Heroin is a class of opioids with origin from morphine. Its mode of consumption often includes sniffing, snorting, smoking, and injecting. Heroin addiction is a disorder that includes mental and behavioural changes as a result of excess heroin use.

Heroin is an illegal yet highly addictive drug. It’s one of the fastest-acting and regularly abused opiates. Itis an opioid drug made from naturally-occurring morphine taken from the seed pod of several opium poppy plants. These plants are often grown in areas like Southwest Asia, Southeast, Colombia and Mexico.

Heroin can come in the form of a brown or white powder, or a black sticky form is known as black tar heroin. Other popular names for heroin include smack, hell dust, horse, big H, etc.

Furthermore, pure heroin is a white powder with a bitter taste that widely originates in South America, and dominates the U.S. It also extends to some extent, Southeast Asia and markets east of the Mississippi River. Highly pure heroin can be snorted or smoked and is more appealing to new users. This is because it doesn’t have the stigma relating to injection drug use.

Also, Black tar heroin is considered sticky because it’s hard like coal and looks like the roofing tar. This type of heroin is popularly produced in Mexico and sold in the U.S. areas around the west of the Mississippi River.

The dark colour of black tar heroin results from its crude processing methods. This poor processing method is why it also contains impurities. Impure heroin is often dissolved, diluted, and injected into muscles, under the skin, or veins.

In its pure form, heroin is a fine white powder that is bitter to taste and readily dissolves in water. In the streets, the colour of heroin varies according to the additives that have been added to it.

Substances like sugar and powdered milk are added to increase its street weight to increase retail sales. In recent times, fentanyl is being added to increase heroin’s potency. According to the CDC, fentanyl is a substance that is one hundred times more deadly than morphine

Symptoms of Heroin Addiction

Generally, symptoms of heroin addiction can appear immediately after last use or between 6-30 hours later. However, this may vary depending on how long you’ve been taking the drug.

You may experience prolonged symptoms even after 72 hours of your last dose. These symptoms can extend up to a week, depending on your level of addiction.

Additionally, the symptoms you’ll experience often depend on the addiction level you’re experiencing. Several factors may dictate the duration in which you’ll go through the addiction symptoms. This is why everyone experiences addiction symptoms differently.

Here are a few symptoms of heroin addiction:

  • Dry mouth
  • Flushed skin
  • Constricted pupils
  • Slow breathing
  • Falling asleep suddenly
  • Vomiting
  • Itching
  • Loss of self-control
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Slurred speech
  • Yawning often

Marijuana

Typically, marijuana is a psychoactive substance capable of altering your perception. It contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary chemical compound that stimulates its effects. Furthermore, the effects of marijuana may vary from person to person, depending on its mode of consumption.

A medical professional can easily diagnose marijuana addiction in an individual. However, it’s noteworthy to know that its addiction possesses a significant adverse risk on the individual’s life. People can cultivate a mental dependence on cannabis in the same way they do with other addictive substances. As such, it is one of the most addictive drugs in the world.

When a person uses marijuana, cannabinoid receptors present in the brain become active via the neurotransmitter known as Anandamide. Tetrahydrocannabinol then blocks and mimics the actions of natural neurotransmitters like Anandamide.

This extends to the point where your body no longer generates enough Anandamide on its own. It is at this point that marijuana abuse and addiction sets in.

Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction

Ultimately, the chemical substance in weed reprograms your brain to require it more to feel normal. When you finally decide to stop giving your body more THC, withdrawal symptoms may kick in.

This is a result of a lack of Anandamide in your body. As with other addictive drugs in the world, wanting to quit marijuana usage but not being able to quit is one of the top indicators of marijuana addiction.

Here are a few symptoms of marijuana addiction:

  • Consuming excessive cannabis
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Weight gain
  • Impaired coordination
  • Increased appetite
  • Nervous or paranoid behaviour
  • Inability to slow down or stop using marijuana
  • Spending too much time high on weed
  • Slowed reaction time
  • Dry mouth
  • Anxiety
  • Memory impairment
  • Dizziness
  • Lack of motivation
  • Ignoring your daily activities
  • Using marijuana as a determining factor on your outings

Related Article: The Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs in the World

Cocaine

Cocaine is a potent stimulant and a prevalent party drug that offers euphoric feelings and increased energy. Its unique effects are why cocaine is one of the most addictive drugs in the world.

This makes it the most sought-after type of drug for some people. Cocaine stimulates the brain’s reward system by releasing high levels of dopamine, which then encourages regular use.

Somehow, cocaine is legal for medical use in the hospital. However, it’s never prescribed for patients. Generally, it’s used at nightclubs, parties, getaways and individual homes.

Over time, cocaine abusers start taking higher amounts of the drug. Increasing the dosage of cocaine also increases the risk of overdose and leads to psychosis, stroke, cardiac arrest, and heart failure in serious cases. This makes cocaine highly dangerous in addition to being highly addictive.

Also, physical dependence increases as your body adapt more to the cocaine in your system. Through this adaptation, your brain will start asking for cocaine to function well and feel normal again. The moment it doesn’t get the substance at the desired level, withdrawal symptoms will commence.

Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction

Addiction reveals a failure to quit using a drug despite the personal distress it brings. It’s a lifelong dysfunction of a person’s mental well-being that involves memory, motivation, and reward.

Also, addiction is about how your body craves a behaviour or substance. Here are a few symptoms of cocaine addiction:

  • Dilated pupils
  • Over-excitement
  • Mood swings
  • Depression
  • Financial problems
  • Legal issues
  • Paranoia
  • Overconfidence
  • Loss of appetite
  • White powder around nostrils
  • Irritability
  • Missing work or being late work, date, or meeting
  • Runny nose or frequent sniffles

Amphetamine

Generally, Amphetamines are psychiatric drugs that alter the chemical structure of the brain. This is possible because your mind will adjust to the drug and its effect. Essentially, your brain may assume it’s not functioning correctly and try to adjust to suit the changes.

One of the most addictive drugs in the world, Amphetamines are a class of stimulant-type drugs known for increasing energy and blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature.

Typically, Amphetamines refer to prescription drugs like Adderall (which consist of Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine), Methylin, and Concerta.

These drugs are sometimes sold illegally. However, both street and prescribed amphetamines can be abused and as such cause use disorder. Generally, methamphetamine is the most frequently misused amphetamine.

Amphetamine dependence, a type of stimulant use disorder, occurs when you need the drug to function daily. You’ll experience symptoms of withdrawal if you’re dependent and you abruptly stop using the drug. At this point, the best option is to enroll at an Amphetamine addiction treatment centre.

In the medical world, Amphetamines are often used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). These drugs are unlikely to cause addiction when prescribed by a doctor and taken at the intended dosage. However, when they are abused indiscriminately, Amphetamines can wreak havoc on your brain and body.

Amphetamine withdrawal is a class of metabolic trauma your body experiences when you stop using the drug after being dependent on it. The feelings come in a different range of psychological and physiological symptoms.

These signs are hazardous and may continue for weeks. It can also lead to mental illness and physiological disorders if managed poorly. This stresses the importance of addiction treatment services.

Symptoms of Amphetamine Addiction

Amphetamine addiction comes with a mix of mental and physical effects that you may experience after overtime. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to seek emergency assistance immediately. If left unmanaged, these complications may have potentially disastrous consequences.

Here are some of the symptoms of Amphetamine addiction:

  • Increased blood pressure and heart rate
  • Insomnia
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety and paranoia
  • Missing pills from a doctor’s prescription
  • Weight loss and reduced appetite
  • Loss of interest in previous favourite activities
  • Digestive upset
  • Auditory, visual, or tactile hallucinations
  • Difficulties with keeping relationships and changes in the group of friends
  • Inability to maintain home, school, or work responsibilities
  • Inability to keep up with work, school, or home responsibilities
  • Much of the person’s time spent seeking or using the drug, etc.

Nicotine

Generally, nicotine is a greatly addictive substance found in the tobacco plant. The addiction to nicotine is physical as well as mental. This means chronic users tend to crave the substance physically and mentally.

Addiction to nicotine also has a behavioural effect. Individuals often become dependent on actions that involve using tobacco. Furthermore, such individuals may end up becoming accustomed to tobacco use in a certain scenario like when under stress or after meals.

Nicotine is majorly consumed by inhaling tobacco or cigarette smoke. Other ways to smoke tobacco include cigars and pipes. However, smokeless tobacco is usually held in the mouth or inhaled through the nose as a powder.

Tobacco is harmful to your health. According to Lung.CA, an estimated 45,000 Canadians end up dead every year as a result of smoking. Numerous others are suffering from chronic diseases related to smoking. Despite prevention efforts and public health education, approximately 15 percent of Canadians are smokers.

Symptoms of Nicotine Addiction

Generally, nicotine is the chemical substance in tobacco that makes you keep smoking. It reaches the brain within seconds of taking a small puff. There, nicotine alters the release of neurotransmitters in the brain and increases their release. This, however, aids your mood regulation and behaviour.

As such, dopamine gets released into the centre of the brain causing feelings of satisfaction, pleasure, and good mood. However, the more you smoke, the more nicotine you need to feel good. Nicotine quickly becomes part of your daily routine and is intertwined with your habits and feelings.

Here are some of the symptoms of nicotine addiction:

  • Inability to stop using tobacco products
  • Withdrawal signs start coming once you stop nicotine use
  • Wanting to keep smoking even after all complications pointing to your depreciating health

The Other Opioids

Generally, opioids are a specific class of prescription drugs known by several other names. Aside from heroin mentioned above, opiates generally are one of the most addictive drugs. Yet, they are easily available.

Examples include:

  • Codeine
  • Morphine
  • OxyContin
  • Percocet
  • Percodan
  • Vicodin

In general, these drugs are prescriptions to help boost pain management during treatment by filling the brain’s sense of pain. In doing so, opioids also release dopamine swiftly. This is why people develop an addiction to these kinds of painkillers.

Usually, these medications are safe when used according to a prescription. However, they can become disastrous when in excess or high doses. Consuming one large quantity of these drugs can result in death or respiratory failure. Also, the danger opioids pose become even more significant when in use with alcohol or other substances.

Symptoms of Opioid addiction

Opioids can make your body and brain believe the drug is necessary for survival. As you learn to tolerate the dose you’ve been prescribed, you may find that you need even more medication to relieve the pain or achieve well-being, which can lead to dependency.

Addiction takes hold of our brains in several ways — and is far more complex and less forgiving than many people realize. Here are some symptoms of opioid addiction:

  • Sleeping at odd hours
  • Getting to school or work on an erratic schedule
  • Mood swings
  • Getting cranky or nervous at random
  • Getting into a problem with the law
  • Eating less or more than usual
  • Losing interest in activities
  • Changing friends or mixing with a different set of people
  • Avoiding time with friends and family and spending most times alone
  • Losing interest in activities
  • Getting tired or sad easily
  • Not brushing, bathing, or changing clothes
  • Becoming more energetic, unusually strong, talking fast or saying things that don’t make any sense
  • Missing crucial appointments
  • Facing financial difficulties, etc.

expert advice

Addiction Treatment Options for the Most Addictive Drugs

Knowing how to recognize drugs with a high possibility of addiction is the first step to seeking redemption. As your substance use grows day by day, either for recreational or medicinal use, the possibility of addiction grows as well.

The next step is seeking addiction treatment. Across Canada, there are several rehab centres that offer treatment for various stages of addiction. Therapy for drug addiction may exist in the following forms:

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

This is a form of psychotherapy session where you learn different behavioural strategies. Most importantly, you’ll learn techniques to recognize and correct behaviours that encourage drugs. This will help boost your self-control, quit drug use, and address several other issues that often co-occur with drug addiction.

Contingency Management

This is a therapeutic management pattern based on regular monitoring of a particular trait or behaviour. It also includes the removal (or provision) of concrete, positive rewards when the trait occurs — or does not.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy

This is a systematic approach to addiction treatment intervention. This approach is specifically designed to create swift, internally prompt change. In most cases, the therapy doesn’t attempt to treat the individual. Instead, it mobilizes internal resources for growth and obligation in treatment.

Some other options for treating dependence on the most addictive drugs include:

  • Going through medication to help your detox procedure
  • Individual and group counselling
  • Self-help groups

Related Article: The Long Term Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse

Conclusion

From the above, we have been able to analyze which drugs are most addictive, their symptoms, and treatment options. In some cases, your health condition may require a prescription drug that falls into the category of “too addictive drugs”. However, following your medication as prescribed will help you prevent addiction.

If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction to any of the drugs we discussed above, seeking professional help is a better option. Here at1000 Islands Rehab Centre, our addiction treatment experts can design a detox and treatment plan for your addiction. Contact us today!

Categories
Addiction Treatment

Best Winter Home Exercises To Maintain Your Addiction Treatment

Are you finding it difficult to continue your exercise routine because of winter? Or you’re wondering how to maintain sobriety in winter? Learning about winter home exercises for addiction treatment can help you during this period.

It’s no news that daily exercise and physical activity is beneficial to your wellbeing. However, it offers more than just a way to help you stay active. For a person in the middle of addiction recovery, it can boost the recovery process.

The positive effects of exercise are fundamental in impacting both your mental and physical wellbeing. What if a regular workout can get you a natural high similar to the one you get from drugs and alcohol? The positive effect of a consistent workout routine is powerful.

Millions of people around the world and even Canadians are beating addictions with it. Exercise gives positive feelings, boosts your mood, and strengthens you for the challenge of addiction recovery.

Aside from the positive feelings you can expect to get from daily workouts, exercise can soothe numerous withdrawal and relapse symptoms. This includes relieving possible depression and anxiety, and providing an excellent escape from cravings.

While trying to beat addiction, your body and mind often crave the exact substance you’ve been taking. This is because the substance is responsible for producing endorphins, which your system uses to feel high. Aside from this, daily life stress and other life issues can cause you to crave a usual escape in the form of the substance.

The good thing about exercise during the winter period is that it can help you create these endorphins. With a steady stream of endorphins, it becomes easier to prevent relapse during the winter season.

This is where we come in. As one of the leading providers of holistic addiction treatment in Canada, we have a better understanding of how exercises can be useful for addiction treatment, especially during the winter season. With that in mind, we have put together a list of the best winter home exercises for addiction treatment. Keep reading to develop the tools you need to scale through winter without a relapse!

What Are the Benefits of Exercise on Addiction Treatment?

Exercise on addiction treatment

Where addiction treatment is concerned, there are a few things to ask? What is the connection between addiction, recovery, and exercise? What does lifting weights, going on a brisk walk, or playing a game of 90-minutes soccer have to do with staying sober? Well, exercise does more than you might think.

As your body recalibrates and adjusts itself to a life without drugs and alcohol, it will undergo several changes. These changes may seem unbearable and challenging at the initial, but in the long term, they are effective.

Typically, poor sleep, anxiety, depression, intensify stress, and low energy may follow you into recovery. This is where exercise comes in as a useful tool to deal with all these symptoms.

Here are a few benefits of winter exercises for your addiction treatment:

Exercise Relieves Stress

When you cross the line into drug or alcohol use, it all starts as a nice stress-escape. Perhaps it’s a glass of beer or wine after work. But, it all adds up. Over time, more drugs or alcohol will be consumed in a race to relieve stress. However, relief from stress (with these drugs) will become more slippery and ultimately disappear completely. When this happens, drug or alcohol use will become the main source of stress in the long-run.

So what happens when you decide to go to alcohol or drug rehab? Does the stress mentioned above disappear too? We all wish it were that simple. Fortunately, reducing stress is achievable through almost every physical activity that raises the heart rate.

With exercise, you can release endorphins that will boost your mood and keep you in a state of zero stress. This is why winter home exercises are effective at helping you maintain addiction treatment.

Exercise Improves Sleep

Issues relating to problematic sleep are typical, most especially during the days of early recovery. Firstly, the withdrawal process can significantly affect your sleep pattern.

You may find it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or want to sleep in the middle of the day. Most times, this may result in making you feel tired or sluggish.

Winter home exercises can help you improve sleep both via the number of hours and quality of sleep. It can as well help to counter the impulse to nap in the middle of the day. Consequently, as sleep improves, so does wakefulness. With better sleep routines, you’ll feel more alert and able to tackle the demands of life.

One way winter exercises serve to improve sleep is by altering the body’s temperature. Body temperature is highest during and after long periods of exercise. It is also lowest during times of sleep. Hours after exercise, your body will begin to cool at a faster rate. Consequently, this accelerated cooling process allows you to sleep easily.

Researchers warn that noticeable improvements in sleep may take weeks or occasionally months for effects to become pronounced in relation to exercise. Therefore, do not become discouraged. Remember, your body is adjusting to life without alcohol or drugs in every way imaginable, and your sleep patterns are not immune.

Boosts Your Energy

There is a saying in many addiction recovery circles that says, “You have to give it away to keep it.” Winter home exercises that can help you maintain addiction treatment work in pretty much the same way. To get energy, you must give it.

During your home exercises, blood will be pushed more aggressively through the heart, and oxygen levels within the body will increase. With regular exercise, the boost in oxygen levels serves to improve your overall energy. Furthermore, as your body becomes more cardiovascular and physically fit, daily living activities will become more comfortable to perform.

Furthermore, it will be easier to complete tasks more efficiently. This is precisely the reason many individuals choose to exercise early in the morning — the energy expended early in the morning returns as fuel for the remainder of the day.

For those in early recovery, it is easy to forget how demanding life can be without the use of alcohol or drugs. Therefore, incorporating an exercise routine during winter can go a long way to helping newly clean and sober individuals as they begin to manage daily life demands.

Enhances Your Mood

Generally, mood changes can occur rationally during the detoxification process from drugs or alcohol. Even after detoxification, you may experience mood swings, especially in early recovery. One minute, you’re feeling on top of the world, and the next minute, you’re feeling down, sad or lonely.

Again, it means your body is adjusting to life without alcohol or drugs, and these feelings are normal. How then can exercise serve to improve the mood of someone in recovery? Endorphins are one of the chemicals released by the body during exercise. Research shows that endorphins produce positive feelings, such as happiness and euphoria. Remember, this craving for happiness and euphoria is why drug or alcohol dependence gets worse.

Generally, engaging your body in 30 minutes of exercise per day is enough to help you see changes. With a steady stream of endorphins in your system, you can reduce the frequency of drastic mood changes.

Related article: 8 Exercises That Can Help With Addiction Recovery

Best Winter Home Exercises for Addiction Treatment

The best part about winter home exercises for addiction treatment is you don’t need any special equipment. All you need is your body, strength, determination, and perhaps, a workout mat. Once you have that, you are good to go.

To put things in a clearer perspective, we will divide your home exercises into three main parts:

  • Physical Strength Exercises
  • Cardio Remedies
  • Mind-Body Exercise

The Physical Strength Exercises

These winter home exercises for addiction treatment mainly take advantage of your body weight. Basically, they involve engaging your muscles by working against your body weight. Here are physical strength exercises that help with addiction recovery.

Push-ups

Push-ups

Push-ups are one of the most prevalent physical strength exercises you can practice anywhere. Asides from the several benefits this home exercise offer for addiction treatment; it will also help you stay fit and active all through the winter season. Its primary focus is on your arms and chest muscles.

Here is the correct procedure for doing push-ups:

  • Lie flat on the ground, then lift a bit while putting all weight on your chest and arms.
  • Straighten your legs and arms. Place your hands about shoulder-width apart and your feet nearly together.
  • Next, lower your body gradually until your chest almost touches the ground.
  • Suspend your body a bit, then push right back up.
  • Repeat this motion and maintain correct suspension as many times as possible.

Squats

This is another one of the top winter home exercises for addiction treatment. Squatting can help get your heart pumping and your body all sweaty.

Also, the exercise is capable of imprinting an effect that keeps your mind busy and away from drugs. Let’s walk you through the process of achieving a proper squat:

  • Get a foot stance that is comfortable for you.
  • Stand tall, look straight, and tense your abs.
  • Then, bend towards your hip and knee while sticking out your butt like you’re sitting on a chair.
  • Keep your chest high and your back straight while squatting as low as you can.
  • Next, pop back up to a standing position. That’s one squat. You can do as many as possible to strengthen yourself.

Lunges

If you need an excellent workout without stepping outside your home, lunges are among the top winter home exercises for addiction treatment. This exercise focuses on building your legs and hips to stay physically fit.

Here is the procedure:

  • Stand tall while your feet stay apart about the width of your hip and ensure you engage your core.
  • Then, take a wide step forward with your right leg. Tilt forward a bit while shifting your weight, so your heel touches the ground first.
  • Next, lower your body part until your right thigh stays parallel to the floor and your shin nearly vertical to the position.
  • Push yourself back to the starting point and press into your right heel, then repeat with the other leg.

Cardio Workout

Cardio Workout

Cardio is one of the best winter home exercises for addiction treatment. It’s an excellent way to enhance emotions while working out. Typically, cardio exercises will leave you feeling positive and in a better mood.

To maintain addiction treatment, you need a positive mindset. Cardio exercises can provide you with that.

More importantly, you can do them alone, and you don’t need a lot of space. Here are a few ways to carry out simple cardio workouts:

Dancing

This is a common type of cardio, as it doesn’t really feel like an exercise. Dancing is a no-brainer. Turn up your stereo and move left-right-front-back — Tada! You’re already dancing.

There are several styles you can choose from. If you prefer to have a dance challenge or learn to dance better, you can get dance tutorials online and groove to them.

Climbing Stairs Repeatedly

Climbing the staircase up and down continuously is another form of cardio exercise that offers effective results. So, if you want to maintain sobriety and keep your mind in check during the drab winter season, hit those stairs immediately. One thing, please take caution while doing so.

Running Several Laps Around your House

Running around your house during winter in a bid to keep your mind distracted is always advisable. You can do this as many times as possible.

Additionally, you can change pace at intervals to slow down or speed up. This makes the exercise more exciting and enjoyable. If you have a dog at home, that’s a perfect exercise partner to compete and have fun with.

Mind-Body Exercise

Mind-Body Exercise

When you think about activities or best exercises for addiction treatment, strength, and cardio routines are probably the first ones you will consider. However, staying sober requires more than cardio and strength. You also need your feelings, thoughts, and emotions to be in check.

The connection between your physical strength, cardio activities, and addiction is the mind-body connection. This exercise strengthens the relationship between your physical strength, body, and soul.

Luckily, mind-body exercise is one of the less strenuous alternatives for exercise during winter. Here are the two top mind-body practices that help with addiction recovery:

The Breathing Practice

One of our top winter home exercises for addiction treatment is the “Breath Work.” Breathing exercise is a crucial tool in keeping fit and staying healthy. It goes down to boosting your physical fitness, anxiety control, and mental health. In a way, mastering breath-work can help you stay in control of your actions and reactions.

Belly breathing aids the stimulation of the vagus nerve, thus shifting your body into a more relaxing state. It triggers a relaxation response that can dampen feelings of anxiety.

Also, breath-work influences digestion and slow breathing as an excellent step towards maintaining control. Anything that can trigger relapse can quickly be sorted out with excellent breath-work.

Here is the process of practicing breath-work:

  • Start with 1 to 1 breathing. This involves breathing in and out through the nose at the same pace.
  • You can build up your strength by starting with three seconds in, three seconds out. Once the breathing gets more comfortable, increase the count up to 3:3, 4:4, 5:5, etc.
  • When you hit a difficult to count stage, you can drop two counts back and maintain the pace for about five to ten minutes.

By the end of this session, you’ll probably feel an improvement in your relaxation and sense of calm.

Yoga

Yoga can be a powerful tool to aid addiction recovery. It’s a training ground for your mind and body. Remember, a healthy mind is a necessity for anyone that wants to win the battle against addiction. This is why yoga is an effective home exercise to help you maintain addiction recovery.

Yoga is considered by many as a natural form of medical treatment. It is essentially using body postures to connect the mind and body and using the breath to gain self-awareness and inward-focused attention. Yoga supports addiction treatment and can also help manage drug cravings and relapse triggers.

Recovering from drug or alcohol addiction is a delicate time for the mind. Strengthening your mind with Yoga will help you better control your psyche and increase your chances of winning the struggle with addiction.

Furthermore, it also gives a massive boost to your positive mental energy, which will help you stay focused on your addiction recovery. Yoga works for both outdoor and indoor exercise lovers. You don’t have to worry about having to go outside to exercise when you can practise Yoga inside. All these and more are why Yoga is one of the best winter home exercises for addiction treatment and recovery.

Conclusion

If used correctly, exercise can be an essential part of addiction recovery and earning long-term sobriety. However, working out alone can be challenging, particularly if you don’t know what to do or how to do it. This is why we have put together some of the best winter home exercises for addiction treatment. Still, knowing all these exercises is never enough unless you add consistency to it.

Regular exercise possesses excellent unexplored potential as an additional treatment for addictions. Its beneficial effects on withdrawal symptoms and mood make it a good fit for people recovering from addiction. Addiction can help you avoid relapse, stay healthy, and help repair any neurological damages caused by substance use.

Attaining sobriety and physical fitness isn’t a comfortable ride. In fact, it is one that requires consistency. Keep your body and mind focused on the end goal and engage only in activities that enhance your chances of achieving a full recovery.

Remember, exercise is just one very small part of addiction treatment and rehab. Exercise won’t help you recognize triggers, provide answers to maintaining sobriety in winter, or why you became addicted. Though it may help improve your mental and emotional state, exercise should not take the place of a professional therapist. Call 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre for addiction treatment programs.

Categories
Addiction Treatment

How Long Does Addiction Treatment Take?

Seeking treatment when you are suffering from addiction can be hard. You probably have thought of what your friends and family will say. More importantly, for most people, the question of how long does addiction treatment take is a big issue. 

Addiction and the path to recovery is a broad issue. There are so many influencing factors to consider. The variation in these factors means there is no single formula for addiction treatment. Your path to recovery from addiction will be most likely different from another person’s.

The timeline for addiction treatment varies from one facility or expert to another. Approaches are different, and your personality differs. This makes it difficult to estimate how long you should stay in rehab. However, there are ways around it. With the information in this blog, you’ll be able to estimate how long you will stay in rehab. 

This guide explores how long addiction treatment should take. Basically, we will start from the fundamentals of the problem, to what treatment is like and why you should opt for addiction treatment despite the obvious difficulties. To cap it off, we will also explore how long drug rehab takes as well as the influencing factors for this timeline. 

Everything You Need to Know About Addiction

You’ll probably find it strange that there are more cases of addiction than there are of diabetes. In fact, about 10% of the population in Canada is addicted to one substance or the other. While addiction is not a condition to desire, there’s no point to hate yourself over it. Teachers, plumbers, CEOs, and just about anybody can suffer from it.

Scientists classify addiction as a disease of the brain; just like asthma is to the lungs. This takes away the status quo of it being a moral failing. The presence of addiction in a person most times is beyond the control of the individual in question. Just like every other condition, it will need some continuous care and management till it wanes out.

What is Addiction?

Addiction Treatment

Addiction is complex. It’s a situation in which the brain is subject to compulsive usage of a particular substance despite its detrimental effects. Addiction, in a broader sense, refers to more than drugs. It refers to habits and activities you are not incredibly happy to do but you can’t seem to stop them. 

Addiction is something to worry about, as the brain is conditioned to indulge even though you know the damage it does. Addiction is a common scenario concerning drugs. The use of these substances forces the release of dopamine in the brain. The continuous use of the substance and the subsequent release of dopamine raised your tolerance level to dopamine.

Dopamine is a naturally produced substance responsible for feelings of excitement and pleasure. With the continuous use of the substance, your body gets used to dopamine. Hence, the average level of dopamine that causes you to get into high spirits becomes insufficient with time. Essentially, you start needing more and more of it. As a result, you start to depend on the substance that triggers the further release of dopamine.

There are several substances you can become addicted to. These include:

  • Alcohol
  • Marijuana
  • Opioid
  • Tobacco
  • Cocaine
  • Party drugs 
  • Prescription drugs.

Addiction to these substances can result in a distortion of your thinking. It can also alter bodily functions. The dopamine offers an intense craving for the substance. This is why it’s so difficult to stop.

Several factors may result in addiction. The specific causes vary from person to person. This is why for every individual, there is a difference in how long it will take to finish drug rehab in Canada. Most of the causes of addiction fall into any one of these categories.

Genetics

According to a study, about 40% to 50% of the addiction cases result from genetics. The study goes further to claim that there is a higher chance for the offspring of an addict to become one. 

The role of genetics here is not directly reflected in any addiction gene. It’s a result of environmental factors in the guise of exposure. Also, growing up with a view that the substance is normal can result in the offspring being addicted.

Classed under genetics is also gender. According to research, it’s more likely for men to become addicted to substances faster than women. Relapse is also at a higher rate in women than in men.

Stress

Stress

Stress is a common cause of addiction in both men and women. This stress can result from work or personal life issues like a bad marriage. This is one reason drug rehab recovery is difficult and best in a location away from home. 

Staying with your regular life and trying to recover from drug addiction may be impossible. Everyday life exposes you to stressors that may trigger addiction cravings. 

Experience and support

Experience is another major cause of addiction in people. Combining what you experience and the type of support you get can determine if you will continue with drugs or give up totally. 

When you lack a support system, it’s possible to slip into depression, leading to continuous addiction. When recovering, having a proper and functional support system is critical. Without it, you man fall right back into the cycle.

Symptoms of Addiction

More often than not, addicts disagree that they suffer from an addiction to a particular substance.  However, several symptoms come with addiction to substances. These symptoms can be psychological, social, and physical.

Psychological symptoms

These are the most common symptoms of addiction. When you notice any of these, you should know you are dependent on the substance or activity.

Inability to stop indulging

Whenever you are dependent on a substance or activity, you can’t seem to stop. Giving up becomes unsuccessful. Your will is most likely not enough here. For instance, heroin addiction can be very difficult to stop. This is because the substance is chemically addictive. Withdrawal may also be fatal.

Dependence on the substance despite health issues

When you notice that you can’t stop using the substance despite the health complications that follow, you are addicted. You should seek help.

Dealing with issues

If the substance is your go-to means to deal with issues, you may be addicted.

Social Symptoms

Addiction can also influence your social life, impacting how you relate with others and the other way around.

Sacrificing other activities

When suffering from addiction, you are most likely to give up other activities that once made you happy. This is because those other activities don’t release as much dopamine as you’ll want.

Secrecy and solitude

When you indulge in a substance or activity that you are addicted to, you tend to be more secretive and in solitude.

Denial

Most people with addictions tend to deny having such an addiction. They seem not to be aware of the dependence. Hence, they don’t seek treatment, as they think they can quit whenever they want to.

Physical Symptoms

Some of the physical symptoms of addictions include:

Withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms

Whenever you don’t take enough of the substance, you may have some physical reactions. This drop-in level is known as withdrawal. These symptoms include:

  • Cravings
  • Diarrhea
  • Seizures
  • Sweat
  • Trembles, etc.

Change in appetite

Some substances distort your appetite levels. For instance, abuse of marijuana increases your appetite, while the use of cocaine reduces your appetite.

Change in appearance

Abuse of substances takes a massive toll on your physical health. You may start to look dishevelled, haggard, and tired. 

How Long Will Drug Addiction Treatment Take?

There are different drug rehabilitation centers in Canada, each one running different programs. Also, how long a drug addiction program is, depends on your choice and budget. Generally, there are four main types of programs concerning duration. You can either go for the;

  • 30-day program
  • 60-day program
  • 90-day program
  • Extended program

The primary determining factor to use here is ‘long-term success.’ You should focus on a program that will be best for you. Your therapist will be in the best position to advise you. There is no fixed program. Over the next few paragraphs, we will highlight the factors that affect how long drug addiction treatment will take.

The withdrawal stage

For most substances, addiction doesn’t happen suddenly. There is a process that unfolds where you think you have control of your usage. From the first use to regular use, to risky use, dependence, and finally to addiction. A blurry line only separates the various stages. Hence, it’s challenging to know when to stop. Addiction creeps in, and it becomes very difficult to stop.

However, intense your addiction is, it can always come to an end. The process where you stop the use of the substance is called withdrawal. It’s a very difficult phase, but it precedes any drug rehabilitation process you want to take. You need to stop the use of the substance first. More importantly, it comes with withdrawal symptoms. 

The more intense your addiction is, the more intense these symptoms will be. Consequently, the longer it will take to get you into the right shape for drug addiction counselling and other addiction treatment options.

There is no cure for addiction

Some people may need 90-day drug addiction treatment programs. In the same vein, others may need a more extended addiction treatment program. The reason for this is there is no cure for addiction. This can affect how long addiction treatment will take.

There is simply no drug or vaccine you’ll take to stop addiction to a substance. As established earlier, addiction is a disease. You can only tackle it through a series of rehabilitation processes. You can either have a short or long term addiction rehab in Canada. It depends solely on factors and circumstances unique to your condition. 

Getting sober is different from staying sober

The possibility of a relapse is part of why the timeline for addiction treatment can get extended. Relapse is commonplace with addicts. 

You see, addiction recovery is a lifetime journey. Getting sober – withdrawal – is the first step towards complete recovery. After that, you have a lot to do to remain sober. Technically, you need to make lifestyle changes to be off the hook. Depending on how long it takes you to develop the tools you need to stay sober, the timeline for addiction treatment may increase. 

Related article: Top Sober Activities For The Weekend

There is no stone-set process to recovery

Each addict is unique, with unique circumstances. This is why committing your recovery to a specialist is best. From in-person consultations and discussions, the specialist will tailor a suitable process for your recovery.

However, the custom process for your addiction treatment may require more time for addiction treatment. As a result, perhaps the best place to get a response on the timeline for addiction treatment is from your therapist. Depending on the results of your initial consultation session, they will be able to give an estimate of how long addiction treatment will take.

You will need time for emotional healing

Withdrawal can be tough. Technically, with withdrawal, you are losing something that your brain finds so valuable. Hence, you need to be prepared to mentally and emotionally grieve the loss. Despite being a wise decision to give up the substance, your system will throw many tantrums, which you must prepare to weather.

There are several other facts to note. But they all point to the fact that it won’t be a comfortable ride back to normalcy. Part of how long drug addiction treatment will take is a function of your emotional healing process. Through, one-on-one sessions with your therapist, you’ll develop the tools necessary to heal emotionally. However, this process takes time.

Timeline for Addiction Treatment: Stages of Drug Addiction Treatment

There is no fixed timeline for addiction treatment. However, it is important to know that addiction treatment happens in stages. These stages combine to decide how long addiction treatment will take.

Break the addiction 

The very first stage of recovering from an addiction is accepting you are addicted to the substance. Once you realize this, the substance or addictive activity begins to make you sad. For instance, someone hung up on cocaine will get depressed and sad once they take the substance. 

The remorse is proof that you want to stop. Rather than experiencing this somberness, it’s best to see your treatment through. The time it takes you to come to this decision is a part of your addiction treatment.

You understand addiction better

By subjecting yourself to a professional provider of addiction treatment in Canada, you start to understand it better. This is a part of the reason for addiction counselling and group therapy sessions.

With a better understanding of addiction comes an increased ability and tendency to beat it. Addiction is a disease and by learning it, you will understand why you feel, react, or experience what you do. Furthermore, you will understand your triggers better and the efforts it takes to deliberately manage them.

You build new and better habits

The hallmark of addiction treatment is that you come back better. The community, the professionals, and your resolve all help you pick up better and healthier habits. Addiction recovery treatments can cause a total overhaul of your lifestyle.

Depending on how long it takes you to develop these new habits, the timeline for addiction treatment may increase. However, it’s worth it. Thanks to the treatment, you’ll be able to set better long and short term goals. You set goals for your relationship, your health, your job, and your personal life. All these culminate into helping you become a better person.

Your health gets better

Addiction to substances may create a temporary sense of ecstasy and relief. However, the damage to your health can be massive — in the long run. The accumulative effects can lead to irreversible conditions. Hence, the discovery and treatment of these issues are critical. 

The treatment of these health issues also adds to the timeline for addiction treatment. There is no limit to how long addiction treatment should take. In a sense, the journey to long-term sobriety is a daily one. To avoid a relapse, there’s a need to keep at it.

Building relationships

Building relationships

Addictions can cause you to withdraw from friends and family. This is due to the subconscious need to be alone. You want to be alone because you don’t want others to judge you. 

This veer away from friends and family, to prevent shame, can affect every area of your life. And since the substance has a firm grip on you, it becomes so hard to go back. Getting professional help eliminates this with time.

No matter how long it takes to finish drug rehab, the relationships you build during and after are worth it. When you are in therapy, you may be placed in a support group. You can also have a support group composed of your family members. In this case, you will get closer and intimate with them. The bond with the family can be wholesome and satisfying. You’ll be grateful for this in the long run.

If you are in a support group with other addicts, you get to make new friends. You’ll be surprised to know that the addict next to you may be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. With everyone vulnerable and growing out of the abyss together, you can quickly build credible friendships.

You get confident and love yourself more

The whole recovery process involves taking deliberate steps towards bettering your life. At the end of it all, you get used to consciously taking care of yourself. Hence, you come out looking healthier and at your best. In a way, sort of getting a new life, one that you’ll consciously treat with care. You become more confident with work, your finances, etc. You’ll most likely be known for the positive energy you’ll exude per time. 

Addiction and Therapy

The question of how long addiction treatment should take stems from the fact that therapy is a big part of addiction treatment. There are no prescriptions to follow. There are no drugs to purchase. Therapy is the primary way out of addiction. Therapy starts with your consultation with a specialist. The process is long, and you need the specialist to guide you through.

As said earlier, an attempt at withdrawal and recovery will take a toll on your physical and mental health. With the help of a professional, you can better manage the drugs and yourself. Therapy helps you identify your triggers, as well as build the skills necessary to manage them.

Some of the common addiction triggers include; stress, environment, social network, etc. Since everyone has a unique situation, you can’t rely on the recovery measures of another person. Your personalized therapy helps you identify what causes your problem and also proffer solutions. With proper counselling, it becomes easier to escape your cravings.

Therapy comes in two forms; individual and group therapy. With most rehabs in Canada, you’ll probably go through the two forms. You may start with individual therapy and advance to group therapy. In some cases, you can jump right into group therapy.

Final Take

There is no standard for how long addiction treatment should take. It all depends on what you can afford and your willingness to follow through with the treatment. This is why this article explains all you need to know about the timeline for addiction treatment. Call 1000 Islands Addiction Rehab & Treatment Centre for addiction treatment programs.

Related article: How Long Does Alcohol Withdrawal Take?

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Addiction Treatment

What Is The Cost Of Addiction Treatment In Canada?

While some services are available for people with limited income, a lot of drug and alcohol addicts and their families worry that the cost of addiction treatment in Canada puts the chances of lasting sobriety out of reach.

Recognizing that you have an addiction problem, and making the decision to seek help, are the important first steps to a new life. But sadly, for many people, the process ends there because of real or imagined financial barriers. 

This is especially the case for inpatient addiction treatment and rehab services. Not only will you have to pay for a service that includes full board, all meals, and a wide range of therapies, addiction rehab costs are often due upon admission. 

To make the burden even heavier, the addict’s absence from work for the purposes of attending rehab may result in a significant reduction in the family’s income. While inpatient rehab is going on, mortgages and bills at home still have to be paid.

For many families, the cost of drug rehab can seem to lead to overwhelming hardship. In some cases, financial limitation is very real. For others, families may be unaware of the resources that are available to them. And so, instead of seeking professional, they try to manage the problem by themselves.

How Much Does Addiction Treatment Cost?

As with many things in life, there is no absolute answer to the question of addiction treatment pricing. How much you will spend out of pocket depends on several factors. 

It should be noted from the outset that while some addiction treatments carry a higher out-of-pocket cost than others, there are options for all Canadians, regardless of income and ability to pay.

Public Detox And Addiction Rehab Services

Detox And Addiction Rehab Services

In Canada, access to healthcare is a right of citizenship and permanent residence. The cost of drug rehab is covered by your provincial health care plan if you select a public facility. While this does provide hope to families who are not able to secure funds for private rehab services, there are some drawbacks to be aware of:

  • Although provincial health care systems try their best to keep up with the growing demand for addiction rehab services, waitlists are inevitable. 
  • Addicts who have strong family support may be able to figure out ways to endure the wait for a spot, but this is not a viable solution for everyone.
  • It is generally accepted among addiction experts that rehab is most effective when the program is personalized. In public rehab facilities, the therapists and doctors have a high volume of patients at any one time. They work hard for all patients under their care, but addicts do not get that personalized experience that vastly improves the chances of lasting sobriety.
  • Perhaps most critically, when addiction rehab costs are funded by the government, patients are at risk of being released prematurely from programs, which in turn leads to a high risk of relapse.
  • Medical detox services are available to all Canadians through your hospital emergency room or your doctor. Since withdrawal is, in many cases, considered to be a medical emergency, in general, you do not have to wait for this service. While medically supervised detox is an important step in the rehab process, it is just one step, and it should be followed – as soon as possible – by an addiction treatment and rehab program.

Related article: How to Stop Cocaine Addiction

Private Outpatient Addiction Rehab Costs

Private Outpatient Addiction Rehab Costs

If you have strong family support and your addiction is not complicated by factors like comorbidity or polysubstance abuse, you may be able to undergo successful addiction treatment on an outpatient basis. 

While the cost of addiction treatment in Canada varies widely from one location and treatment program to the next, outpatient programs are a lot less expensive, because they do not include costs like board and meals.

Outpatient addiction treatment takes the form of therapy sessions that you attend on scheduled days. You live at home and retain the ability to participate in your regular daily life. In most cases, you are even able to continue working, as long as you are able to take the requisite time off to go to your treatment sessions. 

The range of available services include individual, group and family therapy, as well as services specifically geared to loved ones. The cost of addiction treatment for outpatient programs varies from $100 to $500 per session, depending on the treatment modality, the provider, and the length of the session. 

Some outpatient treatment facilities will quote you a monthly fee that includes a specified number of sessions for that month. Although outpatient addiction rehab costs are lower, there are some factors for you to consider when choosing this form of treatment:

  • If you have a history of substance abuse or high risk of relapse, this might not be the right choice for you
  • Outpatient addiction treatment works best for those who have a strong network of support
  • You have a higher chance of success if you can avoid people and places that have been associated with your drug or alcohol use
  • It is essential that you commit to attending all of your appointments

Private Inpatient Addiction Rehab Costs

Inpatient addiction rehab facilities vary widely in terms of the services they provide, the amenities, recreational facilities, and the duration of stay. The costs are highly variable as well, but if you are budgeting for a potential stay, a good estimate to aim for is $300 per day.

This may seem steep, but inpatient addiction treatment pricing takes the following into account:

  • The development of a personalized addiction treatment program
  • All therapy sessions, including family counselling sessions that include loved ones
  • All of your meals
  • Accommodation
  • Recreational facilities and amenities
  • Round-the-clock care and support

In some facilities, the cost also includes educational sessions and support for loved ones, and comprehensive aftercare support services.

Inpatient addiction rehab costs depend on several factors, such as:

  • The length of stay. It can range from one to six months. Generally, the cost per day decreases as the length of stay increases.
  • The nature of the accommodation: Some facilities reduce costs by offering semi-private or dorm-style accommodations.
  • The amenities available: Some facilities have full-scale gyms with personal trainers and a range of organized recreational activities. Others have an indoor or outdoor walking track and some hiking trails.
  • The meals provided: The more expensive facilities offer chef-prepared meals to order. Lower-cost facilities provide nutritious meals served canteen-style.
  • Inpatient rehab facilities that cater to individuals with a high expectation of privacy, such as celebrities or politicians, are likely to cost more because of the increased cost of security and property surveillance.

Is The Cost Of Addiction Treatment Worth It?

The cost of addiction treatment in Canada may seem high, especially for people whose personal finances have already taken a hit as a result of the addiction. There are several factors you should consider when you are making a decision about whether to sign up for rehab.

What Does The Cost Include?

As described above, addiction treatment pricing is highly dependent on what you’re actually getting. Inpatient addiction treatment programs can cost upwards of $300 per day, with some facilities charging more than double that, but this includes everything you need for both survival and treatment.

What Are The Probabilities Of Success?

While it can be argued that some rehab is better than no rehab, there is an increasing body of evidence supporting the notion that inpatient rehab is a highly effective means of treatment, especially when paired with a good aftercare program. 

If you go through several rounds of less expensive rehab, your cost of addiction services may end up being higher than it would if you went through one inpatient rehab stay.

Have You Explored All Possible Funding Sources?

If you are in the throes of addiction and desperate for help, you may only be looking as far as your own bank account for the means to cover addiction rehab costs. But there may be options that you are unaware of, such as:

  • Your medical insurance
  • Employee assistance programs offered by your place of work
  • Social assistance programs offered by businesses in your community
  • Financing options offered by the rehab facilities you are considering
  • Assistance from family members and close friends

The reality is that not everyone is able to secure the funds for private inpatient rehab. It is important to remember the public and outpatient services that are available.

Here’s Why You Need Accountability for Addiction Treatment

In the fight against addiction, there is always that little voice that tells you to keep it all to yourself. It’ll make you question why you need accountability for addiction treatment and ask you to cut everyone else off. After all, why should anyone be getting involved in your business?

At the moment, this logic might check out. However, it’s not very sound. Why? Well, there are many reasons why you need accountability during addiction treatment. Unfortunately, the chances are that, right now, the little voice is telling you we’re way off base. Not to worry, though, we came prepared.

In this article, we’ll be looking into the reasons why you need accountability for addiction treatment. And, just because we care, we’ll also throw in a few tips to help you remain accountable too.

Why You Need Accountability for Addiction Treatment

Accountability has always been somewhat of a requirement if you are trying to commit to something. But why is it necessary for addiction treatment? To answer that, here are five different reasons you should remain accountable during your addiction treatment process:

Helps you remain focused on the goal

Is The Cost Of Addiction Treatment Worth It

In the process of getting addiction rehab services, there is always that temptation to forget about the goal and go slightly or completely off track. What makes it worse is that this problem doesn’t hit you all at once. In the beginning, you might be incredibly self-motivated and fired up. 

For what it’s worth, that level of self-motivation is pretty cool. However, you can only go so far when you’re running on hype. 

By being accountable to something or someone, you’ll be much less likely to go off course. They’ll always be there to remind you why you started in the first place. Depending on your relationship with the person, they might even use a little tough love on you. 

Nevertheless, their entire purpose is to help you remain focused on getting over your addiction. Without them, the chances of you falling back into your old habits are significantly higher.

A viable source of motivation

Like we mentioned earlier, self-motivation is great. But you can only go so far with it. This fact is especially true when you’re forced to deal with the insane amount of urges that come along with addictions. 

You might not want to admit it, but you need other sources of motivation. This is where remaining responsible through accountability comes into play.

It is particularly great if you have someone who has had to deal with an addiction. If this is the case, they can become that beacon of light at the end of the tunnel for you. 

That way, you’ll know that you can do it too because they could conquer their addictions. Even if they haven’t had to go through addiction treatment before, they can still provide proper encouragement every now and then. 

A way to celebrate your small or big achievements

It’s safe to say that not everyone really enjoys broadcasting news about their addiction rehab journey to the whole world. You might share a different view, but some other people might feel vulnerable doing that. 

However, not being able to celebrate or acknowledge your victories can be a bit discouraging too. This, dear friend, is one of the reasons why you need accountability for your addiction treatment.

With an accountability partner, you have the luxury of someone you can easily share your victories with. The celebration could even be for something as simple as remaining clean for your first ten to fifteen days. 

Regardless, having someone to raise a toast with you, even if it’s just fruit juice, is still pretty encouraging. In the long run, these celebrations can push you to keep on working towards an addiction-free life.

It helps you to see where you’re lacking

This is a major point that answers why you need accountability for addiction treatment. More often than not, while trying to conquer an addiction, there will be slight lapses in your efforts. You might think that you’re on top of your game, but it isn’t always the case. 

This is because several things could be weaknesses in your addiction treatment journey. For some people, they might fall back in when they encounter something that makes them really sad. Other people might not be able to resist the alcohol bottle or the blunt wrap when they’re stressed out.

If you belong to one of those classes, or a variation of them, being accountable will help you find out. If you’re accountable to a human, they can easily trace your steps and find out what triggered the backslide. 

If you’re accountable to tech, you can take a look at where and when you went back to the alcohol bottle. This, in itself, will go a long way in keeping you on track to defeating your addiction.

Encourages honesty with yourself

Encourages honesty with yourself

This is our final reason why you must practice accountability for addiction treatment. Accountability helps you to stay true to yourself. You might not realize it, but when you’re trying to get over an addiction, there are certain things you’ll be blind to. 

You may even start to think all those tips for addiction treatment are working, and you’re in full control. However, this might not exactly be true.

By remaining accountable to someone or something, you’ll be able to hold your character up to a mirror. It might just be a random question you’ve been avoiding, but when they ask you, you’ll realize that you’ve not been doing so great. That way, you can tell yourself the truth and work towards getting better, not seeming better.

How To Stay Accountable During Addiction Treatment

While we’ve explained why you need accountability, we really cannot stop there. You still need to know how you can remain accountable to avoid sliding back into addiction. So, here are three major ways you can accomplish that:

Talk to someone you trust

It is entirely up to you to let someone in on your journey. So, talk to a trusted friend or family member and let them know what is going on. Explain to them how you’ll be needing their help. Remember not to go for someone who will judge you every chance they get.

Maintain honesty at all times

This might be difficult, especially if you relapse. But it is important. When you finally find someone, always be honest with them. 

Even if it’s just some sort of accountability software, make sure that you only input the truth. That way, you’ll eliminate self-deceit.

Do not isolate yourself

During the entire process, the worst thing you can do to yourself is isolation, whether from your accountability partner, or the rest of the world. 

Spending too much time alone is definitely going to make you go back to your old habits. So, always stay connected.

What Is The Cost Of Not Getting Help?

What Is The Cost Of Not Getting Help

There is a concept in economics called “opportunity cost”. This refers to the fact that every time we spend our money, time or energy on something, we are taking that money, time or energy away from something else. 

For example, if you buy a car, you may not be able to travel. If you go for a run, you may not have the energy to go swimming. Opportunity cost also applies to the cost of addiction treatment in Canada.

The opportunity cost of drug addiction is immense. Every dollar that you spend on drugs or alcohol is money taken away from paying bills or feeding your family. Devotion to using drugs means less devotion to the people you love. And ultimately, your addiction could cost you your family, your job, your home – even your life. This is far more than any cost of drug rehab.

Ultimately, you have to decide which is more important to you: your substance abuse or all of the elements that make up a happy, productive life. Once you make that determination, you will be able to seek out an addiction treatment program that will meet your budget – even if you have to make some financial sacrifices along the way.

At 1000 Islands Addictions Treatment Centre, we provide high quality personalized addiction treatment. Give us a call at 855-601-0555 and we will go over addiction treatment pricing and your available options.

Related article: How to Quit Cocaine Addiction