Choosing the Best Narcotic Rehab Program

Addictions to narcotic drugs can cause terrible side effects and ruin lives and livelihoods. In addition, overcoming narcotic addictions can be extremely hard. Narcotics are often prescribed to treat patients who are experiencing moderate-to-severe pain on a daily basis or after suffering an accident or undergoing surgery. Narcotic drug usage is typically short-term in nature but can last for weeks or months in cases of chronic or severe pain. Some people also choose to use narcotics to experience the highs or numbness the medications may provide.

While the term “narcotics” has over the years been used to refer to any number of illicit substances, it is most commonly and accurately applied in reference to those drugs that belong to the opiate or opioid class of substances. Opioids have been used for millennia, and these drugs carry a high risk of misuse and addiction. Opioids include both prescription drugs, such as Vicodin, Percocet, OxyContin, morphine, codeine, and fentanyl, and illicit drugs such as heroin or opium.

Regardless of their legal status, misuse of opioids can drastically increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder. Narcotic rehabilitation (rehab) centers can help you stop taking opioids and recover from addiction so you can live a healthy, sober life.

Narcotic rehab centers are widely available to individuals who have become dependent on the drug. Narcotics are used to treat individuals with severe pain. They block the feeling of pain by attaching to the brain’s receptors to provide short-term relief that generally lasts six to eight hours. Many types of narcotics exist, including codeine, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and tramadol. Narcotics are highly addictive, and many individuals who become addicted to narcotics need specialized treatment.

Because of their addictive nature, most doctors strongly suggest using narcotics as prescribed for no longer than four months. Narcotics also lead to sedation and feelings of euphoria. A narcotic rehabilitation facility can help individuals who have become addicted to this drug to get on the path to ending their addiction for good.

According to the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, unprescribed use of narcotic painkillers is second only to marijuana in terms of illicit abuse. If you believe that you or a loved one may be addicted to a narcotic drug, you must seek help as soon as possible. Whether you are ready to find a narcotic treatment center in your area or simply need advice, call our trained advisors toll-free at here.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Narcotic Addiction Treatment

Inpatient narcotic rehab centers provide intensive treatment to patients with substance use disorders. Inpatient centers help by providing a safe, sober residential environment and requiring patients to live at the facility while undergoing treatment.

"Narcotic rehab centers provide a safe, supportive place to get treatment for substance use disorders."

Inpatient facilities provide treatment in a safe, low-stress environment that allows the patients time to focus on their recovery rather than on day-to-day stressors. Narcotic rehab centers provide a sober place to eat, sleep, and be treated for drug addiction. Patients often find that their peers who are also going through the recovery process can be very supportive during rehab. Medical and psychiatric personnel are available at all times at many inpatient narcotic rehab centers.

Outpatient clinics allow patients to maintain a normal day-to-day life and remain at home while still receiving treatment. Narcotic treatment centers with outpatient services may be a good fit for those with unavoidable responsibilities at home or work, strong support systems, or mild-to-moderate addictions. Care is provided at the rehab facility, but patients do not reside there and can continue to attend to their daily responsibilities while learning to recover from addiction.

Do I Need a Residential Narcotic Rehab Facility?

A residential rehab center program can be beneficial to many individuals. It will provide 24-hour medical supervision and, when needed, access to medical services and/or psychiatric care to help patients overcome their substance use disorder.

Inpatient or residential rehab facilities can be especially helpful for individuals who have particularly severe addictions, little outside support, unstable or triggering home environments, or co-occurring mental or physical health issues. They can also be beneficial for those who have previously made unsuccessful attempts to quit using a narcotic on their own or in an outpatient setting.

Call For Help

Call to talk to a rehab placement specialist today for help finding the right narcotic rehab program for you or a loved one. Get started on the road to recovery and a healthy, drug-free life.

Privacy in Rehab

The Privacy Rule, also known as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), is a federal law that limits access to protected health information in all healthcare settings. All rehab facilities are required to adhere to HIPAA laws and cannot release information without the consent of the individual, including her participation in treatment. However, adherence to HIPAA laws can be temporarily suspended in case of an emergency situation.

What Is Treated in Rehab?

Narcotic rehab centers treat all types of narcotic use, misuse, and substance use disorders. Some of the issues that can be treated include:

• Addiction to prescription opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine.
• Addiction to illicit opioids, such as heroin or opium.
• Behavioral issues related to substance use.
• Social impairment caused or exacerbated by narcotic use.
• Physical health issues caused or exacerbated by substance use.
• Underlying psychological or emotional issues that have contributed to or been caused by use of narcotics.
• Legal consequences of substance use.
• Vocational impairment caused or exacerbated by substance use.

How Long Does Inpatient Rehab Last?

Inpatient treatment should be tailored to the needs of the individual seeking help. Studies have demonstrated that longer stays in treatment can lead to better sobriety outcomes, with 90 days or more being most helpful. This can include a combination of inpatient, outpatient, and private counseling. Individual treatment needs are diverse, but staff at the rehab center will help patients determine the best treatment length to suit their needs.

There are a variety of treatment program lengths, depending on the severity of the addiction and underlying physical or mental health disorders. These can include:

• 28- to 30-day treatment programs.
• 60-day treatment programs.
• 90-day treatment programs.
• Extended-care programs.

Treatment programs are often chosen based on the needs of each individual patient. Recovery is a lifelong process, and starting out with the appropriate level and length of treatment is often essential to establishing and maintaining sobriety.

Narcotics rehabilitation: How long?

Recovery Is A Journey

Narcotics rehabilitation programs are developed and used within drug treatment facilities. Their main goal is to guide people towards a sober and drug-free life. How long should rehab last? Before we answer your question we hope that you keep this in mind: The rehabilitation process is a journey, not a short-term goal.

Rehab: How Long Does It Take?

It really depends! An individual’s needs will vary from person to person. Just as no addiction story is the same, so it follows that the recovery process will be different. Each person will respond to different therapy approaches and their duration.

Nonetheless, the following factors play a role in how long your rehab stay should be:

• The duration of your drug abuse, as well as frequency and amounts used
• The type of narcotic you are using/addicted to
• Your history of drug use, addiction and drug dependency
• Your individual psychological profile

Generally, the longer they stay in a residential facility is, the more time you have to think, process, and work on recovery. You’ll be able to get to the root of the many aspects of your thought patterns that contribute to narcotic addiction. You’ll also benefit from 24-7 supervision and an environment that is apart from every day stress and triggers.

But what does common practice dictate?

Usually, a 90-day inpatient rehab programs report higher rates of success than a 30 or 60-day stay, especially for more severe cases of narcotic addiction. Clinicians prefer the 3-month treatment cycle because it really gives people a chance at a new beginning. You can focus on the inner work of treatment only after you have a balanced brain. But the body only starts to even out in the weeks and months after detox…it can take 6-12 months (or longer) for protracted symptoms to resolve. So why rush your stay in rehab when you have a better chance of achieving sobriety by staying longer?

In the least severe cases of drug dependence, rehab programs usually last for 30 days. This is the normalized “minimum duration of stay” possible. On the other hand, the maximum length of narcotic rehabilitation programs is not fixed and depends on the patient’s decision and needs. Some stay in treatment last 6-9 months, or even up to a year.

Synopsis Of Treatment Programs And Their Lengths

1. INPATIENT REHAB – These types of rehab programs include a stay in a residential treatment facility for a certain period of time, usually 30-60-or-90 days. A person usually stays in an inpatient rehab facility until they are able to continue to live and function normally without using narcotics. Inpatient treatment rehabilitation stages of treatment include:

• STAGE 1 Administration and Evaluation – The first thing a medical staff does when an addicted person starts therapy is to identify the type of care the patient needs. This is done through a series of physical and psychological tests.
• STAGE 2 Narcotic Detox – Detoxification is the process of removing narcotic drugs from your system. Medical detox can last from 7-10 days and be addressed with prescription medications to ease the intensity of symptoms.
• STAGE 3 Addiction Treatment – Once narcotics have been removed from your body, you can start the work of treatment. Evidence-based addiction treatment includes a combination of psychotherapy and medication-assisted treatment (usually the prescription of methadone or buprenorphine). You’ll attend group and individual therapy, behavioral and educational sessions, psychotherapy, and support group meetings.
• STAGE 4 Aftercare – When you finish a residential stay you should know that you are not done working on your addiction recovery. Aftercare programs include a plan to help you maintain a drug-free life and can include sober housing, ongoing counseling, and alumni support groups.

Q: But how long do inpatient narcotic rehabilitation programs last?

A: From 30 days, 60 days, and up to 90 days or more.

• 28-30 DAYS – Keep in mind that although 28-30 day programs can be less expensive, they are usually not recommended for heavier cases of drug dependencies.
• 60 DAYS – 60-day programs help deepen the recovery process and assist individuals in adjusting to the drug-free period. These programs can also help establish trust with the medical staff of the treatment center and build a network support.
• 90 DAYS – 90-day programs have shown higher success rates in cases of severe addiction and are most recommended by medical and addiction experts. During the 90 days of a rehab stay, the patient has enough time to work on the root causes that lead to the addiction problem in the first place. These programs have been most successful in helping individuals achieve prolonged sobriety and live a drug-free life.

2. OUTPATIENT TREATMENT – Outpatient programs generally last from 12-16 weeks, but can continue for 1-2 years after initial inpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment includes therapy sessions at a treatment facility during the day or evenings, but let you return home at night. Outpatient treatment usually takes place about 3-5 times weekly, and each session can last for 4 to 6 hours. They are scheduled around work, school, and home duties, to allow participants to continue with their normal life-flow while attending treatment.

This type of narcotic rehabilitation is not recommended for everyone, because the daily distractions can have a negative effect on patients with more serious narcotic addiction problems. Furthermore, intensive medical and psychiatric care is usually not available in an outpatient treatment setting.

Rehab: Short Term Vs. Long Term

Basically, the longer your program lasts the more likely you are to incorporate many of the treatment steps. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, rehabilitation programs of at least 90 days or longer are needed to give an addicted person enough time to recover.

Further, residential treatments are preferred to outpatient treatment in cases of extreme narcotic dependence. In severe narcotic dependencies, there is an intense need for psychological treatment and medical treatment within a medically supervised facility.

What Happens in Treatment?

First, a patient enters treatment through an intake process. This process allows the rehab center to gather information about the patient's physical and mental health, substance use history, support, and needs. During intake, a staff member will identify any impairment in social, vocational, or behavioral areas as well as any legal issues, if applicable. The staff member will also help the patient to fill out consent forms for treatment.

Next, patients generally move on to detoxification (detox). This may be completed in a number of steps and may include medically monitored withdrawal, where the patient is tapered off of the medication or provided other FDA approved opioid dependence medications (e.g., buprenorphine, methadone, Suboxone) that can ease the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms and facilitate recovery. This can take a few days to a few weeks depending on the specific substance used, the severity of the addiction and the length of time that the substance has been used.

Detox is the first step in treatment, but it does not address the addiction itself, and for best results, should be followed up with formal treatment in either an inpatient or outpatient setting. Rehab addresses the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction, as well as any underlying issues that contribute to a substance use disorder. Group counseling, individual counseling, 12-step meetings, and peer support may all be included in a good rehab program.

Paying for Narcotic Treatment

Treatment centers factor in their amenities, the length of the patient's stay, and the treatment provided in their price structure. Many treatment centers accept health insurance. There are a number of factors that can determine the cost, so you should discuss this with the narcotic treatment center you'd like to attend. Some ways to pay for treatment include:

• Health insurance.
• Cash.
• Credit.
• Payment plans.
• Loans.
• Sliding scale fees.
• Flexible spending accounts.

Call For Help

If you or a loved one is struggling with a narcotic addiction, please call our confidential hotline today. Rehab placement specialists can help you find the best rehab program to meet your needs and help you navigate the sometimes confusing financial aspect of getting addiction treatment.

Should I Stay Near Home or Travel for Rehab?

Some individuals like to travel to a new location for therapy and rehab. Traveling to a new place can help you focus on healing and getting well. Other individuals like to stay close to home to be near family or a sober support system. The most important thing is seeking professional treatment somewhere—it doesn’t matter as much where you go as long as you find a narcotic rehab center that suits your needs and allows you to feel comfortable while learning to lead a sober life.

About Luxury Rehab

If professional duties are keeping you or someone you care about from looking for assistance for a drug or alcohol issue or behavior-related addiction, executive rehab centers may be the best option. By coupling highly rated substance and behavioral addiction treatments with the ability to use a computer or cell phone, a businessperson can receive effective treatment in privacy and seclusion.

Luxury addiction rehab programs often furnish the top-shelf amenities you would expect in the best hotels, providing comfort and enjoyment while focusing on recovery. From in-house massage therapy, housekeeping services, and cutting-edge treatments to fine linens and gym facilities, you can get the best substance and behavioral addiction treatment for yourself or someone you care about while staying in a luxury setting.

What Happens After Treatment?

While in treatment, staff will work with each patient to develop an individualized aftercare plan. This can include attending a long-term residential center, outpatient treatment, self-help groups, or private counseling. This will help to provide the additional support required in early recovery.

Narcotic rehab treatment: What to expect?

Decide To Get Better Today!

In order to start recovery from narcotic addiction, you have to make a decision to look for help. Medical treatment has helped countless people who are diagnosed with addiction problems. You can live drug-free! This type of freedom is inexplicable until you’ve had the chance to experience it for yourself.

Are You Ready For Help?

When you start to recovery, you no longer have to live in guilt and shame. Life in sobriety is challenging, but having a clear head helps you accomplish amazing things. But entering a narcotic recovery program on your own signifies a willingness to change. The disease of addiction can be deadly, and the fact that you are still alive, willing to work on yourself leaves room for a happy and sober future.

How Is Narcotic Rehab Treatment Structured?

Taking the first step to quitting a narcotics addiction is commendable, but often very difficult. This is especially true for those who have never attended a drug rehab program and don’t know what to expect.

During rehab, people generally go through a series of stages during the treatment process. They’ll also have access to several different types of treatment methods. The following addiction treatment services are typically offered by most reputable rehab facilities.

Screening and assessment

The first step in a narcotic rehab treatment is a period of initial addiction screening and assessment. This 1-2 hour interview process helps addiction specialists determine the extent of a person’s addiction(s). You can expect to have to fill in a questionnaire, complete a medical history, go through a physical, and submit drug testing samples. After screening, the rehab staff will/should create an individualized treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Medical detox

Withdrawal from most narcotics is very uncomfortable, producing symptoms such as anxiety, drug cravings, agitation, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia. Before, during, and after a supervised detox, doctors and nurses will monitor your condition and ensure that your detox is performed comfortably and safely. The benefit of detox is access to both pharmacological and emotional support. When you can address symptoms as they occur AND be encouraged…your chances of success are doubled.

Medications

To help relieve withdrawal symptoms and reduce the cravings for narcotics, medications may be given to some people in recovery. Typically, these medications for narcotics addiction are prescribed by specialized physicians in conjunction with psychological treatment. A combined approach of talk therapy + substitution therapy has been showing to be successful when treating severe opiate addictions, for example.

Psychological treatments

Talk therapy is at the heart of rehab. A number of psychological treatments are used to treat a narcotic addiction. A person can expect to be required to attend individual and group therapy, as well as family counseling when appropriate.

Education sessions

Anyone entering a narcotic rehab treatment program should be prepared to attend several education sessions throughout the program. These sessions can help you and your loved ones learn more about addiction and how to beat it. They are actually very enlightening, and a be helpful to trigger logical thinking during moments of craving.

Supportive services

Most reputable facilities offer a number of supportive services to those who are in treatment and who have completed treatment. Supportive services offered can include case management and social services, such as help finding employment or safe housing.

Can Family Members Visit Me In Rehab?

Not every rehab facility allows people to have visitors during treatment, but many do. Typically, facilities don’t allow visitation until the person has settled into the routine of rehab, which usually takes a few weeks.

When visiting someone in rehab, visitors must abide by the rules of the facilities, which may seem somewhat strict at times. For instance, visitors are prohibited from bringing certain items, particularly medications. They may also be asked to limit physical contact with you during the visit. To find out more about what to expect when planning a rehab visit, it’s best to contact the facility directly.

Family counseling may also be offered during visitation times. Those family members or close friends who can contribute to the recovery process are usually invited to attend family counseling sessions during visits. Many facilities also offer education sessions to loved ones, as well. These sessions are designed to help families understand addiction better, and learn how to help and support a loved one during this difficult time.

Leaving Recovery Before Completing Your Treatment Program

One common question that many people in recovery have is: ”Can I leave treatment before completion?” Contrary to what some may believe, any type of addiction treatment is completely voluntary. This means that you can leave rehab at any time, but it is not recommended.

Even if you believe that you are “cured” of your addiction, there is a good chance that you are not completely ready to leave treatment. Individuals who do not complete addiction rehab generally have not learned all that they could have learned from the program.They may only just be physically stabilizing, and even that takes about a month.

The bottom line is this: people who leave early may not be ready to resist the temptation of taking narcotics once they are out on their own. They will also not typically receive the same amount of support as those who do complete a rehab treatment program. Because of this, the chances of relapse are much higher in those who leave treatment before completion.

Post Rehab: What To Expect?

Many people aren’t quite sure what to expect after rehab. This is often a very difficult time for people in recovery, especially those leaving a residential treatment facility. So, how can you remain drug-free?

After a rehab program, you must make a difficult transition from a completely drug-free and structured environment back into society, which is often full of temptation. Overcoming the temptation to fall back into narcotic use often boils down to a joint effort between the person in recovery and a team of addiction specialists. Before leaving a rehab program, an addiction specialist will help you put together an exit plan. This is a plan that outlines goals that you would like to accomplish after treatment and the steps you need to take to reach these goals. Some ideas include:

• Attending outpatient rehab
• Getting a sober support system
• Living in a supervised sober housing program
• Seeing an addiction counselor once per week

Aftercare is also very important after narcotic rehab treatment. People typically continue to attend outpatient therapy and counseling sessions for several weeks after narcotic rehab treatment. These sessions help people continue the work they started in rehab. Counseling helps people deal with thought patterns and drug cravings and helps them maintain their new drug-free lifestyle.

Expectations for treatment are often slightly different for everyone, but most people have the same basic goal when entering treatment – to overcome their addiction.

If you or a loved one would like to know more about narcotics rehab treatment, feel free to leave any of your questions, comments, or concerns below. We’ll try to reply as soon as possible and help you move in the right direction.

Questions to Ask the Rehab Program

Narcotic rehab programs often work closely with patients and their families. If you or a family member is struggling with an addiction to narcotics, you can call the rehab center and ask for clarification about any questions you may have. In choosing the best drug addiction treatment program, you might want to ask the following questions:

• What is an intervention? How can I help a family member or coworker with a drug problem?
• How is someone admitted into a drug program?
• What types of detoxification are available?
• How are inpatient and outpatient programs different in my area?
• How can I become part of a program that allows me to get help in another area of the country or world?

Addiction Treatment Methods

There are a variety of treatment methods available in narcotic rehab programs. These treatment techniques can include:

• Behavioral therapy.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Motivational interviewing.
• Contingency management.
• Medication-assisted treatment.
• 12-step programs.
• Holistic programs.
• Spiritual or faith-based programs.

When you choose a rehab center, make sure it correlates with your ideals and values. You should pick a program that suits your needs and makes you feel comfortable.

More Information About Rehab

For additional information, call the treatment center or schedule a site visit. This is the time to ask about:

• Treatment methods.
• Program philosophy and rules.
• Aftercare.

Recovery after treatment at a narcotic rehab center might involve a temporary stay at a halfway house or other sober living environment with peers who are also recovering, participating in extended care for additional support, or taking part in outpatient treatment as a way to remain sober while transitioning back into daily life.

Finding the Right Narcotic Rehab Program

Treating an addiction to narcotics is possible regardless of the severity of the substance use disorder. Narcotic rehab programs specialize in treating opioid use disorders of all types and are available to provide the treatment you or someone you care about needs to get and stay sober.

Call to talk to a rehab placement specialist today for help finding the right narcotic rehab program for you or a loved one. Get started on the road to recovery and a healthy, drug-free life.

• Sources

  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Opioids.

  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). Your rights under HIPAA.

  National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2012). Principles of drug addiction treatment: A research-based guide (3rd edition).