Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic condition characterized by an uncontrolled impulse to use a substance, such as opioids, alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, or prescription medications, despite knowing their harmful effects.
Recent SAMHSA surveys revealed that over 48 million people in the US aged 12 and above struggle with some kind of substance abuse problems.
In New York, including in Nassau County and throughout Long Island, communities continue to face the effects of addiction. Just in 2024, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) reported over 4,000 overdose deaths in the Empire State.
For individuals and families struggling with SUD and AUD in Franklin Square, finding a reliable rehab center for support can make a huge difference in the fight.
What Is Drug and Alcohol Rehab?
Alcohol and drug rehab is a structured treatment process for individuals struggling with a substance use disorder. Services in rehab can involve a combination of medication and mental health services.
Treatment usually takes place in a center or facility and can either be residential/inpatient or outpatient.
Drug addiction can affect many areas of a person’s life, including their physical health, mental wellbeing, career, and relationships. Rehab can be immensely helpful in developing the skills needed for lifelong recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an SUD, some common signs they may need help are:
- Loss of control over the amount and duration of substance abuse
- Having strong desires to stop drinking or using but being unable to follow through
- Spending more time seeking and using illicit drugs
- Continuing to drink or use despite knowing the consequences
- Poor performance at school or work
- Giving up past interests and hobbies
- Withdrawing from family and friends because of substance abuse
- Experiencing uncomfortable symptoms when cutting back on using or drinking
In 2024, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimated that over 52 million individuals aged 12 and above require addiction support and treatment offered in rehab centers.
For those concerned about their or a loved one’s substance abuse habits in Franklin Square, you can reach out to Long Island Interventions to talk about your options.
How Does Rehab Work?
Specific treatments and timelines differ for everyone, though recovery journeys through rehab often follow a similar path.
Most centers begin with an assessment and health evaluation to help them create a treatment plan. Some may require a urine and blood alcohol content (BAC) test.
Your physician may ask about your substance abuse habits, medical history, mental health, and living conditions. They also often inquire about past withdrawal symptoms and treatment experiences.
Treatment begins once they’ve gathered enough information to have a complete picture of the situation.
Medical Detox and Withdrawal Support
Detoxification is one of the first steps when someone is recovering from SUD and entering rehab. This is the process of clearing the substance from someone’s system and stopping dependence.
However, abstaining from drinking or using can come with uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, some of which can be life-threatening.
Long-term opioid abuse, including fentanyl and heroin, for example, can cause aches, body pains, diarrhea, fever, chills, and other discomforts that last for several days.
Stopping drinking after heavy alcohol use causes similar symptoms, but with a risk of fatal delirium tremens. Unsupervised benzodiazepine withdrawal can similarly be lethal, which is why physicians recommend tapering.
Addiction treatment centers provide medical detox and safe withdrawal support. Healthcare professionals monitor patients during withdrawal and provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
After completing detox, many patients transition to a more formal treatment program.
Therapy and Counseling
Therapy and counseling are an essential part of many rehab programs. Groups and individual counseling, for instance, allow therapists to help patients work out thoughts, concerns, and emotions during treatment.
Your provider may also employ evidence-based therapies as part of your rehab program.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular and effective intervention that helps recovering individuals identify and resolve unhealthy thoughts and patterns.
Other therapies employed in rehab besides CBT are motivational interviewing (MI), contingency management (CM), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
These are services facilities offer as a form of continuing care to help those who finished rehab transition back to their daily lives while minimizing the risk of relapse.
Some patients step down to outpatient services, while others admit themselves to sober living homes, attend AA meetings, sign up for 12-step recovery groups, and participate in alumni programs.
Types of Rehab and Treatment Services
Substance use disorder can range from mild to severe, and treatment is typically tailored around this, alongside the patient’s personal circumstances (individualized).
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) identifies multiple levels of care in addiction treatment integrated in rehab.
Outpatient Care
Outpatient rehab is a treatment arrangement that allows recovering patients to receive support and therapy while living at home. They’re considered less intensive than their residential or inpatient counterparts.
Standard outpatient plans can be ideal for people with mild to moderate SUD but can’t afford leaving their families or work for rehab.
These home-based addiction services typically offer similar interventions, including individual and group therapy, group counseling, and medication. They also often take longer than residential rehab.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Intensive outpatient programs are designed for recovering individuals who don’t need strict supervision, but still require support that’s more structured and focused than standard outpatient care.
Because they’re more intensive, they’re often used for dual diagnosis treatment, for patients diagnosed with SUD and another co-occurring disorder, such as depression and anxiety.
Partial Hospitalization (PHP)
Partial hospitalization, also called day treatment, is a step higher in intensity and frequency than IOP. They’re designed for those who need comprehensive treatment in a more structured environment.
Because they typically provide a whole range of medical, psychiatric, and emergency support, PHPs can be appropriate for individuals with unstable physical and psychiatric conditions.
The therapies and interventions in PHP are similar to IOP, but the sessions are generally longer, lasting several hours per day.
Residential Treatment
Alcohol and opioid treatment may demand 24/7 professional supervision, particularly in cases where someone’s life is in danger. That means living in a facility, where patients can focus on their recovery away from everyday triggers.
While in rehab, recovering individuals are provided with continuing mental health and medical support. They also learn to build healthier routines and discover practical coping skills.
Community support is fostered through peer groups and mutual-help programs, where patients meet and learn from each other’s journeys.
Inpatient care offers holistic, personalized treatment and is recommended for those with long-term chronic SUD, who have a high risk of relapse, are diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder, or are experiencing severe withdrawal.
Telehealth
Among the most common barriers to seeking help for addiction is geographic location. Not everyone has the resources to drive for hours every day for therapy.
Telehealth is a flexible option that allows patients to access treatment digitally through video conferencing, texting, or calls. These virtual services can include therapy, counseling, and medication management.
How Long Do Rehab Programs Last?
The length and timeline of rehab can vary depending on the treatment plan and various factors. A typical program can last anywhere from 30 to 90 days.
A standard outpatient program involves 1 to 5 hours of therapy every week, while an IOP can require 3 hours of daily treatment. Partial hospitalization can take up even more time, up to 6 hours of interventions.
Choosing a Drug Rehab Provider
No two addiction treatment centers are the same, so it’s important to choose one that’s suitable for your unique needs.
One of the most crucial steps is determining your rehab needs. You can do this through a professional clinical assessment with a treatment provider or addiction specialist.
Understanding which levels of care are appropriate for you will help you in deciding which facility can serve you best.
Another factor to consider is a center’s experience and accreditations. You want a provider accredited by The Joint Commission, SAMHSA, CARF, and other state and national organizations.
Explore your payment and insurance options, too.
The good news is that many facilities, including Long Island Interventions, accept insurance to cover rehab costs. This includes:
- Public health insurance, such as Medicaid
- Medicare (for eligible older adults aged 65 and above)
- Private health insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, etc.)
- Military insurance (Tricare, VA Health Care, etc.)
Find out about payment assistance options sponsored by the state, non-profit centers, and organizations. SAMHSA, for one, provides grants for high-risk populations, such as pregnant women and veterans.
Find Reliable Addiction Rehab in Franklin Square, NY
Finding addiction support can feel overwhelming and intimidating, especially when you don’t know where to begin or whom to reach out to.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction in Franklin Square or anywhere in Nassau County, Long Island Interventions is a trusted provider of detox, outpatient, IOP, PHP, and aftercare programs.
Accredited by SAMHSA and certified by LegitScript, our programs are evidence-based and designed to support you every step of the way.
Take back control from addiction and move closer towards an alcohol- and drug-free future. Reach out and talk to one of our professional interventionists today.
