If your loved one is considering entering a residential drug or alcohol rehab program, you may be wondering how he or she will remain safe and drug-free. One of the factors that make rehab centers effective is the highly structured environment they provide. While treatment programs may vary, virtually all facilities have rules in place to protect clients from behavior and activities that may trigger their inclination to abuse drugs or alcohol. The following are some rules treatment facilities typically have in place.
Residents May Not Leave Without Permission
One of the foundational ways residential rehab programs keep clients drug-free is by preventing them from leaving the facility without permission. The degree to which patients are allowed to venture outside of the facility varies from program to program. Some allow clients to go on supervised outings while others are not allowed to go out at all. Keeping program participants inside the controlled, protective setting at the rehab center prevents patients from encountering triggers before they have learned the proper skills to avoid relapse. Requiring program participants to remain onsite is also one measure treatment centers take to their clients from bringing drugs into the center and placing other clients at risk of relapsing.
Most Treatment Centers Limit Visitors
Rehab facilities typically have designated times during which they offer visitors. However, most rehab centers do not allow individuals to receive visitors for a specified period of time immediately after the individual begins the program. Treatment centers typically allow program participants to invite family members to the center once per month. Some centers also offer regular opportunities for clients’ families to have therapy sessions at the treatment center. Family members and friends may also receive approval to visit at other times. An exception may exist for family members and friends who abuse drugs or alcohol. These people may not be allowed to visit their friends and family members at the treatment center. COVID-19 measures may impact a treatment center’s policy on allowing visitors. Some locations may restrict visitation in the interest of preventing the spread of the potentially-deadly airborne respiratory infection.
Rehab Centers Typically Restrict Access to Communication Devices
Treatment centers often do not allow participants to have access to their personal phones, tablets, and computers. Entertainment devices, social media, and direct access to people outside the treatment center may distract inpatient clients from fully focusing on the treatment program. The internet also allows access to media that may potentially trigger an addict’s desire to abuse drugs or alcohol. Treatment centers restrict smartphones to protect program participants’ privacy by eliminating the potential for others to share photos and videos of other participants. Clients are permitted to make phone calls at designated times and write and receive letters from their loved ones. Programs that specifically serve business executives sometimes allow limited access to the internet and email.
Treatment Centers Strictly Prohibit Violence and Weapons
Most people automatically assume treatment centers prohibit weapons and violence. Weapons endanger staff and program participants. Sometimes program participants may have disagreements. Staff members are on site to encourage the individuals to work out their conflicts in a manner that does not threaten the safety of members of the staff or other program participants.
Drugs and Alcohol Are Prohibited
It naturally goes without saying that drugs and alcohol are prohibited in residential recovery programs. Clients come to rehab facilities to stop abusing drugs and alcohol. Therefore, the presence of drugs and alcohol would impede clients’ progress. Some clients do require prescribed medication to manage certain conditions. In these instances, treatment programs make an exception, and they are likely to monitor and administer the medication to ensure the client takes the proper dose at the prescribed time.
Safe Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers in Houston
We provide safe substance abuse treatment programs in the Houston area. We go the extra mile to create an environment that facilitates our clients’ healing and recovery. Although our residential program is highly structured, we aim to provide a comfortable, supportive, home-like atmosphere. Our number one goal is to help you focus on beginning your life of recovery. Call us today at 833-364-0736 to learn more about treatment services at our residential recovery center. Our addiction specialists are available to answer all your questions.