The Reality of Rehab: Treatment is Just the Beginning

Congratulations on getting your loved one into addiction rehab! It takes an immense amount of strength for both you and them to achieve this monumental step on the road to recovery. So, you’ve made that phone call, scheduled that appointment, and dropped them off at the rehab center.
Now what?
Well, you and your loved one aren’t done yet. It’s important to understand that getting your loved one into rehab isn’t the “big goal” here; you don’t just drive them to the clinic, push them through the door, wipe your hands, and say “I’m done! I did my part.” This is not the end of your role in your loved one’s recovery, nor is this the end-all-be-all of life with addiction.
So, what’s next?
Rehab Can Take Years
Like any chronic disease—such as heart disease, depression, or diabetes—recovery doesn’t magically happen in 30 days. After the detox passes and the appointments are set, your person isn’t “cured.” In fact, undergoing detox monitoring alone is not as effective as enrolling in post-detox ongoing addiction treatment; it’s only a gateway to lasting sobriety. . The reality of rehab is that true recovery happens through multiple facets of treatment programs in a combination of therapy, medical monitoring, and willpower.
One of the biggest things people often ignore is that seeing your person blossom into sobriety takes time. The reality of rehab is that your loved one might not be “ready” by this year’s holiday gathering or your child’s birthday party next month. Research even shows that patients in treatment for 1 year or longer are 5x more likely to have better recovery outcomes.
The keyword here is “patience,” and once you realize that all good things take time, you will be better prepared and rest much easier.
Relapse Can Happen
Relapse isn’t something we like to think about, but it’s a very possible reality for someone in addiction treatment, especially if this is their first time trying it. Triggers are a part of a person’s recovery process, and it’s nearly inescapable no matter how hard they try; however, what’s important is how they manage them, which, like everything else, takes time, practice, and effort.
The key for you is to not give up if your loved one relapses in rehab, even if they give up themselves. It’s always okay to start from square one; what’s important here is that you offer your support and compassion the whole way through. Remember, though – we cannot “fix” our loved one’s addiction. Maintain self-care while also providing support to your loved one.
At Master Center, our programming doesn’t remove anyone from treatment if relapse occurs. We recognize it as a reality of rehab and the recovery process, and you should, too.
What Happens Next?
A loved one’s recovery journey is a personal one, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be there along for the ride. There are plenty of things you can do on your own to protect both yourself and your loved one in everyday life with addiction. In our article on the best things to do in addiction support, we offer tips and guides on what you can do to take back control of your life.
For now, here’s what you can do for now while your loved one undergoes rehab:
- Help your loved one set personal goals, both short and long-term.
- If possible, assist in their transportation to or from appointments.
- Be there for them when they schedule follow-up appointments.
- Engage and follow up with them on their treatment program to show that you care.
- Continue educating yourself on the science of addiction.
The reality of rehab is that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, and support doesn’t stop after the detox/withdrawal process, the consultation appointment, or the first AA meeting; it’s a long journey path that requires strength, effort, and a willingness to success from your loved one.
It’s important to remember that recovery is not a linear process, and there may be hiccups, relapses, or moments of doubt, but the freedom of sobriety is a feeling worth fighting for. Getting your loved one into treatment is just the beginning, so be prepared for the long yet rewarding journey ahead in the best way you can.
Resources Available
Once your loved one takes that step, it can feel like a huge weight off your shoulders. Maybe it’s the first time you can feel relaxed in a long time and think about something other than addiction.
It’s a big step when you achieve that breakthrough with your loved one. So, it’s important that you maintain that sense of peace and take care of yourself during their treatment by focusing on your own self-care. You may want to consider your own treatment to manage these emotions and the trauma that can come with loving someone with an addiction.
We offer plenty of resources for you specifically, including addiction books and videos, a community support group database, therapy for families, and psychoeducation classes. These are fantastic ways to maintain that feeling of peace while also prioritizing your well-being by learning how to cope with your own trauma, better understand your loved one’s addiction, and find community support. You can explore these resources and more on our Family & Friends page or call us at 804.332.5950 to learn more. It’s just as important to take care of yourself as it is to support your loved one in treatment.
About Master Center for Addiction Medicine
Master Center for Addiction Medicine is a groundbreaking addiction treatment program headquartered in Glen Allen, Va. Based on a vision of comprehensive outpatient care, Master Center was launched in 2016 and now includes locations throughout the Commonwealth.
Master Center offers a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach rarely seen in the outpatient setting, staffed by experienced addiction physicians, psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, and peer recovery coaches. This evidence-based approach, both reliable and flexible, is meant to provide a physician-oriented response to addiction that can work seamlessly in the mainstream system of healthcare.
Give us a call today at 804.332.5950 to schedule an appointment or learn more about us.