Who Should Go to Rehab? Recognizing the Signs of Drug Addiction

Rehab is a structured program that helps individuals suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) overcome addiction and build lasting recovery. It’s one of the most effective ways to achieve sobriety, with studies showing that between 85% and 95% of people who complete a rehab program remain drug-free nine months later.

If you or a loved one is considering rehab, this article will be your one-stop guide to understanding how rehab works. We’ll cover who should go to rehab, signs of drug misuse and addiction, what treatment looks like, and more.

What Are the Signs of a Substance Use Disorder (SUD)?

People suffering from substance use disorder (SUD)—the clinical term for addiction—often exhibit signs and symptoms that indicate they’ve lost control and professional intervention is necessary. These signs may include:

• Taking substances in greater amounts or over a longer period than intended
• Continuing to use substances despite them negatively affecting their health
• Needing more of the substance to feel its effects (tolerance)
• Experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms eight hours after the last use
• Going to great lengths to obtain their substance of choice, even if it puts them in danger
• Trying and failing to cut down or manage substance use
• Taking substances daily or several times a day
• Doing risky activities like driving or having sex while under the influence
• Not meeting obligations or work responsibilities because of drug use
• Cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use
• Spending money to obtain drugs even though you can’t afford them
• Having intense cravings that block out other thoughts
• Spending a great period of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of the drug

Who Should Go to Rehab?

If a person displays at least two of the symptoms mentioned above, he or she meets the criteria for substance and alcohol use disorder as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and therefore requires professional treatment.

A person needs to go to rehab if:

• They can’t stop using drugs or alcohol despite wanting to
• They experience intense withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit, often to the point where it impairs their daily functioning
• They neglect school, work, or family responsibilities due to substance use
• Their mental health has worsened due to substance use 
• They replace food with drugs and alcohol, resulting in significant weight loss
• They take substances as a way to cope with their stress, trauma, or emotions, finding it difficult to deal with daily life without them
• They begin to isolate themself or lose interest in hobbies and relationships because of their substance abuse
• They’ve developed a tolerance, needing more of the substance to feel its effects
• They regularly display physical signs of drug use, like bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and a runny nose.

Drug and alcohol rehab helps stop or at the very least minimize drug and alcohol use.

Rehab takes on a structured and intensive approach to addiction treatment, with treatment programs including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), psychotherapy, group therapy, relapse prevention training, and aftercare for continued support.

What Is the Difference Between Inpatient Rehab and Outpatient Rehab?

The difference between inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab is in the name.

Inpatient rehab, also known as residential treatment, requires the patient to stay in the facility for the entire duration of the program. It provides 24/7 medical supervision, a structured daily schedule, and a supportive, drug-free environment.

Meanwhile, an outpatient rehab allows patients to live at home while attending scheduled treatment sessions at the facility.

In between these programs is partial hospitalization, where the patient receives several hours of treatment during the day and returns home at night.

What Is Best For Me?

Choosing the right rehab program entirely depends on your personal needs, the severity of your addiction, and your current life situation. To start, ask yourself the following questions:

1. How severe is my addiction?
2. Do I have a stable and supportive home environment?
3. Am I also struggling with mental health issues?
4. What responsibilities do I need to manage during treatment?

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab is best suited for individuals with severe addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Since it offers 24/7 medical assistance, inpatient rehab minimizes the risk of complications during detoxification and withdrawal. It also prevents a person from taking substances in secret because the environment heavily resists access to drugs and alcohol. 

That said, inpatient rehab can be costly and requires patients to take time away from their daily responsibilities. Therefore, if the patient lacks sufficient funds or has responsibilities at home, school, or work, inpatient rehab may not be the best option.

Outpatient Rehab

Outpatient rehab is best suited for individuals who have mild to moderate substance use disorders. It’s also the preferred option if they need to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities during treatment.

Outpatient rehab doesn’t provide the same level of intensive support as inpatient rehab, but it’s less costly and offers more flexibility. It typically involves a minimum of three hours of therapy, 5 to 7 days a week.

Treatment usually lasts 30 to 90 days, but can extend to well over a year depending on the severity of the case.

Partial Hospitalization

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a good middle ground between inpatient and outpatient rehab. It offers structured treatment during the day while allowing patients to return home in the evenings to fulfil their daily responsibilities.

PHP is suitable for those who require significant support but have a stable living environment to return to. It involves 5 to 6 hours of treatment per day, usually for 5 to 6 times a week.

Wondering If Rehab Is Really for You?

If you’re questioning your substance use, that alone is a reason to reach out. At Illinois Recovery Center, we’ll help you understand the signs, clarify your options, and take the next step—if and when you’re ready.

(888) 472-5004

Free, confidential support from people who care.

How Is Substance Use Disorder Treated?

Here’s what to expect in addiction treatment:

Withdrawal Management

The first step to addiction treatment is managing the withdrawal symptoms associated with long-term drug abuse.

Since quitting cold turkey can be damaging and potentially dangerous, medical professionals prescribe medications that help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.

These may include:

• Opioid agonists such as methadone and buprenorphine
• Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists such as clonidine and lofexidine
• Anti-nausea prescription drugs
• Pain relievers
• Sedatives

Opioid agonists act as a replacement for opioids. They reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the intense high of other opioids.

Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, meanwhile, minimize uncomfortable symptoms like high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and sweating.

Other drugs are given to manage withdrawal symptoms of non-opioid drugs like methamphetamine and amphetamines, which include insomnia, nausea, and muscle aches.

Therapy

To treat addiction, one must address the underlying cause of the disorder.

Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are two of the most common therapies found in SUD treatment. CBT helps you identify problematic patterns of behavior and thinking, while DBT helps you understand how your thoughts influence your behaviors.

Both CBT and DBT have the same end goal: to help individuals develop healthier thoughts, behaviors, and coping strategies that support long-term emotional stability and recovery.

Alongside these two therapies, many rehab programs include family therapy to help you improve relationships with your loved ones.

Group therapy is also quite common because it reduces feelings of isolation, provides community support, and allows individuals to share experiences, challenges, and successes with others going through similar struggles.

Aftercare and Relapse Prevention

The goal of rehab is to equip individuals with the tools they need to maintain sobriety.

Aftercare programs often involved continued therapy (though to a lesser degree than that of intensive treatment), attending support group meetings like Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and regular check-ins with a counselor or sponsor.

Addiction is a chronic condition and therefore requires regular and ongoing treatment. Without active management, people suffering from SUD may fall back into their old patterns.

Can I Overcome Addiction Without Professional Help?

Overcoming addiction without professional help isn’t impossible, but it can be extremely challenging.

Those who overcome addiction by themselves actively partake in support groups, research effective coping strategies, and develop healthy routines to stay accountable. They have a strong desire to get better and often go out of their way to avoid triggers.

The problem with overcoming addiction without professional help is that it often doesn’t address the root cause of the problem—perhaps because the person suffering doesn’t realize there was a problem to begin with or doesn’t have the tools to explore the underlying emotional, psychological, or environmental factors contributing to their addiction.

Without professional help, the chances of relapse are high.

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