What Is the Purpose of Rehabilitation Centers?

The Ohio State University Medical Center defines rehabilitation as "the process of helping an individual achieve the highest level of independence and quality of life possible." Rehabilitation centers are places where individuals go to receive instruction and support on how to become rehabilitated.

Function
Rehabilitation centers do not attempt to undue individuals' illnesses or sorrows, but rather work to keep people focused on the future and overcoming current obstacles of physical, psychological or emotional capacity. Rehabilitation centers are goals-based, and help individuals develop personalized objectives that they wish to attain.

Program
Rehabilitation centers revolve around a structured program that is unique to the type of issue being rehabilitated. For instance, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, cardiac rehabilitation centers are medically supervised programs that help individuals who suffered from heart attacks learn life skills that will help them recover and prevent future cardiac problems. Drug rehab centers, on the other hand, offer individuals the assistance they need for overcoming addictions.

Effects
The primary goal of rehabilitation centers is to support people until they have gotten to a place where they can safely and comfortably return to the community and their homes. Individuals who go through rehab programs regain they skills they need to function on their own.

What is Rehab. FAQ Series 2

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), drugs modify the brain upon consumption, making drug addiction a brain disease. Inpatient drug rehabs people overcome substance abuse or addiction in a residential environment.

Patient Type

Inpatient drug rehab can help people suffering from moderate to severe drug problems. Patients typically have a long history of drug abuse.

Time Frame

The time frame for inpatient drug rehab can range from 28 days to 12 months, depending on the severity of drug abuse.

Treatment

The first step in inpatient drug rehab generally is supervised detoxification; after that, more-structured treatments, such as psychiatric consultation and medication management, are administered.

Therapeutic Communities

Therapeutic communities are most effective for patients with severe drug problems. Their programs are highly organized, allowing them to stay in residential therapy for six to 12 months.

TC Outcomes

According to NIDA, participation in therapeutic communities has many positive outcomes. Individuals who completed treatment showed reduced levels of drug use, unemployment and criminal activity.