Drug Rehab and Recovery in Iowa

Like other areas of the country, drug use is a common social and public health issue in Iowa. While the rates of drug use in Iowa may be lower than in other states, many Iowans still find themselves struggling with addiction. Fortunately, the state is also home to a number of resources that can help those with addictions to drugs or alcohol get sober and lead a healthier life.

If you’ve been dealing with drug addiction, it’s probably time to get help. It is never easy admitting that you need help, but doing so can save your life. If you are ready to work toward recovery from drugs or alcohol, several treatment programs in Iowa can help you do just that. From inpatient rehab centers to outpatient clinics, there are many options for anyone needing drug rehab in Iowa.

Drug and Alcohol Use in Iowa

Overall, Iowa ranks 41st in the country for rates of illicit drug use. The state also ranks 46th in the country for rates of drug overdoses, but, like the rest of the country, Iowa has seen a significant rise in the number of overdoses in recent years. In fact, the number of opioid-related overdoses in the state more than doubled from 2005 to 2018. This rise is due in part to the growing availability of powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

In addition to illicit and prescription narcotics, the use of alcohol and methamphetamine is also a problem in Iowa. At over 28%, the rate of binge alcohol drinking in the state is significantly higher than the national average of approximately 24%. Alcohol is by far the most commonly abused drug in Iowa, followed by marijuana and meth. Iowa’s rates of meth use are also higher than the national average, but the state also boasts one of the highest rates of meth treatment in the country.

In fact, Iowa has recently expanded the availability of treatment for all types of drug use. The number of medication-assisted treatment providers in the state has more than tripled, and Iowans now also have greater access to addiction treatment, aftercare programs, sober-living homes, support groups, and peer recovery coaches. In addition, the state has recently started to prioritize diversion to treatment over incarceration for low-risk persons with substance use disorder.

If you are considering entering an Iowa drug rehab, you likely have some questions about what to expect. Learning more about your treatment options can help you make an informed decision.

What Is Alcohol and Drug Rehab?

An alcohol and drug rehabilitation center provide comprehensive care for individuals with substance use disorders in all forms, including alcohol, prescription drugs, illicit drugs, and more. Treatment programs aim to help individuals reduce the urge and compulsion to use substances, improve their quality of life, and prevent relapse. Most alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs are residential, with patients living at the facility for several weeks or longer.

There are different types of rehab programs based on the specific substance that is being abused. Treatment might involve medication and therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy. Patients also typically attend group or individual therapy and participate in other activities such as yoga and exercise.

Types of Rehab Facilities in Iowa

In general, treatment facilities can be divided into two major types: inpatient and outpatient. The right type of treatment for you will depend on the severity of your addiction and any other physical and mental health conditions you may be dealing with.

Inpatient Treatment

In an inpatient treatment center, you stay at the facility 24/7 and are under the care of medical providers and addiction specialists. The benefits of an extended stay include additional hours of individual counseling sessions that focus on personal issues such as stress management, better coping strategies for relapse prevention, and other forms of therapeutic intervention. Inpatient treatment programs also offer group therapy sessions that allow patients to work through issues with other individuals and develop new coping skills.

If you experience withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop using drugs or drinking, an inpatient facility is likely the best option for you. Those who have destructive living environments that make it difficult to stay sober also benefit from inpatient care.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient drug addiction facilities may provide more flexibility than inpatient treatment programs but are not as intensive as inpatient rehabs. These facilities typically offer the same types of programs as an inpatient facility, but clients are not required to stay overnight. In an outpatient program, you will take part in both individual and group therapy sessions to explore the root causes of your addiction. You’ll also receive addiction education with a particular focus on relapse prevention.

Outpatient treatment is a good option for those with less severe addictions, as well as those who need to keep up with work and family responsibilities while receiving treatment for their addiction. Many people who complete an inpatient program also continue their treatment at an outpatient facility.

What to Expect When Going to Rehab for Drug Addiction

When you decide to seek treatment for drug addiction, you’re likely wondering what to expect. There are many different rehabilitation programs, and they often offer a wide range of services. Many programs offer medical detox as a first step in the treatment process. Medical detox can help ease withdrawal symptoms while your body rids itself of drugs and/or alcohol. Most programs also offer medical assistance to treat co-occurring mental health disorders. For example, if you have an alcohol addiction and depression, you may get therapy that helps with managing both of these disorders.

Many rehab centers also use medication-assisted therapy (MAT) when dealing with drug addiction. If you have a serious heroin addiction and are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, you may be given medication to help with the discomfort. MAT can help decrease cravings and improve treatment retention.

Because everyone is different, treatment plans vary from person to person. The overall goal of any rehab, however, is to help people become sober by learning new ways of managing life’s challenges and through therapy to help heal from the root causes of their substance abuse.

Counseling and Therapy

Counseling and therapy are two common and helpful practices in addiction treatment programs. Counseling is a one-on-one or group discussion where you meet with a trained and qualified therapist.

Therapy may be used for various issues, including trauma, grief, stress, and depression. Both counseling and therapy can be beneficial for you during treatment. They allow you to talk about the root causes of your addiction and the emotions that you may be feeling. They also allow you to discuss issues related to your family, friends, work, and other parts of your life that may be contributing to your addiction.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most commonly used therapies in addiction treatment. CBT is designed to help clients identify how negative thinking patterns lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as drug use. Clients then learn how to recognize distortions in thinking and develop better coping mechanisms for difficult situations.

While CBT is one of the most common addiction therapies, it certainly isn’t the only one. While in an Iowa treatment center, you may also take part in dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and motivational interviewing, among other therapies

Support Groups

At some point during your treatment, you will likely be asked to participate in support groups. Support groups can often help people learn more about their addiction, understand how it affects their lives, and how they can cope with their feelings or emotions. Support groups can also allow people to share what they have learned with others who may also want or need support at the time.

Nutrition and Fitness Training

Many treatment programs, including those in Iowa, offer nutrition and fitness training. This is a good way to explore how nutrition can help you feel better, manage your emotions and feelings, and cope with stress. Nutrition and fitness classes can provide information about healthy eating and fitness habits. You may also have the opportunity to work with fitness trainers or nutritionists, which can help you stay motivated and on track with your goals.

How to Get the Most Out of Rehab

Getting caught up in the excitement of starting a new treatment program can be easy. You may be ready to dive right in, but you may also want to take some time to prepare. You can do this by reflecting on your past experiences with drugs or alcohol or by learning more about the treatment program you are entering.

It can also be helpful to research other people’s experiences in the treatment program you are going to. Reading what others say about their experience can help you understand what to expect and can be very motivating. Whether inpatient or outpatient treatment, you can get the most out of rehab by being open and willing to learn. By being honest about your feelings, you can get the help you need.

Aftercare and Support After Rehab

After completing your treatment program, you’ll move on to aftercare. This part of the recovery process can last for as long as needed. The length of time you spend in aftercare is up to you, but having a plan for what you’ll do after treatment can help you maintain your sobriety.

Plan for the next month, the next several months, and the next year. After treatment, you may benefit from attending support meetings such as those offered by Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. These meetings help those with addictions maintain sobriety by providing a positive and uplifting environment for like-minded individuals.

The Importance of Aftercare for Drug Rehab in Iowa

Aftercare is the period following treatment during which individuals engage in self-directed recovery work. Aftercare aims to help individuals maintain their sobriety and promote long-term recovery.

Aftercare programs can vary greatly and include 12-step meetings, therapy, and other social support activities. The specific activities in your aftercare plan depend on your unique needs. Aftercare is just as important as your time in treatment. You have the opportunity to continue healing and growing while also exploring ways that you can cope with life’s challenges without drugs or alcohol.

Make the First Step in Getting Help Today

Many people addicted to drugs or alcohol feel like they don’t have a problem. They have a misconception that since they can go to work and take care of their responsibilities, they are just fine. The truth is that a problem exists whether or not you acknowledge it.

You may be dealing with an addiction if you have been using drugs or alcohol more often or in higher quantities than you originally intended. Maybe you’ve noticed that you’ve become isolated from your friends and family or that your health has taken a turn for the worse. If you feel you have a problem but aren’t sure what to do next, you should seek help. The first step to solving any problem is admitting that you have one and then reaching out to a treatment provider so that you get help through the recovery process and learn how to live a sober life.