Alcohol Rehab FAQs

1. What should I bring with me to rehab?

Rehab facilities generally provide what you need to live daily life, so you don’t need to bring a lot with you. 

However, most facilities advise bringing:

• Hygiene items
• Personal items
• A couple creature comforts of home. 

You can check with the specific facility you’ve chosen for more information about what you’ll need for your stay.

2. Can my family visit?

This depends on what alcohol rehab center you choose.

Most rehab centers invite family members to visit at some point, but there might be specific visitation dates and/or times. 

Some establishments limit visitation privileges early in the rehab process.

3. Does rehab cure addiction?

One of the first things you’ll learn when you begin rehab treatment is that there is no cure for addiction. 

There is always a risk of relapse and in many cases, relapse is considered a normal part of recovery. 

However, going to alcohol rehab gives you the best possible chance of overcoming your addiction. You’ll learn strategies, gain tools, and start building a community to empower you on your recovery journey.

4. Can I use medication to treat addiction?

There are some prescription medications available for treating alcohol addiction.

These medications decrease the risk of serious health complications, reduce the symptoms of detox, and minimize cravings for the substance. 

Many rehab centers use medication-assisted treatment programs. However, this varies from center to center.

5. Does rehab work?

Research shows that rehab is very effective for helping people remain sober. 

No treatment approach is 100 percent effective. However, people who participate in rehab programs have the best chance at long-term sobriety.

6. Do I need rehab?

Determining whether rehab can help you or a loved one is a personal decision that requires an assessment of many different factors. 

Chances are, if you’re wondering if rehab would help you, it probably would.

If you suspect you need rehab, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you think you should or do you want to cut back on how much you drink?
• Do people criticize or comment on your alcohol use?
• Do you ever feel guilty about drinking?
• Do you ever have a drink first thing in the morning or wake up craving alcohol?
• Have you tried to quit drinking and failed?