Addiction can impact anyone, regardless of time or place. As a result, the people you meet during addiction treatment come from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences. Recognizing this diversity is crucial, as it helps to create a supportive and empathetic environment, which is vital for effective rehabilitation. Whether it’s professionals, young adults, or those with co-occurring disorders, the shared goal of recovery unites everyone.
Who Goes to Rehab?
The decision to enter a drug or alcohol treatment program is a courageous and significant step. It often requires considerable effort and raises many questions about conditions and treatment processes in rehab. One of the most common questions is, “Who will I be in addiction treatment with?”
It’s completely understandable to have such concerns. Especially if you have preconceived notions about rehabs, many of which are undoubtedly influenced by stigma. You may think of unpredictable, weak-willed, low-bottom addicts who can’t function in society. But the truth is that addiction does not deter people by any feature. It is a chronic brain disease that could affect anyone. So the answer to the question ”What kind of people in rehab will I meet?” will be “People just like you. In all varieties of races, ages, and genders.”
Types of People in Addiction Treatment
Depending on the treatment center, many facilities enroll a diverse range of people. Most programs are intentionally inclusive, involving both staff and clients from all walks of life to create a supportive community. Many centers advertise internationally, attracting people of different nationalities, cultures, religions, political views, and ethnicities.
However, rehabs could judge patients by some criteria due to their specific needs and challenges in recovery.
Age Groups
- Adolescents (12-17 years)
- Young Adults (18-30 years)
- Middle-aged Adults (31-50 years)
- Older Adults (50+ years)
If you are wondering at what age can you go to rehab, the minimum age is 12 and the maximum is unlimited. People in different age groups are at specific stages in their lives when addiction may affect them in different ways. That’s why some rehabs offer age-specific substance abuse treatment programs. They take into account age-related body changes and mental health conditions, major life changes with age, etc. For example, the challenges that face adolescents and young adults during drug addiction treatment are completely different from those of older adults:
- Rehabilitation for teenagers and young adults often includes the opportunity to continue their schooling. The environment is often more fun and relaxing, with events and training targeted at plans for the future. According to NIDA’s research, they are more likely to hide their drug use and deny the need for treatment, and the risk of relapse is higher. However, this age group suffers less from withdrawal. Also, it takes into account that almost all of the patients in those groups are financially and emotionally dependent on their families, which could not be very supportive at times.
- Older adults have different needs. Worthen health conditions and metabolic changes that accompany aging make substance effects even harder. They may self-medicate with drugs or alcohol to cope with anxiety, depression, loss of loved ones, and changes in their professional lives and income. However, elderly people are less likely to display aggressive or defiant behavior.
Gender
- Male
- Female
- LGBTQ+
Women and men encounter different challenges and obstacles when seeking help for alcohol or drug abuse, which are shaped by cultural norms and societal expectations. Their experiences and attitudes toward addiction and rehabilitation are often also very distinctive. That’s why some rehabs offer gender-accessive treatment programs.
Research shows that members of the LGBTQ+ community have higher rates of substance misuse than heterosexuals, which could be a result of discrimination and stigmatization by other people. Specialized addiction treatment for LGBTQ+ people provides a safe, non-judgmental space, that promotes acceptance.
Socioeconomic Background
- Low-income individuals
- Middle-income individuals
- High-income individuals
Socioeconomic status is measured by education, income, and occupation. Until recently, there was a persuasive cultural stereotype that drug addiction and alcoholism primarily affect the poor, who use drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with the stress of poverty. In truth, addiction transcends wealth and social status, impacting individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
If we are talking about the middle-income class, the borders will be closed. But it’s quite predictable that blue-collar professionals are very rarely getting treatment with low-income people of color or the homeless. The first ones are more likely to pay for treatment with private health care insurance, while the second ones will be seeking governmental programs, grants, or other resources.
Veterans and Military Personnel
Many veterans and active military members face unique challenges related to substance use disorders (SAD). A significant percentage struggle with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other trauma-related conditions stemming from their military service. These co-occurring mental health issues can make addiction treatment more difficult and complex.
To address these needs, some rehabs offer trauma-informed approaches. Many patients find specialized support groups helpful in addiction recovery, as being around others with similar backgrounds and challenges can boost the healing process.
Co-occurring Disorders
Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnoses, are caused by the presence of both mental health issues and substance use disorders. Around 8.9 million American adults have co-occurring disorders. The most common mental illness conditions that co-occur with addiction are depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. People with a dual diagnosis face unique challenges in addiction treatment. Their mental health symptoms can make it more difficult to benefit from traditional substance abuse programs.
Coordinated care between behavioral health and addiction treatment providers during treatment is crucial. Specialized approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical therapy, as well as access to community services and group peer support in addiction recovery, have shown efficacy.
Types of Addictions
Addiction can take many forms, from substance abuse to behavioral dependence. But in all cases, despite the source of addiction, it is a chronic brain disease that progresses and prolapses and requires systematic therapy. So you could meet people with various addictions during your recovery.
- Alcohol addiction or alcoholism, is one of the most prevalent SUDs. Over time, a person with alcoholism loses control over their drinking and continues doing it despite negative consequences. It develops a physical dependence and provokes withdrawal symptoms without alcohol.
- Drug addiction may develop with illegal drugs like opioids (heroin, methadone, fentanyl), cocaine, and methamphetamines, as well as with prescribed medications like OxyContine and other painkillers. Opioid crises have significantly impacted public health, with overdose deaths quadrupling since 1999. All these substances are highly addictive and can alter brain chemistry, provoking physical and psychological dependence on a substance and numerous health issues.
- Behavioral addictions like gambling, video games, pornography, and internet addictions don’t involve taking substances, but they activate the brain’s reward system, similar to drug or alcohol use. A person becomes dependent on the pleasurable feelings that result from certain behaviors and begins to act on those behaviors compulsively.
Importance of Group Composition
Undoubtedly, dividing patients into specific groups during therapy has its advantages. On the other hand, when groups comprise people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, people can benefit from broad perspectives and learn from one another.
Research shows that diversity among group members facilitates productive counseling dynamics. Integrating participants of different ages, genders, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, and addiction histories encourages empathy and humanizes the treatment experience. Hearing personal stories from a range of vantage points expands one’s understanding of substance use disorders and helps a person in recovery incorporate varied coping strategies.
In case you still have doubts and are not sure, can a rehab tell you if someone is there, the answer is “yes.” The treatment center you choose can give you more information about the demographics of their population, which can help you decide which clinic is best for you.
Be Openminded During Your Recovery
Don’t make assumptions about those in treatment with you. They could be loved ones or good people who have struggled with substance abuse issues. Poor choices may have brought them here, but now they are working hard towards recovery.
Going into treatment with an open and non-judgmental mindset makes the process easier. Focus on your path, not others. If you want more information on the treatment process or client diversity, reach out to a treatment provider.
