Addiction Rehab for Professionals
Addiction can affect anyone. Doctors, CEOs, engineers, lawyers, and other business professionals can find themselves struggling with drug or alcohol misuse. They may turn to substances to escape the pressures of the job or other life circumstances and need treatment to overcome. When a professional decides to seek treatment for drug or alcohol misuse, they may fear that doing so will affect their employment and reputation. Fortunately, rehabs for professionals are designed to provide high-quality treatment and support in a confidential and secure environment.
Substance Use Among Professionals
Substance misuse affects people in all industries. Statistics show that the following type of professionals engaged in past month heavy alcohol use for the time between 2008 to 2012:1
- 7% worked in professional, scientific, and technical services
- 4% were in finance and insurance
- 6% worked in public administration
- 7% in the educational services industry
- 4% worked in healthcare and social assistance
Illicit drug use in the past month for the 2008 to 2012 period yielded the following statistics regarding professionals:1
- 9% of people were in the professional, scientific, and technical services
- 5% worked in the finance and insurance industries
- 5% worked in health care and social assistance
- 8% engaged in educational services work
- 3% were in the public administration industry
Inpatient Rehab for Professionals
Residential inpatient rehab programs vary but will generally offer a confidential, private place for professionals to receive treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD). During residential inpatient rehab for professionals, patients stay at the treatment facility and have access to care around the clock.2 Medical staff will monitor patients and address complications if they arise, especially through any detoxification or withdrawal process.2
While every facility operates differently, some have programs that let people maintain a level of independence, such as allowing them to continue to work online or by phone as necessary.
Outpatient Rehab for Professionals
Unlike residential inpatient rehab programs, outpatient rehab programs allow patients to live at home or in a sober living facility and attend treatment during the day or evenings. There are many types of outpatient rehab, from intensive outpatient programs (IOP) to standard outpatient programs.
An intensive outpatient program is sometimes considered a “step down” from an inpatient treatment program.3 Many professionals may prefer this type of program after completing inpatient rehab due to some of its benefits. It offers flexibility while also giving the person a comprehensive treatment plan.3 Patients will attend rehab for several hours a week but be able to go home every day, which allows them to maintain their professional lives.3 In a standard outpatient program, patients attend therapy around once a week to aid in the prevention of relapse.2
Medical Detox as Part of Rehab for Professionals
Some people may experience withdrawal symptoms when they cut back or stop using a substance. Withdrawal can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, which is why professionals may benefit from a medical detox program.2 Medical detox can help you withdraw from a substance more comfortably and safely, as healthcare providers monitor symptoms and adjust treatment as needed.4 Medications may be used to help ease a person through the process.4
Medical detox can take place in either an inpatient or outpatient setting, with varying durations. After detox, patients can begin the transition into another ongoing treatment program, such as inpatient rehab.4
How Long Does a Professional Rehab Program Last?
The length of a professional rehab program will vary. Several factors play a part, such as how severe a person’s SUD is. Also, a person’s ability to take time away and attend treatment could factor into the overall time spent in a rehab program.
Rehabs can vary in duration and intensity, with some lasting 1 month and others lasting up to 3 months.
Some of the rehab options available include:
Rehabilitation Process for Professionals
Many professionals wonder what to expect when going to rehab. While this process varies depending on the individual, the facility they attend, and the specific of their treatment program, the rehab process for professionals may include:2
- Intake: Intake usually occurs after the patient arrives at the treatment center and includes an assessment of the situation and needs.
- Detox: While not always necessary, detox can be an important part of the recovery process as it can help a patient more comfortably and safely withdraw from substances.
- Specialized care: Once a patient completes detox they can begin a specific program, such as inpatient or outpatient rehab.
- Aftercare: During aftercare, the focus is on relapse prevention and long-term recovery.
Do Rehabs for Professionals Offer Privacy?
A drug or alcohol rehab center is always strictly confidential and private. It’s classified as a medical treatment facility and therefore abides by all medical privacy laws. Anything a person says to their doctor or therapist will be kept confidential unless the patient gives the provider permission to share it.
Keeping Your Job When Going to Rehab
Many professionals may be concerned about keeping their job after going into a treatment center for substance misuse. However, employers are usually more than happy to assist good employees with any health-related issues, including substance misuse.
Laws such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) are all geared toward ensuring that people with a SUD do not get discriminated against or wrongly fired.6-8 The law provides protection; most employers are very supportive of employees trying to improve themselves.
How to Find Rehab for Professionals Near Me
Finding a rehab for professionals near you doesn’t have to be complicated. There are plenty of ways to find a treatment facility to meet your needs.
If you have a primary care physician (PCP) or another medical professional you see, you can ask them for a referral. If you have insurance, you may be able to search for a rehab online in the company’s patient portal. You can also use the Rehabs.com directory. Our directory allows you to filter results by location, treatment provided, accepted insurance, and other more to find a treatment facility for you. If there isn’t an option locally, consider looking out of state. Many people don’t stay in their city or state of residence to receive treatment.
If you need help with the process, American Addiction Centers (AAC) is available 24/7 when you call . You’ll be connected with an admissions navigator who can answer questions you may have about treatment, verify your insurance, and more.