Two Types of Rehabilitation Program in the Philippines

In-patient and Out-patient Program for Drug or Alcohol Addiction Victims

There are two types of rehabilitation programs accessible in the Philippines - in-patient rehabilitation (provided by government and private residential facilities) and out-patient rehabilitation (presented by individual doctor, clinic or hospital).

In-patient Rehab Programs:

An in-patient rehab program requires the patient to stay at a residential facility during the rehabilitation process. An in-patient rehab program usually lasts for six months or longer, depending on the condition of a patient. This is very important for people who are already severely affected by alcohol or drug addiction and are not in control of their condition. Government and private residential treatment centers in the Philippines charge monthly fees to cover the patient’s everyday needs.

It is the willingness of the person to enter treatment or voluntary acceptance to withdraw from alcohol or drug dependency in order to stay clean and be sober for the rest of his life that serves as the starting point of any rehab program. The voluntary submission of an individual makes it easier to conduct in-patient rehab program.

In-patient rehab program is highly recommended for individuals who are at the later part of alcohol or drug addiction because:

- Detoxification can be done thoroughly and totally.
- Rehab programs can be carried out and implemented completely.
- It has complete rehab equipment facilities.
- Patient can be monitored 24 hours a day.
- Security and privacy is not a concern.
- It has good atmosphere and environment, far from the outside influence.
- Patient can abstain from alcohol and drugs through cold turkey approach.

There are high-quality alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities in the Philippines offering IN-PATIENT rehab program. It is important to find the right in-patient program that is suitable for your loved ones. There are first class rehab institutions available for those who can afford. They provide luxury accommodation, special therapy programs, and the best possible atmosphere and environment for the patient. There are also government facilities offering residential treatment for drug dependents and alcoholics which can help in the reformation and recovery of a patient.

Christian-based Programs and Rehabilitation Centers

There are Christian rehab centers in the Philippines which are free-standing institutions and non-government organizations that treat patients in a Christian life program - teaching them to make their spiritual faiths the center of their lives, through bible studies, religious worships and spiritual development and counseling.

Part of the program is the preparation for normal lifestyle by assigning them to daily tasks such as kitchen work, housekeeping, gardening, house repair and maintenance, laundry and livestock breeding. The main goal is to prepare the individual and to develop his self worth when he returns home. Part of their program includes physical fitness and recreational activities such as outdoor and indoor sports.

Out-patient Rehab Centers:

On the other hand, out-patient rehab program involves treatment within the facility during the day or clinic hours. Treatments and programs of out-patient rehabilitation can also be extended at home as the need arises. Out-patient rehabilitation programs are usually connected with free-standing hospitals and individual clinics. In any case, professional medical treatments are implemented. OUT-PATIENT rehab center also provides periodic schedule of counseling and family oriented programs that help in personal development. This is good for people who are still in control and are mildly affected by the addiction. Patients who have completed a program in a residential center can still sign up with the out-patient program. This is to ensure of a continuous long term effects of the recovery process.

Some rehab institutions are offering out-patient programs for men and women who need treatment but cannot afford in-patient / residential expenses. These institutions offer treatment to those dependents who are willing to get well even if they are working professionals, students, or businessmen, etc. They can be treated according to their schedules. This program is good for individuals who are in the early stage of addiction and allow them to continue their professional career, schooling, and business activities while undergoing treatment.

Although it is much cheaper to avail treatment outside the rehabilitation institution which is the out-patient rehab program, there are factors and barriers that interfere in the flow or process of the program intended for the patient.

- It is understood that being an out-patient means no direct control and close supervision of the patient by the treatment team. The patient only attends sessions during the day or an interval session.
- There is a tendency that the patient would still have access or "vice-versa" with his former group who can influence him to go back to the addiction.
- There is no total recovery yet of the patient that the urge and cravings for drugs is still within the person.
- Drug pushers tend to persuade the person whom they knew was a former user to return to the usual escapade.

The Need for Family Intervention and Rehabilitation

When noticeable symptoms appear, the need for rehabilitation program is realized. Rehab programs differ in every rehab center, but they have a common objective, "restoring someone” – bringing the person out from the addiction. Drug addiction in the Philippines covers not only personal problems but also deals with the social issues. Addiction primarily affects the person and the people around him, specially the family. That is why family members should also be part of the rehab program and in the treatment process.

The minute the family members decided to intervene, they are taking part of the process of recovery. It is very well understood that all the members of the family are connected and are affected when it comes to the negative consequences of addiction.

An addiction is a psychological and physical illness that has been damaging lives since time immemorial. It is a personal issue, at some point. That is why a problem drinker or a drug user, in many cases, never reveals his true condition or avoids talking about his true feelings. Perhaps, they have no power to admit that they have a problem when it comes to their addiction. Or in other cases, they are not aware about their conditions. These individuals continue to abuse alcohol and drugs, little did they know that the addiction is slowly creating damages to their lives. Family and friends should help and protect the person from relapse once he has returned home.

Aftercare program should be integrated as well. The program of each rehab center focuses on the recovery, healing and freedom of the addicted individual and family relationship as a whole. Family members have to intervene when obvious changes in thinking and behaviors are seen. It is when this situation finally arises that the need for a rehab program, in-patient or out-patient it may be, is absolutely necessary.