Private Rehab vs Public Rehab Which is Right for You?

Substance abuse is a Canadian problem. This might come as a surprise to many people, but Canadians have very high rates of drug and alcohol abuse. Professional drug rehab can help many people recover from their dependencies and regain control over their lives. When it comes to the question of public vs private rehab facilities, private drug rehab centers offer some advantages: there is no waiting for a space to become available, patients have privacy, and private rehab facilities provide emotional healing as well as physical.

High rates of drug and alcohol addiction
One out of five Canadians faces a drug or alcohol addiction problem in any given year. That’s 20% of the population. Canadians drink more than 50% above the global average, according to a study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
This is an individual tragedy, but also a social one. Alcohol is listed as the third most important factor in disease and injury worldwide.

High costs of addiction
Both individuals and society pay a high cost for addictions. The Canadian health care system spends $8 billion each year to treat substance abuse. As many as 47,000 deaths each year are linked to substance abuse in Canada. Females addicts fare even worse in this sad scenario and are 54% more likely to die prematurely as a result of drug use.

Addiction and mental illness
Substance abuse problems tend to co-occur with mental health problems. People having a substance abuse problem are also three times more likely than the general population to have a co-occurring mental illness. And conversely, people with mental health problems are twice as likely to abuse drugs or alcohol.

Who is at risk?
Addiction tends to affect men more than women, while women have higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders. Regardless of the age or gender of the patient, as many as 70% of all mental health problems can be traced to childhood or adolescence. Adolescents and young adults in the age group 15 to 24 years are most vulnerable to mental illness and/or substance use disorders.

Advantages of private rehab
If you or someone you know is ready to get drug and alcohol abuse treatment, private rehab facilities may be a good choice. They have several advantages over government-run facilities:

• No waiting
  There is no waiting for an empty bed, which can take weeks and even months. Delays can be harmful because the patient can lose his or her resolve to receive testament. The addiction may become stronger, and the individual’s overall health may deteriorate.
• Privacy and comfort Many private drug rehab facilities are designed to look and work more like luxury resorts. Offering spa services and health and emotional well being activities like yoga, they help to heal body and mind.
• No overcrowding In private rehab facilities, patients have rooms to themselves. In government facilities, rooms would have to be shared with at least one other person.
• Post-treatment care

Private rehab facilities offer follow-up care to help patients deal with the very real dangers of a relapse. Patients can find support even after they check out, in person or long-distance via Internet or phone.

For those seeking residential treatment, private rehab facilities may be the answer.