Executive Rehab for Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Substance use disorders affect people from all walks of life, regardless of age and socioeconomic status. When someone who is employed at the executive-level becomes addicted to a substance, it poses challenges and difficulties that others may not have.¹

Executives may require access to their work and the ability to maintain a degree of professionalism while undergoing treatment. Executive rehab facilities create an atmosphere for professionals to obtain a high level of care and services in an executive setting so that they can maintain executive-level employment.

This article will explain how an executive drug rehabilitation program works and how those with corporate or professional jobs may be impacted by drug addiction.

Substance Abuse Among Executives

When someone becomes addicted to a substance, as determined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it is referred to as a substance use disorder.² Addiction is identified by several symptoms listed in the DSM-5, including an inability to stop or cut down using the substance and continued use even when it interferes with business and personal relationships.² Seeking treatment is necessary to overcome the hold that substance misuse can have on a person. Going through a rehab program designed for executives will aid in getting the individual’s professional and personal life back on track.

A person’s socioeconomic status (SES) doesn’t determine their risk of or predisposition to substance misuse. One finding revealed that people of higher SES consumed similar or higher amounts of alcohol compared to people of lower SES.³ The main difference between the groups is that those in the lower SES have more negative outcomes.³

It can be challenging for executives to seek out treatment when they realize that they have a substance misuse problem. They face a multitude of complex pressures and issues that make seeking help difficult. For example, some professionals may worry about losing their job or being demoted. They also may be concerned about not being able to access or tend to the things that require their attention while in rehab. These things may include email, private phone access, meetings, and more. Additionally, they may feel that since they are at the executive level, there is more expected of them. Sometimes this can lead to deeper feelings of shame or guilt.

What Are Executive Rehabs?

An executive rehab consists of special treatment for addiction for people who hold an executive- or professional-level position. This type of facility allows executives to perform their regular work duties in a comfortable setting, with the technology and tools needed.

Some of the items that executive drug and rehab centers offer may include:

• Computers.
• Greater privacy.
• Wi-Fi.
• Cell phone access.
• Private rooms.
• Conference rooms.
• Office or desk.
• Flexible schedule.

More traditional treatment rehabs will differ from executive rehab facilities in that they usually don’t have private rooms or special work equipment for executives. However, they are similar in the treatments they provide, which are:^1,4

• Detoxification.
• Outpatient treatment.
• Hospital inpatient rehab.
• Long-term residential treatment.
• Short-term residential treatment.
• Medications for addiction.
• Individualized drug counseling.
• Group counseling.

The primary benefit of participating in an executive rehab versus a standard drug treatment center is that you can remain working virtually. Many places already have virtual/remote protocols in place for employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making the transition easy and less noticeable to your coworkers. The convenience of a steady work environment during rehab ensures you will be more likely to stay in treatment, which is critical to your recovery success.⁴

What Will Executive Rehab Be Like?

Since no two people are alike, everyone’s journey to sobriety is unique.⁴ One thing that is essential, though, is to receive an adequate amount of treatment time. It’s recommended that you stay in treatment for at least 90 days for the best results.⁴ Even after an initial inpatient executive rehab treatment program, you may consider continuing in an outpatient treatment program.⁵ For most people, recovery is a lifelong process.

When entering an executive rehab center, you will begin with the intake process. During intake, an addiction specialist will administer an assessment to determine which treatment is best for you.

Once the evaluation is complete, you will begin some or all of the services and treatment programs offered. These may include:

• Professional detox. This involves ridding the body of the substance and receiving medical assistance for withdrawal. Detox is the starting point of recovery. Eliminating the drug from the body doesn’t take as long as changing behavior. So, this part of the program is relatively short.⁴
• Inpatient treatment. This involves a 24/7 treatment program with certified care that offers therapy and mental health care.¹ Some inpatient rehabs involve long-term residential care, which is 6 to 12 months of treatment based on a therapeutic community model.⁴ A short-term residential care is a 3- to 6-week hospital-based inpatient treatment.⁴
• Outpatient treatment. This program provides a customized treatment plan for therapy. You may be in a more intensive outpatient program (IOP) or participate in sessions once a week.¹

An instrumental part of every treatment program is evidence-based therapy. Some of the common therapies used in an executive rehab program include:⁵

• Cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Contingency management.
• Motivational enhancement therapy.
• Family therapy.
• 12-Step programs.

How to Find the Best Executive Rehab Program

Finding the best executive rehab program starts by taking the first step in your recovery. This means reaching out to someone for help. You might start by talking to someone close to you or your family physician. Admitting you need help can be a relief and a good beginning on your journey.¹

After talking to friends, family, or a doctor about your situation, take time to research your options. As you do so, look for an executive rehab that aligns with the following:

• Reputable facility.
• Offers luxury rehab options.
• Has ample executive features, such as access to computers and Wi-Fi.
• Certified and trained staff.
• Medically supervised detox program.
• Various levels of care for transitioning.
• Compassionate care providers.
• Private conference rooms.
• Access to amenities that are important to you, such as a pool and exercise facilities.

Find Executive Rehab Addiction Treatment

Begin your journey to sobriety and discover the benefits of an executive rehab program. Executive rehab facilities are equipped to manage people with co-occurring disorders, which are mental health and substance misuse occurring simultaneously.

Moving forward with a drug and alcohol addiction program can improve the quality of your life by eliminating problems related to addiction. By finding the right addiction treatment rehab, you can avoid relapsing and stay on the road to recovery.

Search our free directory of executive rehab providers and find a place that will meet your needs. An admissions navigator can instantly check your insurance coverage when you call. Get in touch today. Call .