IMAGINE YOURSELF FREE FROM ADDICTION!
DRUG ADDICTION
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse,
only about 4 million of the estimated 22.5 million
Americans classified as having an addiction will receive
the care they need to become sober again.
DRUG ADDICTION DEFINED
Drug addiction is characterized as a strong, unceasing craving for a drug. An addicted individual will continue to abuse their chosen substance even when they are already suffering from its adverse effects. Despite being aware of the dangers, the person will still give in to their cravings. This uncontrollable aspect of addiction is what makes it a medical condition, rather than merely a moral failure. Those who struggle with drug addiction will exhibit numerous signs and symptoms, making it easier to recognize the issue.
The difference between abuse and addiction
Many patients get caught up in trying to define their relationship with drugs and alcohol. That is because drug abuse has a far less threatening reputation compared to addiction. Thereʼs a stigma associated with addiction—part of the reason why the opioid crisis became as bad as it is right now.
On the other hand, drug abuse is romanticized in media and portrayed as something that is cool or fun. According to Medline Plus, an issue with drug abuse is defined as the regular abuse of any illicit substance. That includes alcohol and prescription medications. Drug abuse, of course, has consequences. These consequences can be financial, interpersonal, legal, or work-related. But most of the effects of drug abuse are actually health-related.
Type of Addictions Treated at Rehab
Because addiction is so complex, there are many different types of rehab programs that cater to different people. There are programs that focus on different demographics, whether it is based on age, gender, religion, etc. There are also a few drug rehabilitation centers that cater to a specific kind of addiction, depending on what substance was abused. However, most rehabs will provide a treatment plan based on the medical and psychological issues of each patient, no matter what drug is being abused.
Different type of treatment programs
There are two basic types of drug rehab. These are outpatient programs and inpatient programs. Both of these can be effective options, but it depends on the patient in question. Every patient has different needs and expectations. Residential drug rehab or inpatient treatment can give individuals time away from their environment, meaning they spend time away from the temptations and distractions that come with everyday life. It means they can focus on getting sober. On the other hand, outpatient treatment is way more loose, with a defined schedule that is a lot more flexible, and therefore, manageable. This form of treatment is only recommended for those who have milder conditions. But it can work wonders by offering a wide range of therapeutic options, with a goal of maintained abstinence and long term recovery. These are the main qualities that define a good treatment program: accessibility, success rate, personalized care, and convenient schedule of treatment. Many addicted patients are hesitant to try treatment because they donʼt know what to expect. This is yet another obstacle to medical and therapeutic care. But if a drug rehab facility opens up about the entire treatment process, patients are more likely to sign up and go for it.
Drug Detox
Drug detox is an important step in any comprehensive addiction treatment program. It doesnʼt matter if the drug of choice is alcohol, prescription painkillers, heroin, or cocaine. The substance must be taken out of the system so that the patient wonʼt continually spiral. The type of detox that will be most effective ultimately depends on the drug of addiction. Prescription painkillers for example have to be treated with less potent medications. Entering treatment can be difficult for many patients. Even just the first few days of rehab can be a rollercoaster. But a solid treatment plan provides enough structure to help patients find their footing. When withdrawal symptoms are an issue, it means that serious physical illnesses have to be dealt with. But with certain medications and the help of medical professionals, these life-threatening issues could be much easier to treat.
Patient contribution to effective addiction treatment
Drug treatment is an organized process. But for any plan to succeed, it requires the participation of the patient. This is one of the most important things that a patient can bring to their rehab experience: the willingness to cooperate and endure. Each patient needs to have a realistic understanding of what drug rehab provides. It is not a magical solution that will wave the problems goodbye. It is a process that requires long term commitment. They will only be given the resources and support they need to succeed. Patients will have to utilize those resources to the best possible outcome. This means following instructions and remaining resilient through difficult times.
Challenges and obstracles
There will be bad days. That is what makes recovery so challenging—and that is why drug rehab is necessary. Individuals seeking balance and strength will sometimes stumble and feel weak. But obstacles are common and to be expected. There are so many problems along the way that need to be dealt with. Payment for treatment is perhaps the biggest obstacle. But the good news is that most rehab facilities work with insurance. If not, there are several payment options for treatment. Financing options, insurance coverage, financial assistance from friends and family—these are all on the table. Not to mention the fact that many rehab facilities are actually more affordable than others. Steer clear of luxury rehab, unless there are funds available for it. The traditional rehab should work wonders.
Inpatient Drug Rehab
Getting sober alone is extremely difficult and also dangerous. Not only is the risk of relapse high, the cravings and withdrawal are also very challenging to deal with. This is therefore not recommended. Many addiction treatment centers provide residential treatment, also known as inpatient treatment, as mentioned earlier. The main benefit of inpatient treatment is its structured treatment plan that follows a strict schedule. This establishes control, which is important for any patient who has been feeling helpless over their situation.
How to Choose an inpatient treatment center
There are a variety of differences among treatment programs. It is therefore important to ask the right questions in order to find the treatment program that is most suitable. The first thing to ask is what type of addiction the program treats. It helps to find a center that has experience and a high success rate in terms of treating the patientʼs specific addiction as well as their co-occurring disorders. Every substance has different physical and psychological effects, and so the detox and counseling process could be very different with each facility.
Outpatient drug rehab
Outpatient drug rehab is less focused, but more flexible. This means it has a higher chance of relapse, and that is why it is not recommended for those with long term addictions or severe dependence. It is perfect for those with more manageable conditions who want to continue working or could not stay in a treatment facility for 30 days for any reason. Because it is an outpatient program, it requires frequent visits to the treatment facility. Patients are encouraged to stay sober. Because it does not take the person away from their environment, they are still exposed to all the temptations and issues they were previously dealing with.
Rehab Is your best Chance
Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.