Drug Rehab Centers, Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs and Drug Treatment Centers
‘Drug rehab center’, ‘drug treatment center’, ‘alcohol rehabilitation center’, ‘drug treatment program’, and ’substance abuse treatment center’ are all terms used to describe basically the same thing - a safe and supportive environment for recovery from drug addiction and/or alcoholism. They usually take the form of a residential addiction treatment center, but can also be intensive outpatient rehabilitationor day treatment programs, or day/night treatment programs - a type of treatment center that takes on the same form and provides many of the same services as a residential drug treatment center or alcohol rehab center, but utilizes more that one location for treatment - often a center for counseling and group therapy by day, and a separate residential setting at night. Alcohol and drug treatment centers, whether they are residential treatment centers or day/night treatment programs, all provide a nurturing, safe, and supportive setting to recover from drug addiction and alcoholism. Outpatient drug rehab programs and intensive outpatient drug rehab programs are more aptly suited to individuals who have already completed a higher level of care like primary residential drug treatment, or individuals whose addiction to drugs - whatever the drug - alcohol, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines (meth, crystal meth, speed), other opiates Vicodin, Oxycontin, morphine, methadone, barbiturates,Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonipin to name a few is less severe. Outpatient treatment programs are also appropriate for cases where the drugs are already out of the individual’s system through a process of detoxification, whether it’s rapid opiate detox for heroin addiction, substitution therapy and detoxification for opiate addiction (using more cutting edge treatments such as Subutex, Suboxone, Buprenex or Buprenorphine), or more traditional detox from
drugs and alcohol using benzodiazepines or barbiturates to treat the withdrawal symptoms. Individuals who hope to find success in an outpatient treatment program must already have some level of distance from drug addiction, alcohol abuse or alcoholism, and must be stable and have the ability to function in an uncontrolled environment when not at the drug treatment center for rehabilitation services.
Prescription drug addiction is no different from alcoholism or an addiction to any other substance. However, no one is prescribed alcohol or cocaine for medical reasons. People who suffer from chronic pain are in a very difficult position. Painkillers do relieve pain. For people who suffer from constant and chronic pain, narcotics may be necessary to allow them to have any quality of life. The downside is becoming physically dependent and risking the possibility of addiction.
While it is true that the drugs themselves are highly addictive, not everyone who takes painkillers becomes an addict. The statistics of those suffering from chronic pain who become addicted to these drugs are actually pretty low according to the Chronic Pain Advocacy League, a grass roots organization dedicated to helping those who suffer the debilitating effects of chronic pain. However, this is not to say that those who suffer with chronic pain are not at increased risk of prescription drug addiction.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, the area of pain and chemical dependency has become an increasingly important issue. Although chronic pain affects over 45 million Americans–more than either cancer or heart disease–treatment is a low priority in the current health care system.
Selecting a drug rehab center is one of the most important and difficult decisions you will make in your lifetime. Few of us know what to look for in a quality rehab program and not all drug rehabilitation centers are alike. Each drug rehab has its own program options, staff qualifications, credentials, cost, and effectiveness.
Alcohol and drug addiction are diseases that progress through predictable stages. It takes a trained health professional, often a doctor specializing in addiction medicine, to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the most appropriate treatment, whether it be outpatient counseling or an inpatient alcohol and drug rehab.
A drug rehabilitation treatment center should offer a variety of treatment programs that meet individual needs. Programs may include inpatient, residential, outpatient, and/or short-stay options.
The difference between inpatient and a residential treatment center is that inpatient services are provided by a licensed hospital, while residential programs usually do not meet the same rigorous standards of medical care.
The price tag for drug rehab treatment depends on the type of rehab you choose. You need to know what is included, what will be added to your bill as a fee-for-service program, and what services your health insurance will cover. This makes it extremely difficult to compare prices by simply asking the question - “What does rehab cost?” The best way to find out the range of costs for rehab is to talk to an intake advisor. You can discuss your insurance coverage or your financial concerns and they will help you narrow down your choices to what best meets your needs in the most affordable way.
There is an advantage to including on-site medical care in a Drug Rehab. Physicians and nurses provide 24-hour hospital services to monitor and ensure a safe withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. In addition, a medical staff specializing in addiction medicine can oversee the progress of each individual and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Medical credentials and accreditation can also be important. For example, a chemical dependency Drug Rehab that earns JCAHO accreditation (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) meets national standards for providing quality medical care. Appropriate state licensing is also an important consideration.
You might be wondering why on earth your loved seems to be choosing drugs over family. You might be struggling with finances, or even from the painful realization your loved one is in trouble with the law. Or you might be asking yourself why you are taking drugs again, when you swore just a few hours ago that you needed to cut down.
Drug abuse is not a matter of moral weakness or faulty willpower. It is a vicious cycle that actually causes changes in the brain, leading to stronger and stronger impulses to use. Without help, drug abuse destroys families and takes lives. But there is hope. Find out how to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug abuse or addiction in someone you care about or yourself. With the right support and treatment, the road to recovery is possible.
Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, involves the repeated and excessive use of chemical substances to achieve a certain effect. These substances may be “street” or “illicit” drugs, illegal due to their high potential for addiction and abuse. They also may be drugs obtained with a prescription, used for pleasure rather than for medical reasons.
Different drugs have different effects. Some, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, may produce an intense “rush” and initial feelings of boundless energy. Others, such as heroin, benzodiazepines or the prescription oxycontin, may produce excessive feelings of relaxation and calm. What most drugs have in common, though, is overstimulation of the pleasure center of the brain. With time, the brain’s chemistry is actually altered to the point where not having the drug becomes extremely uncomfortable and even painful. This compelling urge to use, addiction, becomes more and more powerful, disrupting work, relationships, and health.
You may be hooked emotionally and psychologically. You may have a physical dependence, too. If you have a drug addiction, you have intense cravings for the drug. You want to use it again and again. When you stop taking it, you may have unpleasant physical reactions.
While not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted, many people do. Drug addiction involves compulsively seeking to use a substance, regardless of the potentially negative social, psychological and physical consequences. Certain drugs are more likely to cause physical dependence than are others.
Breaking a drug addiction is difficult, but not impossible. Support from your doctor, family, friends and others who have a drug addiction, as well as inpatient or outpatient drug addiction treatment, may help you beat your drug dependence.
Drug abuse affects the brain and body directly. While high, the drug affects the entire body, from blood pressure to heart rate. Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine “amp up” the body, increasing blood pressure, metabolism and reducing the ability to sleep. Drugs like opiates and barbiturates slow down the body, reducing blood pressure, breathing and alertness sometimes to dangerous levels. Some physical signs of abuse and addiction include:
* Cycles of increased energy, restlessness, and inability to sleep (often seen in stimulants)
* Abnormally slow movements, speech or reaction time, confusion and disorientation (often seen in opiates, benzodiazepines and barbiturates)
* Sudden weight loss or weight gain
* Cycles of excessive sleep
* Unexpected changes in clothing, such as constantly wearing long sleeved shirts, to hide scarring at injection sites
* Suspected drug paraphernalia such as unexplained pipes, roach clips or syringes
* For snorted drugs, chronic troubles with sinusitis or nosebleeds
* For smoked drugs, a persistent cough or bronchitis, leading to coughing up excessive mucus or blood.
* Progressive severe dental problems (especially with methamphetamine)
What makes drug addiction problems so challenging to face, as opposed to other mental or physical problems? Drug abuse affects the person’s life in many ways, including health, finances and stability. But it also affects the entire family, friends, colleagues– and even the community. What’s more, the strong denial and rationalization of the person using drugs makes it extremely difficult to get help, and can make concerned family members feel like they are the problem.
Risks
Drug addiction may also follow the use of drugs for physical pain relief, though this is rare in people without a previous history of addiction. The exact reason of drug abuse and dependence is not yet known. The genetic make-up of the individuals, peer pressure, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and environmental stress are all factors which seem to be involved. Children who grow up in an environment of illicit drug use may first see their elders using drugs. This may put them at a higher risk for developing an addiction later in life for both environmental and genetic reasons.
withdrawal
Drug withdrawal symptoms can occur when use of a substance is stopped. Withdrawal symptoms vary, depending on the particular substance. The withdrawal symptom depends on the length of time the drug was being used. Drug intoxication, overdose, and withdrawal can be life-threatening in some situations.
Treatment for the person with drug addiction begins with the recognition of the problem. Though earlier ‘denial’ was considered as a symptom of addiction, recent studies has shown that this symptom can be dramatically controlled if addicts are treated with love and care, rather than being told what to do or ‘confronted.’ Treatment of drug addiction involves detoxification, support and abstinence. Emergency treatment may be indicated for acute cases. Often, there may be a loss of consciousness and the person may need special medical attention temporarily. The specific treatment depends on the drug. Detoxification is the gradual withdrawal of an abused substance in a controlled way. Sometimes a drug with a similar action is substituted during the withdrawal process to reduce the unpleasant symptoms and risks associated with withdrawal. If depression or other mood disorder exists, it should be treated appropriately. The need for treatment is underscored by the severity of illness of those who undergo detoxification and the societal costs of untreated substance use disorders.
To select a genuine Drug rehab center is of prime importance.People in desperation wo...
You might be wondering why on earth your loved seems to be choosing drugs over family...
Treatment for the person with drug addiction begins with the recognition of the probl...
Risks Drug addiction may also follow the use of drugs for physical pain relief, th...
What makes drug addiction problems so challenging to face, as opposed to other mental...