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Drug Addiction Treatment

Drug addiction is something that can be difficult to overcome, and can be a death sentence for some. The power that drugs can have on an individual can be quite overwhelming, and the desire to use these destructive substances soon trumps everything else in one's life. This can cause destruction in all areas of an addict's life including their own health and well-being and in the lives of those closest to them. Without help, many individuals just sink into a dark existence where nothing else matter but drugs. This doesn't have to be the lot of an addict, as there are drug addiction treatment programs which can help individuals struggling with addiction. While there is no magic formula to fix addiction, drug addiction treatment is offered in a variety of different settings, using a variety of techniques. The sooner drug addiction treatment begins the better off the individual will be in the long run.

Whether you are caught up in drug addiction, or you know someone who is, the first obstacle to overcome in getting help is convincing oneself or the addict that help is needed. No accepting the fact that there is a problem is often referred to as "denial". Unless you admit that there is a problem, how can you accept help or offer help to someone else. Addicts are most often professional liars, and are not only good at faking out their loved ones but faking themselves out as well. If they actually sat down and analytically considered the destruction that drugs had in their lives, there would be no contention. If it is someone you love that needs help, don't be fooled. Be vigilant in noticing warning signs, so that you can be prepared to help that person if needed and offer drug addiction treatment.

Family members, loved ones and co-workers must be aware of changes in the person's lifestyle which will show that there is a problem. Some common signs to look out for include:

  • Long periods spent alone or isolated to oneself
  • Lying and stealing
  • Legal problems
  • Strained relationships
  • Obvious signs of being high including being incoherent or unconscious
  • Drastic changes in mood and/or behavior

These are just some of the signs of drug addiction, and each drug has distinct manifestations of effects and side effects. If you have even a hunch, it would be wise to contact a drug addiction treatment facility that can explain what the different drug manifestations are and help you confirm what you probably already know. Once you have confirmation that your loved one is using drugs, there is only one thing left to do. Get them drug addiction treatment as soon as possible.

One mistake that is often made is to wait to offer drug addiction treatment until the addict asks for help or reaches "rock bottom". While it is true that an individual who is in crisis and reaches what would be considered rock bottom is vulnerable, this doesn't mean that they will accept help. Individuals will accept help at any stage of the game and will have an easier time of it if caught early enough. The thing you don't want to do is wait until it is too late, and the individual has succumbed to addiction entirely. Many good people have lost their lives this way.

If you have tried repeatedly to help a family member or loved one get drug addiction treatment and have failed in doing so, an intervention is a powerful tool that can be used to get individuals to accept drug addiction treatment. Family, friends and co-workers can hold an intervention to let the individuals know how their addiction has affected not only their life but the lives of those around them, and they must accept drug addiction treatment before it is too late. Interventions are typically conducted by a professional interventionist who is a licensed or credentialed specialist. The interventionist may even work directly with the drug rehab center that you have chosen for your loved one, and drug rehab centers will have directories of interventionists that they work with regularly. An interventionist can mediate the intervention, which can be very heated and emotionally-charged affairs, and offer guidance and support during the entire process. They offer pre-intervention services to prepare the participants for the actual confrontation itself, and overseeing the actual intervention itself so that everything goes as smooth as possible. The only goal of the intervention is to get the individual into drug addiction treatment.

When the individual does accept drug addiction treatment, the first hurdle to overcome will be the physical withdrawal symptoms that set in when someone suddenly stops using drugs. While individuals detox from drugs as part of the drug addiction treatment process, they will typically do so in a drug detox facility or a drug rehab facility that can supervise them and get them through it. Different drugs bring about different withdrawal symptoms, but acute withdrawal symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Drug detox can be a very intense process for some, as many individuals experience fierce drug cravings during this time, which can be quickly satiated if they were not in a drug addiction treatment setting. The withdrawal symptoms make it even more difficult, which can also be extinguished quickly with more drugs. This is why it is crucial that the individual is in a drug addiction treatment setting while detoxing and going through withdrawal.

Most individuals who try and quit on their own don't have that support network there and quickly revert back to drug use. In a drug addiction treatment setting, individuals can get proper rest, nutrition and medical care to safely manage their withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings, making the process much smoother. They will also be in a position to easily transition onto the next steps of treatment, addressing the underlying causes of addiction. If they only undergo detox and nothing else, they will probably just go right back to drugs. So it is important that they stick with it and take part in a drug addiction treatment program which follows through with important counseling and therapy.

When choosing a drug addiction treatment program, it is important to understand that there are a variety of drug addiction treatment programs. Not every program is the same, and you will want to have your family member or loved one in the drug addiction treatment program which best suits their needs. A short-term drug addiction treatment program for example is typically an inpatient program which can last anywhere from a week to 30 days. Most short-term drug rehab facilities deliver a modified 12-step approach and utilize counseling and education to address addiction. A short term drug addiction treatment program may seem like a viable option for someone who wants to get treated for addiction quickly and then get on with their lives. But short-term treatment is not recommended for individuals who have struggled with long-term addiction, and it really designed for people who need a minimum amount of care.

The longer someone stays in drug addiction treatment the better the results. A long-term drug addiction treatment program is designed specifically to treat for individuals who have struggled with addiction for some time and require more intensive treatment. A long-term drug addiction treatment programs can last can last anywhere from one month to a year, and many individuals benefit greatly from staying in treatment as long as needed. The therapeutic environment allows the individual to completely submerse themselves in drug addiction treatment, while benefiting from a drug-free and supportive atmosphere. A more long-term program may take a considerably longer amount of time, but it gives the individual the opportunity to get to the root of addiction so that they can have a better shot at long-term sobriety. If they don't address all of these issues they are leaving themselves open to relapse, as they will not be able to cope with the real world without drugs unless these issues are resolved.

When choosing a drug addiction treatment program, it is easy to be put off by the cost of such treatment. A short-term drug addiction treatment program typically costs significantly less than other more proven long-term programs. Individuals may chose a short-term program for this reason, knowing that it will most likely not be enough time to become rehabilitated. Individuals seeking drug addiction treatment should not be put off by the cost, as there are always viable solutions to financing such treatment. Some long-term drug addiction treatment programs are covered by private health insurance. Check with your drug rehab of choice, and see if they offer a sliding fee scale which is based on one's income and other circumstances such as the size of your family. Drug addiction treatment programs often work with addicts and their families to make drug addiction treatment possible one way or the other, so don't lose hope if financing for such treatment seems hopeless.

Many drug addiction treatment programs have found that it is necessary to be able to identify and treat what is known as "co-occurring disorders" or "dual-diagnosis". It has recently come to light that some individuals struggle with drug addiction and either a mental health or co-occurring alcohol disorder. If just one of these disorders was addressed and not the other, it leaves the individuals vulnerable when they complete treatment and they will most likely relapse. Drug addiction treatment facilities now train their staff on how to properly diagnose such a disorder so that the individual can be properly treated. It has become an increasingly common occurrence and there are many drug rehab facilities which specialize in dual-diagnosis treatment and integrate this treatment as part of their program.

When the individual has completed treatment, whether long-term or short-term, drug treatment counselors will develop a strong aftercare program that will help the individual stay sober and continue their rehabilitation. Some aftercare programs may suggest that the individual continue treatment through an outpatient drug addiction treatment program or a 12-step program where they can continue to get the support they need. Some aftercare programs are significantly more intense, and may even require a stay at a halfway house or sober living facility. This type of facility is meant for individuals who need guidance and support during the transition period from drug addiction treatment to the real world. The individual resides at the halfway house or sober living facility; some even encourage individuals to bring their children, where they continue to take part in counseling and therapy while regaining the confidence they need to reacclamate to society.

Individuals and their families can get the help they need right away by seeking drug addiction treatment today. It can mean the difference between life and death for many, and the sooner the individual gets drug addiction treatment the better. Don't wait until it is too late, start the process now for yourself or someone you care about. It won't be easy, but the end result will be worth it in the long run. Contact a professional drug addiction treatment counselor in your area today who can guide you through the process, answer any questions you have, and get you or a loved one started in drug addiction treatment today.

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