Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehab

Stages of Drug Addiction Treatment

Detoxification. The abrupt cessation of drug abuse can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms that may last for many weeks. Before any rehabilitation can begin in earnest, the physical health of the recovering drug addict must be atteneded to. This is typically a very difficult process for anyone who has become addicted to drugs, and requires extreme discipline. It is often performed in an inpatient setting. During detoxification the medication is measured carefully to prevent withdrawal and is then gradually tapered off until no withdrawal symptoms are evident. This usually requires a few days to a week. Recently, physician-assisted, outpatient detoxification has become popular. In the current managed health care setting, it is increasingly difficult to obtain coverage for in-hospital detoxification.

SEE ALSO Signs of Addiction Are you or someone you know addicted to drugs? If you're wondering, the answer is probably yes.

Rehabilitation. Drug rehabilitation is a multi-phase, multi-faceted, long term process. Almost all addicts tell themselves in the beginning that they can conquer their addiction on their own without the help of outside resources. Unfortunately, this is not usually the case. When an addict tries to stop using without the aid of professional help, the chances of sucess are statistically very low. Sheer will power alone does not ensure recovery, though a total determination to quit is the key to a successful recovery. Most drug addiction success stories involved at least one short- or long-term residential programs. These programs are professionally administered, offer a skilled medical and counseling staff, establish an environment of support, and allow the addict to focus on the work of recovery.

There are several types of rehabilitation programs.

• Short-term programs last less than 4 weeks. Longer programs last for a month to a year or more. These are structured programs that provide therapy, education, skills training, and help develop a long-term plan to prevent relapsing.
  
  
• Outpatient counseling (individually, in groups, or with families) can be used as a primary treatment or as a "step-down" for people as they come out of a residential or structured day program.
  
  
• Outpatient counseling can provide education on addiction and recovery, can help the person learn skills not to use, and spot early signs of potential relapse.
  
  
• There are several very effective individual treatments delivered by professional counselors in outpatient treatment clinics. These treatments are Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Coping Skills. A well-known self-help program is Narcotics Anonymous, based on the Alcoholics Anonymous model. Groups can be found in small and large communities world-wide.
  
  

Ongoing Treatment and Support. For long-term successful recovery, the addict's work does not end with the treatment program. An ongoing commitment to stay sober is really only possible with support of one's family, friends, and social sphere. Regular attendance at support group meetings provide a social support network for recovering addicts. Many recovering addicts attend meetings on a regular basis for years after quitting; some for a lifetime. Be aware that support groups alone may not be enough. Many recovering addicts who are helped by a support group usually find that it works best in combination with other forms of treatment, including counseling and medical care.