Many people wonder how drug rehab works and if it is worth the cost. Anyone whose life has been changed due to successful completion of the programs can testify to its great benefit. The steps involved include physical, emotional and mental treatment to help an addict overcome the physical addiction and prevent relapse. There are many reasons a person may turn to drugs or alcohol including family, work, or general stress. To overcome the addiction, the person also needs to learn better ways of dealing with the stress as well.
Detox
Detoxification is the first step in the process. This step often involves medical treatment for the physical addiction. When your body becomes addicted to a drug, it begins to need it. Without the drug, the body can have severe physical problems. There are different medical procedures including using other non-addictive drugs to reduce the dependency. This is a very trying time in the process and patients can often become sick, depressed, and even violent as they pass through this stage.
Therapy
Therapy is the second step in the process. Most initial therapy happens in a drug treatment center. In this situation, the patient lives with other recovering addicts going through the same process. Individual and group therapy is applied. This helps people understand the struggles, build a support system and learn to overcome the stresses that caused them to rely on drugs or alcohol. Other activities include outside activities to provide encouragement and promote healthy living.
Outpatient Therapy
Outpatient therapy is usually the third step. By this point, the patient has achieved a level of control that satisfies the counselors that the person can reenter society with success in dealing with stresses the right way. During this time, the patient is in frequent contact with their counselor and will attend Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings for group support. Part of this time is to help promote a concept called sober living. When a person has been addicted to something, it is often difficult for them to avoid that addiction when the stress of life attacks again. Having this support available, helps them turn to people that will encourage them instead of relapsing into their previous addiction.
Time Frame
The length of treatment varies by individual needs. Many programs have set time limits, but can vary the limits depending on the types of addictions the individual experiences. Most people who enter rehab centers have a pretty long treatment plan implemented. Some last a month, while others may last many months before leaving the center.
Relapse
People relapse for various reasons. It is extremely important for a person to learn how to appropriately cope with different stresses in order to survive in life. The treatment programs work hard to teach these coping skills and provide the support needed in aftercare. However, if a person reenters life in a situation where others around them continue to use drugs and alcohol it can be very difficult for him or her to abstain.
Drug rehab treatment works by dealing with both the physical and mental portions of the addictions. Through the therapy, individuals learn coping skills to help them find better ways of dealing with the stress that life sends their way. Rehab also helps the families of addicts by providing information and family counseling. Treatment costs outweigh the negative impact, both on society and on the individual.
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