One of the most devastating societal concerns today is addiction and so prevalent is it that health experts are warning that it has reached epidemic levels. The problem is that most of those addicted don’t know they have a problem. Whether it is alcohol or drug addiction or sex addiction, the negative attitude of the modern society to addiction is exacerbating the problem.
Many addicts live with their problem without any treatment until things reach a tipping point. Luckily, there is better access to information on recovery options and how an addict can get their life back on track. If you or a loved one is suffering from any form of addiction, you can now get professional help from a licensed rehabilitation center in your city.
Before choosing any particular rehab, it is important to get more insight on how treatment works in order to start on a stronger foundation. Whether you are seeking help for your own self or for a loved one, any information about addiction, treatment and recovery will go a long way in boosting your chances of recovery without relapse. However desperate your situation looks, remember there was someone else who has been down that road.
The Addiction Problem in Numbers
The situation is grim and to appreciate how big a problem addiction is in the contemporary society, you just have to take a quick look at the numbers. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) says that 21.5 million American adults battled a substance use disorder in 2014.
Alcohol disorder was the biggest culprit among people suffering from substance use disorder. Studies show that around 100 people die daily due to drug overdose with the rate tripling over the last 20 years. To make things worse, 6.8 million people with an addiction have a mental illness.
The cost of treating substance abuse is huge with The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 2007 saying over $200 billion is used in legal work, lost workplace production/participation, criminal justice and healthcare.
Common Addictions
When talking about addiction, what comes to mind is mostly substance abuse. However, behavioral research shows addiction is more diversified today encompassing gambling addiction, sex and shopping addition, food addiction, to mention a few. Truth be told, it is in drug addiction or alcohol dependence where the problem is and in fact most people are in need of help for the same.
In 2015, over 50% of people who received treatment for substance use disorder were being treated for alcoholism. Indeed, over 17 million of adults in the U.S can be regarded to as having an alcohol problem. Other illicit drugs commonly abused include bath salts, crystal meth, crack, cocaine, heroin, PCP, steroids among others. Prescription drugs such as Ambien, Adderall, codeine and Xanax are also widely abused.
The main challenge in dealing with drug or alcohol dependence is the fact that the addict is not ready to accept there is a problem. Many families live with addicts and they don’t even note it until it is too late. Among the signs to be on the lookout for include:
- Behavioral changes for the worse including poor grooming and a carefree attitude.
- Muscle cramping and teeth clenching.
- Reduced inhibitions
- Chills and sweating
- Involuntary shaking (tremors)
- Weight gain or loss.
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor judgment
- Los of interest in work
- Inability to control drinking
Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation
There are many options available in addiction recovery. Some addicts opt to go cold turkey which means stopping using drugs or alcohol. This is a tough path for an addict and the chances of relapse are very high. You can also opt for outpatient treatment but this method has various weaknesses the major one being an easy access to the same drugs and alcohol during the recovery journey.
One of the most effective paths towards recovery for substance abuse is going to a well-established professional rehabilitation center. This is a structured program an addict gets help and support within a recovery center. These centers are set in a serene environment which gives a sense of a new beginning for the addict.
Among the principles that guide the idea of a treatment in a rehab center are;
- Addiction recovery is a process that needs support
- The earlier you start treatment the better.
- There is no one-size-fits-all solution to treatment and your treatment will be tailored to meet your addiction.
- Addiction holistically addresses all areas of your life to give you better grounding during recovery.
- Treatment should address mental health conditions because they are always linked to addiction.
- Treatment also considers coexisting infectious diseases such as hepatitis, HIV, and tuberculosis.
- Long-term behavioral change is the goal of treatment
- Treatment is regularly reviewed to address your changing needs.
With these principles in mind you can now find a reputable licensed addiction recovery center for your loved one. While there is no one-fits-all the main steps taken in the rehab process are:
- Intake
During this stage, you will be taken through a set of questions to determine this is the best place to treat your addiction. This stage is beneficial to both the addict and their family on one side and also for the rehab center. At this point you will determine as a family whether this rehab meets your unique needs.
- Detox
Detoxification is necessary in most drug and alcohol abuse cases in order to remove all traces of the drug or alcohol in the body. The severity of detox will depend on the drug, addict’s body composition and metabolism levels, history of substance abuse among other factors. Withdrawal symptoms are expected but there is a doctor to treat the same at the facility. Among drugs used in detox are Methadone, Buprenorphineand Benzodiazepines among others.
- Rehabilitation
After detox treatment starts and it will vary depending on an individual. There are group and individual therapy sessions, family therapy and other professional programs.
- Recovery
After the treatment period, the recovery process starts and this is a lifelong process. The best addiction recovery centers offer follow-up programs or recommend a sober living residence. Programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA)that offer support during this recovery phase.
Final Thoughts
The benefits of going to rehab cannot be overemphasized; you find a stable environment which boost recovery, find professional counselors offering tailored therapy, learn new things, get motivated by others through peer support, live in a zero tolerance substance environment and enjoy privacy. If you or a loved one is suffering from substance addiction, find a reputable rehabilitation center and start a life-changing journey.
