Drug Rehabilitation

In the United States, drug use has risen across all generations, genders, and demographics. Drug misuse has reached unprecedented levels, whether it’s heroin, prescription medication, marijuana, or synthetics. Since drugs are illegal and many people don’t discuss their drug use openly, assessing the exact scope of drug use in the United States is extremely difficult. Several surveys, studies, and publications, on the other hand, show that American drug use is exceptionally high, possibly reaching historic levels. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), around 31.9 million Americans aged 12 and older are “current users” of illicit drugs.

Substance abuse and addiction are unfortunately unavoidable in many cultures. People would still experiment with drugs due to natural curiosity, youthful rebelliousness, and various other factors. Experimentation can lead to abuse and then addiction in some cases. At this point, you will need the assistance of qualified practitioners to assist you in your battle against addiction.

Drug rehabilitation is an addiction treatment program that helps people dealing with substance abuse get the support they need to overcome their addiction. In the United States, there are currently over 14,000 drug rehabilitation centers, and the number is steadily increasing.

The Process of Drug Rehabilitation 

Initially, an addiction counselor or mental health professional will conduct an assessment before beginning treatment. This evaluation will gather information on substance abuse, medical records, drug screening, among other information that could prove useful for a diagnosis. The medical professional will collect information about: 

• The pattern of drug and alcohol abuse 
• Medical history 
• Physical health complications  
• Blood pressure and other vital signs 
• Previous detoxification or rehabilitation experiences 
• Living conditions, financial status, and legal status 
• Risk of suicide or violence 
• Cognitive, sensory, or physical disabilities 

The information gathered by the evaluation is used to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets each patient’s unique requirements. This treatment plan can include the following components: 

• Individual therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or contingency management 
• Group counseling. 
• Introduction to support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). 
• Family therapy sessions. 
• Suitable behavioral therapies or alternative therapies. 
• The use of medications to alleviate severe withdrawals and cravings.
• Aftercare planning and relapse prevention education. 

Each of these treatment elements helps patients overcome their psychological dependence on an addictive substance. Individual therapy helps patients recognize and deal with stimuli. These therapies can also assist in developing and improving emotional skills to prevent relapses. 

Family therapies help mend strained relationships with loved ones and help educate families on the nature of addiction. Support groups provide a sense of community with like-minded individuals. Group counseling provides patients with accountability for their behavior and actions.

Medication-assisted treatment programs utilize FDA-approved medications such as Suboxone and methadone in conjunction with behavioral therapy to help patients overcome their life of dependence and addiction.

Types of Drug Rehabilitation Centers 

Depending on many factors, such as the severity of addiction and the substance of abuse, patients can choose from a wide range of drug rehabilitation centers. Since there is no “one size fits all” solution to overcoming an addiction, it’s vital to seek the assistance and guidance of a physician or an addiction specialist to help you choose the right rehab program for you.

As per the U. S. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), the first step of any rehabilitation program is the detoxification process. A detox program helps patients safely manage withdrawal symptoms while flushing out the addictive substance from the body. Detox programs are available at all inpatient programs and certain outpatient programs. 

Here are a few types of drug rehabs for you to choose from:

Inpatient rehabilitation: Also known as long-term residential rehabs, provide comprehensive treatment programs that address all aspects of an individual’s addiction. Inpatient rehabs are substance-free facilities that provide 24-hour medical assistance and support. Individuals battling chronic drug and alcohol addiction and those suffering from co-occurring psychiatric or behavioral illnesses must seek treatment in an inpatient rehab facility. 

Outpatient rehabilitation: Outpatient rehabilitation is another form of rehab center that is ideal for patients with mild to moderate drug addiction or dependence. Outpatient recovery programs provide many of the same treatments found at an inpatient center but without the rigid structure. Patients are given the flexibility to return home each day after their treatment. The outpatient setting helps patients receive treatment while maintaining their home and work life.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Also referred to as day programs, PHP includes many of the elements found in inpatient and outpatient programs. PHP provides intensive treatment without the need for an overnight stay. And a more structured recovery plan than a traditional outpatient program. These services successfully treat a variety of mental health conditions, including substance use disorders (SUD).

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs): IOP is an ideal recovery plan for people with substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health disorders who do not require medical detoxification or around-the-clock care. IOPs enable patients to continue with their regular, day-to-day lives while receiving the treatment they require. IOPs are also used as a step-down program after completing an inpatient program to help patients gradually intergrade back into society.

Services Provided by Drug Rehabs 

Services provided by drug rehab centers may vary from the type of rehab chosen and the patient’s requirements. But most rehabs provide services such as:

• Detoxification programs: Detox is the first stage of a rehabilitation program. It helps patients address the physical dependence on an addictive substance while flushing it out of their bodies. Depending on the severity of addiction, withdrawal symptoms can vary in intensity and duration. Those who are likely to endure severe withdrawal syndrome will be provided medically assisted detoxification in helping to minimize the risks involved. Detox programs are widely available through inpatient settings and certain outpatient programs.

After completing detox, patients can focus on addressing their psychological dependence on drugs and alcohol.

• Individual therapy: Individualized therapy assists patients in developing coping mechanisms and resources to abstain from substance usage and sustain abstinence through focusing on short-term behavioral objectives. It helps patients understand and recognize triggers and teach them positive and effective ways to deal with them.
• Group Therapy: Most rehabs employ group counseling to maximize social support and to encourage a drug-free lifestyle. Effective results are achieved when group therapy is delivered in combination with individualized addiction treatment or is formatted to incorporate cognitive-behavioral therapy or contingency management concepts. 
• Family therapy: Addiction is a widespread disease with far-reaching consequences. When one family member deals with addiction, it can have a detrimental impact on the entire family system by causing them to experience increased stress and anxiety. Drug abuse is referred to as a family disease because of its grip on families. 

Family therapy helps mend strained relationships and create awareness of the nature of addiction. It helps families better understand the person suffering from SUD. And how best to support them after rehabilitation.

• Aftercare programs: Addiction recovery is a lifelong process with a high probability of relapse even after successfully completing rehab. So building a solid aftercare plan is critical, but the specific components of aftercare can vary from person to person. Many drug treatment centers provide their own follow-up services to help patients adjust to their new lives. Aftercare programs offer additional therapy, workshops, and programs for alumni of the recovery program.

They also provide introductions to support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), two of the most well-known 12-step programs, with meetings held around the country and attended by many people suffering from addiction.

Duration of Drug Rehab Treatment 

The duration of drug treatment programs can vary from patient to patient. However, the available length of rehab programs are:

• 30-day program
• 60-day program
• 90-day program

There are two types of drug rehabilitation stays; short-term and long-term. The average length of time spent in short-term recovery is 28 to 30 days. Long-term recovery, on the other hand, usually lasts about 90 days. Detoxification programs can last for one to two weeks for both treatment options. To get clean and start a plan for long-term rehabilitation, most patients require at least three months of rehab.

The Benefits of Drug Rehabilitation 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), one cannot simply stop using drugs for a few days and be cured. Therefore, professional medical treatment is necessary to overcome drug abuse and addiction issues. Here are five significant advantages of a drug rehabilitation program. 

• Provides a safe environment: Removing an individual from an environment that encourages drug abuse can help them in their journey to recovery. Rehabs provide patients with support,  guidance, and effective tools in helping them address all aspects of addiction.
• Build peer support: Being surrounded by people who understand what you’re going through can create a sense of community most individuals suffering from SUD lack. Your peers help you stay accountable for your actions and provide valuable insight in helping you overcome your struggles.
• Helps strengthen relationships: Rehab programs provide family therapy that helps mend broken or strained relationships. They help loved ones understand the true nature of addiction and how best to handle stressful situations once a loved one returns home after rehab.
• Breaking the cycle of addiction: There are many reasons why individuals become addicted to drugs. Understanding the root cause can help you avoid a relapse in the future. Therapies and counseling provided by rehabs help patients uncover their triggers so they could be avoided or effectively managed. 
• Promotes a healthy lifestyle: Developing habits that promote a healthy lifestyle can gradually reverse the physical and emotional damages done by substance abuse and improve your quality of life.

What to Look for in a Drug Rehab?

Deciding on a drug rehab center for yourself or a loved one can be difficult and sometimes overwhelming. Here are some questions to ask and consider before making a choice that is right for you. 

• What types of licensing or accreditation does the facility have? 
• What qualifications or licenses do the rehab staff have? 
• Do they provide medically assisted treatment programs? 
• What’s the patient-to-staff ratio at the rehab? 
• Do they provide evidence-based treatments? 
• Do they provide services tailored to particular genders? 
• How effective is their recovery program? 
• Does the rehab accept my insurance? 
• Do they provide treatment for co-occurring disorders and other psychiatric disorders? 
• Do they provide medical detoxification programs? 
• What age group of patients does the rehab accept? 
• How long will the program last? 
• What type of post-treatment support do they offer? 

Drug rehabilitation aims to help people avoid using drugs and learn how to live productive lives. Recovery entails more than just getting clean and sober; it also entails rebuilding your life on a more strong and secure platform. Drug rehabilitation programs help individuals regain their independence and improve their quality of life.