Considering Drug Rehab

September 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Considering Drug Rehab

What is Drug Rehab?
Drug rehabilitation (rehab) is the commonly used term for treatment for a substance dependency, abuse or addiction to drugs or alcohol for the purpose of getting help in abstaining from such substances.

The Decision to Enter Rehabilitation
Coming to the decision that it is time to enter a drug rehabilitation program is a difficult one, a choice that requires a lot of soul searching and determination. It may take months or even years to arrive at such a turning point. The decision may be forced – by your spouse or employer. You may be at a breaking point. Your family may have staged an intervention in order to help you. Your health may be in jeopardy. Or, you may realize that in order to live your life to the fullest and to your full potential, it will be necessary to eliminate certain negative influences that are holding you back. Namely a dependence upon substances that aren’t serving you. In any case, the first step in recognizing that you have a drug or alcohol problem is to voluntarily make the decision to change your life. Going into rehab is a step in the right direction, the first step in getting your life back.

Treatment Types
There are different ways rehab is approached. The two main types are out-patient and in-patient. There are also support groups, residential programs (such as sober houses), and care centers.

Efficacy
The most effective treatment plans incorporate both the physical and the emotional components of an addiction. Psychological treatment, such as counseling (individual and group setting) as well as physical treatments that treat chemical imbalances are administered in this treatment model. Cognitive-behavioral approaches can also be utilized. There is also the well-known 12 step program, made famous by Alcoholics Anonymous.

Choosing an In-Patient Drug Rehab Facility
When choosing a facility for drug rehabilitation, consider the following: privacy concerns, individual vs. group therapy, whether you will be allowed to take other types of medication (such as anti-depressants), location, type of environment. amount of freedom, after care, and cost.

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Healthy Addictions to Use as Replacements

August 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Despite the fact that many drugs contain chemicals and toxins that can cause addiction, the majority of addiction problems are the result of personalities. Those who cope with addiction usually have addictive personalities, and therefore if they can find a replacement vice, their transition out of drug or alcohol abuse and back into sobriety will be much easier. Despite the negative connotations, there are some activities for those with addictive personalities that can be quite beneficial.

Running, weight lifting or any other type of exercise is a common replacement for those just coming out of rehab. By dedicating hours to exercise, not only can those who were once dependent become far more healthy and in shape, but they can also adequately exercise whatever remaining inner demons they may have. Since exercise is one of the few safe "pleasure/pain" activities, it can be a stress relief, joy, punishment, or pleasure all at the same time. These layers are part of why it is popular amongst recovering addicts.

Another outlet for recovering addicts would be any sort of applied skill, such as learning a musical instrument. Because learning something new is challenging and often a task that can take years to master, it allows the user to spend hours upon hours immersed in the craft without getting bored. Because music can also help with inner expression, it is beneficial on multiple levels.

Finally, carpentry or do-it-yourself projects can provide the perfect release for those looking for something challenging, rewarding, and time-consuming. Because most projects require a great deal of attention spread out over several days, this sort of outlet is perfect for those looking to fill their hours with positive activities.

Although the addiction to drugs may be quelled, there are fewer ways of eliminating the addictive personalities of those checking into or out of rehab. However by replacing drugs with a more constructive outlet, those who fear they have no control over their addiction can put their tendencies to good use, bettering themselves and those around them.

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Do you Need a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center?

July 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

If you have tried therapy for a drug addiction, but it failed to help you overcome the urge to use drugs, then you may have a more serious problem. In some cases, a person may fail at treatment because he is really suffering from two addictions. In other cases, a mental health illness may contribute to the addiction. When this is the case, you may benefit from dual diagnosis treatment, also known as co-occurring disorder therapy. Dual diagnosis therapy attempts to determine mental health issues that may be contributing to a person’s desire to abuse a substance. Borderline personality disorders of bipolar disorders may require medication to correct the underlying issues.

While some people advocate the dual diagnosis treatment method, others believe the medication used to treat mental health issues can cause new problems. A major source of concern is the amount of warnings that accompany mental health medication. Other critics of the system believe the treatment option replaces one drug for another. There is also the risk that a substance abuse problem is causing symptoms that mirror a mental health condition. If this is the case, the person’s symptoms will diminish, or disappear, once the person recovers from the addiction.

If you don’t have a family history of mental health illnesses, you may want to start your recovery from addiction by using a traditional rehab program. If you can get the substance out of your system, it can make it easier to determine whether you also have a mental health issue, because the drug will no longer be causing similar symptoms.

If for some reason you believe you need a dual diagnosis treatment center, there are a couple of things to look for before deciding which facility to use. First, make sure the center offers a variety of treatment options from individual to group therapies. Second, determine the after-care options. If you will be taking new medication as part of your recovery process, you may need more follow-up care than a person who is not taking medication. For the right individual, dual diagnosis treatment can mean successful recovery.

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Don’t Let Drug Addiction and Substance Abuse Myths Stop You From Getting Help

June 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

When you’re suffering from a substance abuse problem, you may be allowing a myth to prevent you from getting help. You may not even know it’s a myth. Here are four myths that prevent people from seeking treatment.

Willpower is Enough

When you’re addicted to something, you may think you have the ability to overcome the problem on your own. Many addicts feel that they can stop by willing it—mind over matter. The truth of the situation is that drug use can alter the way a brain works. When this happens, you may need professional assistance to learn how to resist cravings and compulsions to use the substance.

Recovery Has to Wait

A person who suffers from a substance abuse problem may not realize it until he hits rock bottom. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t begin rehab as soon as you realize you have a problem. The earlier you catch an addiction, the easier it will be to overcome it. Having less of the substance in your body will allow you to detox sooner and may reduce the withdrawal symptoms you experience.

Addiction is Incurable

You may have heard that addiction is a disease. The way a drug can alter your brain causes similar symptoms and health problems as an illness. That’s why many experts classify addiction as a disease. However, just because an addiction may be a disease, it doesn’t mean there isn’t a cure. Just like chemotherapy helps a patient get rid of cancer, a substance abuse treatment program can help you overcome your addiction. Treatments like medication, exercise, and therapy are like insulin for diabetics.

Treatment is a One-Shot Deal

If you have tried treatment before and it didn’t work, you may believe you’re beyond help. That isn’t the case! Recovering from a substance abuse addiction takes time. For many people addicted to drugs, it is common to experience a relapse after treatment. This doesn’t mean the treatment failed. You should view a setback as a warning to get back on track. This may mean entering a new rehab program or going back to one you have already tried.

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Individual Therapy Can Help Addicts Recover

June 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment

When you suffer from a chemical or narcotic dependence, it can take professional help to overcome the addiction. While some people may think seeing a shrink is for a person with mental problems, individual treatment with a professional therapist can help you understand the reasons behind your addiction.

Some people may just need someone to listen to their problems. Others will need a therapist who has experience at helping people cope with past issues. An addiction can leave you with a complex range of emotions that can be difficult to handle without using the substance of your addiction. You may suffer from depression, grief, anxiety, or anger. In some cases, a mental health issue, such as a borderline personality disorder, may be contributing to your need to use drugs.

Most substance abuse treatment centers offer individual therapy as part of the recovery process, but the type of therapy you can get depends on the center. Some facilities work with a licensed psychologist. Others offer personal care counselors. You may find it beneficial to meet with professionals from different industries. Some rehab centers utilize the expertise of spiritual care counselors, like preachers.

For many recovering drug addicts, individual therapy is critical. You may not be comfortable discussing personal issues in group therapy. In an individual session, you can share your feelings and situation without fear or embarrassment. The time also allows your therapist to get to know your individual needs. He can evaluate your situation and determine the best course of recovery based on your personal history and tendencies. You may have harmful or destructive patterns that contribute to your cycle of substance abuse. By discovering this information, your therapist can help you find ways to break the cycle before you cave in to cravings.

In addition to analyzing your situation, your therapist will encourage you to succeed in recovery from your substance abuse addiction. You will begin to see the cost of the addiction compared to the reality of life. Through it all, the therapist will offer you tools to use to help you beat your addiction.

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Drug Addicts Find Hope in Spiritual Therapy

June 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Including spiritual therapy in a substance abuse treatment program is common for centers that have a holistic view of health. In this approach, the facility looks at the body as having three elements: mind, body, and soul. Cognitive therapy can help patients as they search for emotional or physical triggers that lead to chemical or narcotic dependencies. To handle the element of the soul, the facility may utilize spiritual therapy. For those who have tried cognitive therapy with limited success, spiritual therapy may be the missing piece needed to recover from addiction.

Spiritual therapy is a faith-based approach to wellness; however, it does not promote one religion over another. A person who is Jewish can benefit from the therapy just as much as person with a Muslim upbringing. If you have a specific religion you prefer, you can request to meet with a spiritual counselor from your religion. You may still find it beneficial to explore other religions. If not, most substance abuse treatment facilities will respect your religious wishes.

The goal of the spiritual therapy is to improve the relationship between feelings, emotions, and thoughts and the mind and body. To achieve this goal, a spiritual therapist will lead clients through discussions on the role of faith, the purpose of life, and self-expression. As part of spiritual therapy, a person will learn how to shift his attention to others. Some people may focus on nature, while others will seek to find the goodness in people. This shift can help a person find a sense of fulfillment. For some it may even identify a purpose strong enough to help them overcome the temptation of the addiction.

Spiritual therapy may act as an education tool for people who have limited exposure to faith. Recovering addicts may read information from world religions as a way to understand spiritual concepts like forgiveness, grace, and mercy. These concepts can help a person see the redeeming qualities in her life. Meditation and relaxation techniques can help a person find a healthy way to cope when the temptation to use drugs occurs.

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Exressive Art Therapy May Speed Recovery From Addiction

May 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Expressive art therapy can be a complementary approach to standard therapy methods used for those recovering from a substance abuse problem. The power of the therapy rests in the function of art as a method of communication. Through art, a person suffering from addiction, or other major issues, may find an outlet for the situation that he hasn’t found through other treatment methods, such as individual or group therapy.

Art therapy may utilize a variety of techniques from sculpting to painting to drawing. The method you decide to use will depend on the method you prefer. Some people find release in sketching. Others prefer to feel the smooth texture of clay as it spins through their hands. Some like the blending ability of acrylic paints, while others prefer the simplicity of black and white.

The process of creating something through art allows a person to express feelings and emotions. You may find that making something for self-expression eases stress. For therapists, art work can help pinpoint areas where a client needs help. The way a therapist uses art may vary depending on the study of art therapy he uses. Some therapists believe the process of creating art is in itself therapeutic. Others feel the art work created is a springboard to psychotherapy.

Regardless of the type of approach to art therapy, both techniques rely on a person’s ability to communicate through art. The idea is to project inner conflicts onto an outward surface, thereby freeing the body and mind from the stress caused by the conflict. In some cases, this release allows a person to become more verbally articulate about her drug or substance abuse problem.

Because art therapy does not necessarily require the ability to verbalize difficult concepts, the approach is an effective treatment technique for children and teenagers. Often, art therapy can be useful in helping younger people who have begun to use gateway drugs. If you are trying to recover from a drug problem, you may want to explore whether expressing yourself through art can increase the speed of your recovery.

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Overcoming a Drug Addiction Without Professional Help

May 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The first step to recovering from a drug problem is admitting you have a problem. From there, you need to decide what you are going to do to overcome the problem. For many people, the solution is to check into a substance abuse treatment center. But what if you can’t afford the steep cost of recovery?

There are many reasons why a rehab center may not be something you decide to use as you work to recover from your addiction. While many people find professional rehab instrumental, there are people everywhere who have beaten an addiction without professional help. If this is the route you plan to take, there are some steps you can follow.

1. Decide to change. An addiction may be the result of several issues. You may have to change the way you handle stress, your hobbies, the people you hang out with, or how you view yourself.

2. Find a support system. While a substance abuse problem may seem personal, your addiction is probably affecting everyone around you. Your loved ones can be a source of encouragement and motivation for you to make the changes necessary for you to overcome your addiction. There are support groups across the nation that handle a variety of addictions.

3. Discover your triggers. You may need to track your drug or substance use to find the things in your life that cause you to turn to drugs. Drug use can often follow a cycle or pattern.

4. Learn to control stress. Finding a healthy distraction can help you avoid drug use when you are under stress. Some people find exercise to be helpful. Others turn to art therapy, music, or meditation.

5. Avoid triggers. In most cases, a trigger will increase your craving for a fix. Certain social settings, people, or circumstances can add to the temptation to relapse into drug use. When possible avoid triggers. If you have to be in a situation where you will be tempted to use substances, ask for help from a sober friend and employ any healthy distractions that you can during the situation.

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Discover Peace of Mind Through Addiction Recovery Programs

April 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

There isn’t a person alive on the planet that hasn’t at one time or another struggled with some issue. Anyone who says their life is perfect and always has been is probably lying. That’s not to say we can’t be blessed with many things but the harsh reality is that sometimes the world becomes a weary place. To escape, some folks turn to food, drugs, alcohol and other forms of addictive obsessions to ease the pain of daily life. It’s when our lives become controlled by those obsessions that we need to seek out addiction recovery programs for healing and peace of mind.

Addiction recovery programs come in all forms and with all types of treatments. Some of the most intense form of recovery can be found a committed stay at live-in treatment center. This is where patients can receive around the clock supervision to help them break the chains of addiction. The first phase at these types of facilities is to clean your body. There’s no escaping the simple fact that detoxing can be a very challenging experience to go through. When people try to kick habits on their own, they often fail. But an addiction recovery program with constant supervision can provide you with the opportunity to truly kick the habit.

Once the body is cleansed, it’s time to work on the mind. This is where therapy comes into play. Working one-on-one and in groups will help you get to the root cause of the addiction and find ways to avoid the triggers which could set you back down a dark path. Recovery is the start of a new chapter in your life. It will change how you see the world and the people around you. If you or a loved one needs this special kind of help, find the addiction recovery programs that can get your life back once and for all.

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