When an individual becomes addicted to drugs, it is extremely difficult for them to “kick the habit” without some form of professional help. The most effective, comprehensive form of treatment for addiction comes from one of the many outstanding drug rehabilitation programs located around the country. These treatment centers help the individual by addressing both the physical and psychological components to addiction – thus providing a “whole body” approach that helps them improve their lives in mind, body and spirit.
The following is an examination of who should consider drug rehabilitation, what times of addictions are addressed in these programs and what goes on once the individual has enrolled for treatment.
Who Needs Drug Rehabilitation?
There are a number of tell-tale symptoms that an individual is addicted to drugs, and therefore needs the assistance of a drug rehabilitation program. These signs and symptoms include:
- Suddenly poor performance at work or school. When an individual is suffering from a drug addiction, they will find it difficult to maintain their responsibilities – as they are focused only on using and obtaining more drugs.
- Disassociation from friends and family. Individuals who are addicted to drugs will seclude themselves from loved ones. They may also begin spending time with a new peer group that is more likely to be using drugs on a regular basis.
- Mood swings or irritability. Individuals who are in the throes of a drug addiction may lash out at those closest to them without warning. The may also be in a very good mood one minute, and in the depths of depression the next.
- Borrowing or stealing money. Individuals living with a drug addiction are always in need of money to fund their habit. They may look for this money by borrowing money from loved ones, or out and out stealing it when needed.
- Physical abnormalities. There may be a number of physical signs that an individual is addicted to drugs, including: bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, scars caused by needle injections, sniffing or itching of the nose and other conditions.
What are the Different Types of Drug Rehabilitation?
There are a number of different drug rehab program types currently operating in the United States. Before we examine the “niche” program styles, it is important to focus on the difference between the main two program formats: residential and outpatient.
- Residential drug rehabilitation. These programs offer a comprehensive, highly-focused approach to drug addiction treatment by having the individual move into the facility fulltime during their recovery. This round-the-clock care allows for additional emotional support and medical care – in addition to peripheral programs that enhance the recovery process such as holistic care, exercise regimens, aftercare, etc.
- Outpatient drug rehabilitation. Outpatient rehab is similar in many ways to residential treatment (both place a strong emphasis on counseling as a means of addressing the psychological component of addiction) but with one key difference: in outpatient rehab, the individual does NOT live on site at the facility – instead, the patient returns home at the end of each treatment day.
Obviously, for many individuals, residential drug rehabilitation is the most effective option. However, not everyone can afford residential rehab costs, or are able to drop everything in their lives in order to move away from home and into a treatment center for an extended period of time. For these individuals, there is outpatient rehab – a way to move forward with addiction treatment and still maintain a presence at work, home or school.
Specific Styles of Drug Rehabilitation Treatment Programs
Within the two core program types listed above, there are also a number of “niche” treatment centers designed to meet the unique needs of certain groups of people. These programs include:
- Drug rehab for women. Gender specific programs that provide a safe haven for women to address addiction related issues such as co-dependency, physical abuse, sexual abuse or self-image issues.
- Teen and adolescent drug rehabilitation. These programs only admit young people and give them a chance to work through issues of peer-pressure, self-esteem, self-image, academic pressures and problems in the home.
- Holistic drug rehabilitation. A chance to incorporate natural Eastern healing methods into the rehabilitation process. Includes yoga, meditation and other programs that help the individual gain focus and inner-strength during the recovery process.
- Dual diagnosis. For those individuals who are suffering from co-occurring addiction and mental health disorders, including: anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorder, borderline personality disorder and other damaging conditions that require psychiatric care in order to manage properly.
