Drug and Alcohol Treatment
Understanding what is involved in a drug treatment program is important in determining what type of treatment is right for yourself or your loved one. Below you will find answers to some of the most common questions with regards to drug and alcohol treatment.
What Is Drug and Alcohol Treatment?
Most drug and alcohol treatment centers are equipped to treat a wide range of addictions in different individuals. Some treatment programs may be specific to a certain addiction, while others may be more general. Some common addictions include:
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Crystal meth
- Vicodin, OxyContin and other prescription painkillers
- Marijuana
- Alcoholism
What Goes on During Drug Alcohol Treatment?
Each component of a drug addiction treatment center is designed to treat a specific aspect of an individual’s addiction. All treatment centers offer some form of the following:
- Detox. The purpose of detox is to eliminate the body’s physiological dependency on the substance. In a medical detox, prescription drugs are administered carefully by medical professionals to help minimize any withdrawal symptoms the patient might experience. They are also given full access to on-site counselors. In a natural detox program, patients receive constant support from medical professionals and counselors while they go through the withdrawal process; however, medications are generally not used to mitigate withdrawal symptoms.
- Counseling. The purpose of the counseling portion of rehab is to treat the psychological nature of the patient’s addiction. Patients attend one-on-one sessions with a counselor, group therapy sessions and, in some facilities, joint counseling with family members. Patients discuss the basis of their addiction as well as what areas of their life contribute to their desire for alcohol.
- Aftercare. There are a plethora of aftercare options for patients leaving a treatment facility. Community-based treatment programs help the recovering addict ease back into society while maintaining a strong foundation for support.
Who Should Consider Drug and Alcohol Treatment?
Alcoholism is defined as the inability to stop drinking despite being aware of the negative impact it is having on your health and well-being. Anyone suffering from alcoholism has developed a physical dependency on alcohol and should seek treatment immediately. Those who experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking are primary candidates because this indicates a physical addiction to the substance.
If you or someone you love is suffering with a substance abuse problem, contact us today. Our professionals can answer all your questions and help you find a drug and alcohol treatment program to meet your needs.
