Drug Rehab Center

Benefits, Treatment Types, and Guidelines for Choosing the Best

Substance abuse is as much a malady of the mind as it is of the body since it does not only bring about physical damage, but it also alters a person's behavior and general state of mind. People who suffer from drug addiction will need all the help they can get, not the least of which is rehabilitation and counseling. In the past few decades, more and more addiction patients seek help by checking themselves in a drug rehab center in the hopes that it will provide them the tools to overcome substance dependency.

While drug rehabilitation centers have become well-known facilities all over the world, many are still in the dark as to what actually goes on inside an addiction treatment facility, let alone what one can expect from a rehab program. Listed below is vital information regarding drug treatment centers, including their main benefits, types of programs offered, and guidelines for people who are looking for the best rehab center in their locale.

Benefits of Rehabilitation

Effective Detoxification

Narcotics (especially certain types of street drugs) often have a lasting effect on the body, particularly the internal organs, which can cause permanent and/or irreparable damage. Most, if not all, rehab programs include a complete and comprehensive detoxing process in which the body is rid of any and all narcotic substances and their residue. The body requires a total reboot in order to regain status quo and revert back to an optimal and functional state. Since the process of detoxification is often hard on the patient (withdrawal symptoms are often debilitating and harrowing), it is best that they are placed under the care of professionals who are properly trained and equipped to handle such situation.

Once the drugs are completely out of the patient's system, he/she can begin healing-at least on a physical level. Up to the late nineties, detoxing was classified as a type of drug rehabilitation. These days, it is considered merely an essential step in a long, arduous, and continuing process.

Drug-Free Environment

One of the reasons why most addicts cannot simply quit the habit on their own is the fact that they cannot totally detach from people and situations that trigger and/or enable drug use. In order for effective recuperation to take place, it becomes necessary for the patient to be extricated from unnecessary triggers, i.e. other drug users, dealers, clubs, bars, and all other places and/or people who have anything to do with drug use.

Rehab centers are inherently designed to provide an environment that is not only drug-free but also highly conducive to physical and emotional healing. Some centers are located on ranches, mountainside properties, and beaches, all of which are areas that promote relaxation and allow patients to reflect and concentrate on getting back on their feet.

Rehab treatment centers have very strict policies in place regarding visitors, not the least of which is the routine inspection of any and all items that are brought into the facility, especially bags where drugs and other addictive substances can be hidden. Visitors are expected to abide by the rules of the program and the center, otherwise they are placed on the blacklist and will not be allowed to see the patient for the duration of his/her stay in the facility.

Well Defined Schedule and Structured Daily Routine

Most people assume that being in rehab entails sitting in a small room somewhere contemplating about transgressions. On the contrary, patients are encouraged (and required) to participate in all the daily activities such as group exercise, counseling (either group or individual), and other tasks. Some programs include art sessions where patients are encouraged to draw, write, or otherwise express themselves using various media such as colors, music, etc.

Some centers are located in farmlands where patients are encouraged to plant flowers or shrubbery and tend to them as part of their rehabilitation. Learning to care for and cultivate life has been proven to be an effective tool in keeping a person's focus on the most important things in life as opposed to distractions such as alcohol and drugs.

Access to Qualified Medical Professionals

Most drug rehab centers are founded and/or run by medical professionals as well as drug treatment experts. Placing a loved one under the care of a drug treatment facility entails keeping him/her safe and well cared for in terms of medical-related needs. Drug centers are required to retain the services of qualified physicians in order to acquire the necessary license to open and run the facility.

Proactive Approach to Rehabilitation

Addiction, just like other physical maladies, can very well recur more than ones. With this in mind, it is highly beneficial to take advantage of methods that are designed to prevent relapses. Drug rehab centers offer highly specific programs that do not only address the current situation (drug dependency), but also the root cause of the compulsion.

What many rehab experts strongly recommend is for drug dependent patients to seek treatment for the reason why they seek drugs in the first place. The process might take longer than the original rehab stint, in which case the treatment will continue via out-patient arrangement.

Different Types of Drug Rehab Programs

Since not all kinds of treatment work for everyone, it is necessary to know and understand the various types of programs available for substance abusers.

In-Patient Program

Over the years, this has become the top choice for drug dependent patients as well as their families. An in-patient program requires an individual to be checked-in the facility for a pre-determined amount of time (no less than 4 weeks) for an intensive course of treatment. This type of program provides 24 care for patients, starting with detoxification then moving on to the psychological aspects of the treatment.

Among the most salient benefits of the in-patient program is its highly structured treatment plan that addresses both physical as well as psychological concerns. During the course of rehabilitation, patients are trained to not crave drugs and be able to cope with their personal troubles and emotional turmoils in a less destructive manner. Due to the nature of this program, particularly its lengthy duration, patients are allowed visitors (at least once a week). In addition, family days are also scheduled in order to provide patients with emotional support coming from friends and family.

There are several sub-categories under the in-patient program, some of which are the following:

Government-Sponsored Rehab Facilities- Most states have government in-patient rehab facilities that admit patients who need immediate and extensive help in overcoming their addiction. These centers provide free services to drug dependent individuals and follow the same program as that which is employed by private institutions. The only downside to choosing government rehab centers is that they are usually full, especially in the case of densely populated cities such as New York, Chicago, Boston, etc. This means you will have to take your chances when choosing this type of facility.

Private Rehab Centers- Most patients and their families prefer private treatment centers since they are known to provide excellent care for recovering addicts. These centers observe stringent policies as regards patient care, safety/security, and confidentiality. Private treatment centers are known to be the choice for high profile personalities such as Hollywood A-listers who are having a tough time.

Residential Rehab Program

This type of program is quite similar to the in-patient treatment, except the latter has passed highly rigorous standards of medical care, and are provided by a licensed hospital. In any case, many people opt for residential rehabilitation since it has its own merits and have been proven effective, provide the patient/s have the right motivation for seeking treatment and that they have a strong support system.

Out-Patient Program

This is the complete opposite of the residential and in-patient program since it precludes housing the patient during the course of the treatment. Recovering substance abusers are to voluntarily attend sessions on a weekly basis (or biweekly depending on the specifics of the program), and go about their regular routine during the rest of the week. This type of rehab program is usually opted for by those who feel that they can manage their addiction without having to completely abdicate their work and family life.

The outpatient program is useful for people who have already undergone intensive rehab (residential and/or in-patient), but are still in need of reinforcement in order to completely get their addiction under control. This treatment is often referred to as a supplementary program since it reinforces the lessons learned during intensive rehab. Compared to the first two types of programs, this one is more casual and laid back. However, meetings and counseling sessions are still presided over by a qualified therapist, for good measure.

Specialized Rehab Programs

Christian Rehab- Religion can play a vital role in a person's recovery, which is why there are Christian rehab programs instituted and maintained all over the country as well as in other parts of the world. This rehab program does not only concentrate on getting the patient's physical health back to normal, but it also provides for Christian counseling. In addition to medical professionals who care for the patient's physical well-being, counselors (priests, nuns, pastors, reverends, etc) lend their expertise to help individuals get back to the right path of life.

Drug-Specific Program- In recent years, more and more specialized treatments have been developed, such as those that target specific addictions (i.e. alcohol, cocaine, heroin, crystal meth, ecstasy, marijuana, anti-depressants, pain killers, etc). Since various drugs have different and unique effects on the mind and body (some are stimulants while others are downers), it only makes sense to target the specific problem and address it accordingly.

Other Types of Drug Rehab Treatments

• Women and/or Teenagers Substance Abuse Rehab
• Dual Diagnosis (for patients who are not only substance abusers but also suffer from mental disorders such as psychosis, schizophrenia, depression, and many others)
• Holistic Drug Rehab (all natural approach)

What is the Best Type of Rehab Program?

There is no single best answer to this query, mainly because individuals who suffer from drug dependency have varied set of needs. Whether a person is better suited to check in at a drug rehab center or not depends largely on his/her condition, specifically the severity of the addiction. Some people can easily overcome their addiction simply by attending meetings and going to group counseling, while others need more help and for longer periods of time.

In any case, rehabilitation is not limited to detoxing and talk therapy. Addicts need people who love and care for them if they have any chance to survive such trying ordeal and get their lives back to normal. A genuinely strong support system is necessary in order for drug dependents to gain the strength to fight off their demons and choose the right path, which is one that does not lead to drugs, alcohol, and other risky behavior.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Drug Rehab Center

Reputability

Patients as well as their families would certainly want to choose a facility that can be trusted to provide excellent care and treatment. The safety and well-being of the patient comes before anything else so it is necessary to properly screen the prospects. Perusing the history and public profile of the centers will give you an idea whether it is a good facility from which to seek treatment for drug addiction.

Location

It is ideal to choose a treatment facility that is within driving distance, especially in the case of in-patient stays. You can search available centers within your immediate area via online drug center locators (just type in your location and/or zip code) to view the choices.

Cost

Drug rehab centers all over the country charge different rates to patients, which necessitates a cost comparison when choosing which facility to check into. Private centers obviously charge more, especially those that cater to high profile personalities. You can easily make inquiries regarding their rates by sending an email or contacting the centers via phone.

Drug Rehab Centers and the Future of Drug Addiction Treatment

These facilities continue to evolve and adapt to the changing times in order to provide better care for patients who are struggling with addiction. When choosing a facility, it is best to remember that quality of care and vision are two of the most important marks of a reliable treatment center.