Is Drug Rehab For Everyone?

All You Need To Know About Drug Rehab

Statistics indicate that in the year 2011 alone, a staggering 230 million people abused at least one illicit drug. This means that one in every 20 individuals has been exposed to drugs. These figures are alarmingly high and pose a serious threat to the equilibrium of a society. Drug addiction has dangerous repercussions and it has been linked to crime, violence, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancies, depression, loss of self esteem and even suicide. Drugs take a heavy toll on the quality of life of not just the addicted individual, but also on the lives of friends and family members. For example - If a parent is addicted to drugs; then this greatly affects the children, spouse and other relatives if any, thus compounding the problem exponentially. The most effective way of dealing with drug addiction is rehab. However, there are many false preconceptions associated with rehabilitation centers and the number question that pops up is - Is drug rehab for everyone? The answer is pretty simple - Yes! Drug rehab is a viable solution for all individuals who recognize that they have a problem and want to take action against it.

The first step towards getting rid of an addiction is to acknowledge that one is actually suffering from it. It is impossible to solve an issue unless one accepts that it is present in the first place. If drugs are getting in the way of accomplishing personal and professional goals, then it is time to seek help. Many individuals shy away from rehabilitation centers because they overestimate their own ability to combat their addiction. However, more often than not, withdrawal symptoms and easy access to drugs sabotage an individual's attempts to eliminate the affliction. Thus, rehab centers are the best solution for tackling the issue as they provide a definitive approach and a stronger sense of purpose. These facilities are also far more effective in eliminating psychological dependence on drugs.

Another myth regarding drug rehab is that people are forced to stay there against their will. Rumors about 'locks on the doors' severely discourage addicts from seeking help at rehabilitation facilities. However, these notions are completely deluded! There are absolutely no locks on the doors and a person is free to walk out whenever he or she wishes to. Even if there is a court order that specifies that an individual must stay at the center for a specific number of days, still nobody can stop an individual from leaving. Sure, the court will take action if the person disobeys an order but that is a different matter altogether. Rehabilitation centers can only help an individual if he or she wants to be helped. Therapy cannot be forced upon a person who is unwilling to receive to it. Getting rid of an addiction is a physical, mental and emotional transformation that needs to be initiated by the individual in concern. The rehab program simply serves as a medium.

There are several types of rehab centers - ranging from rudimentary, camp style to elaborate, premium centers that are comparable to 5 star hotels. Most rehab centers are residential as this approach has proven be more efficacious. Depending upon the organization, the nature of the therapy also varies. Some centers advocate group therapy while others offer a more customized approach based upon the personal needs of the individual. A typical rehabilitation program lasts for 28 days but a minimum of ninety days is often recommended. Depending upon the person, some treatments can even last for 1 year. Such long tenures are most commonly required for curing meth addiction. Friends are family are allowed to visit as this boosts morale and provides encouragement. Some rehab centers even let friends or relatives stay on-site throughout the program.

The initial stages of a drug rehab program involve education and detoxification. Many drug addicts do retain a certain degree of denial and do not fully comprehend the gravity of their problem. The educational phase is aimed at making the individual realize the seriousness of their addiction and it inspires them to take steps to eradicate it. The detoxification process cleanses the body of any remnants of a drug. Some facilities have their own detoxification programs but many demand that a person should already be sober prior to entering a program. A rehab facility in Thailand has radical detoxification methods - all residents are lined up and forced to vomit every day. Even though this method might seem bizarre, it has actually produced exceptional results. Withdrawal symptoms generally include headaches, fatigues, anxiety, depression, vomiting, nausea, excitability, insomnia, nervousness and shakiness. In certain cases, more severe symptoms like hallucinations, aggression and convulsions are observed. Withdrawal symptoms are known to be the hardest part of the rehabilitation process and they are generally treated with behavioral therapy and also medications if necessary. If the symptoms are extreme and get out of control, then the person is sedated or tranquilized. It is important to note that drug replacement is not a viable solution for curing an addiction as it does not remove dependency but simply shifts it from one substance to another.

Drug rehab also involves counseling, group and meetings and an aftercare program to prevent a relapse. The participants of the program are taught about abstinence, urge control and how to avoid situations where they might be exposed to drugs. The brain of an addicted person associates drugs with 'good' feelings and it takes considerable effort and time to overwrite this pattern. Thus, rehab programs teach about dealing with stress and encourage participants to take responsibility for themselves and their families. Apart from curing the addiction itself, the goal of the program is to turn the participants into productive individuals so that they can become an asset to society. So is drug rehab for everyone? Yes, it is the only substantial solution to addiction and it works in most cases. Relapses are observed in 40 to 60 % of all cases and are not necessarily recognized as failures as sometimes an addicted person may require more than one session.

The cost of a drug rehab program varies greatly depending upon the type of facility and the comforts and services that it offers. Whether or not a person will receive coverage for rehabilitation depends on the type of insurance that he or she owns. Many facilities operated by the government, charitable organizations and religious groups offer programs that cost very little or nothing at all.