With substance addiction impacting many communities and individual lives nationwide, drug and alcohol rehab centers have diversified and adapted to meet the needs of today's sufferers. Substance addiction is referred to by the medical community as a chronic brain lapsing disorder. Many people may not realize that drugs and alcohol change the chemistry of the brain, and when these changes become permanent, on-going management is required. By entering a drug and alcohol rehab center, people combatting the disease of addiction can learn to manage their condition to achieve long-term recovery. If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction to alcohol, a prescription drug, or an illicit drug, it's time to learn how addiction treatment centers in your area can help.

Do I Need Help? Know the Signs of Substance Addiction

By the time a person realizes that their drinking or drug use is a serious problem, it is often beyond their control. If you've ever said that you're not going to use/abuse a substance but still do or if you cannot control the amount you use, you may already be addicted. Sometimes abusing a substance may turn into an addiction quickly. Heroin and many opioid-based painkillers, for instance, can lead to physical and mental dependency quickly. In fact, statistics show that one out of four people who try heroin will become addicted to it.

Sometimes, a person will abuse a substance for years before they become addicted. However, it's important to understand that no one is immune from developing an addiction if they become dependent on an addictive substance. Substance addiction affects teenagers, seniors, and every age demographic in between. Some of the common signs/symptoms of a substance addiction include:

* Becoming increasingly secretive about your drinking or drug use

* Lying about using alcohol or drugs

* Thinking about using an addictive substance often

* Needing to drink or use drugs to combat stress or negative emotions like anger or sadness

* Taking more of a substance in order to feel the same effects as previously

* Withdrawing from friends, family, and formerly enjoyed activities

* Failing to meet responsibilities or obligations

* Experiencing emotional disturbances and mood swings

* Feeling like you need to have a supply of this substance on hand Using this substance even after you say you won't

* Engaging in risky behaviors when under the influence of an addictive substance

* Suffering relationship problems because of drugs or alcohol

* Feeling intense cravings to use a substance

* Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you don't use the substance in a certain period of time

If you have experienced these signs and symptoms, now is the time to be evaluated at a drug and alcohol rehab center near you. When you visit an addiction treatment center, medical caregivers can develop a personalized plan designed with your specific needs in mind.

There are also long-term treatment programs designed for individuals who require more extensive support. These individuals may have other health needs that require ongoing management. While most inpatient programs run between 30 and 90 days, long-term programs may offer 6-12-month treatment plans.

What Types of Treatments Are Offered in a Drug and Alcohol Rehab Center?

As mentioned, today's addiction rehabs have diversified in order to offer multiple treatments and therapies. Over time, the medical community has learned that there is not simply one treatment plan that leads to long-term recovery. Some individuals respond well to traditional therapies like group counseling. On the other hand, some people have found that an alternative therapy or program such as equine therapy was the key to their recovery success. For this reason, many addiction treatment centers now offer many different treatments to help their clients achieve sobriety.

Medically Assisted Detox

Medical detox is often the first treatment that addiction sufferers undergo. During medical detox, the individual will be slowly and carefully weaned from the substance they are dependent upon. This may take anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks. The substance in question, a person's chemistry, and the nature of the addiction will affect how long the detox process takes. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms is an inevitable part of the detox process; however, in rehab, individuals will receive medications and treatments that will alleviate these unpleasant symptoms that can include headaches, profuse sweating, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, chills, anxiety, and depression.

It is never advisable to undergo detox anywhere but in a certified center that offers medical detox. Withdrawal symptoms may be mild but they can quickly escalate in intensity. Without treatment to manage them, they can actually trigger a health emergency like dehydration, seizures, and health irregularities. Some people experience profoundly serious mental health disturbances like having suicidal thoughts. In the rehab center, all of these withdrawal symptoms and health complications can be managed before they lead to life-threatening emergencies.

Counseling

Medical detox only addresses the physical aspect of addiction. While physical cravings are powerful, it's often the psychological dependencies on drugs or alcohol that lead to relapse. Individual and group counseling helps individuals understand their disease, why and how they developed an addiction, and how to manage it in the future. Addiction does not go away after detox. It is still present after one completes a treatment program. Substance addiction is a chronic health condition that requires long-term management. Counseling is an important part of the recovery journey. Moreover, individual counseling is personalized. By meeting routinely with a trained therapist, individuals can get the support they need to move forward toward a life of sobriety and improved health.

Family Therapy

As many people are aware, addiction does not only affect the individual sufferer. Families are often greatly impacted by addiction too. Many of today's drug and alcohol rehab centers offer family therapy to help the entire family unit as well as the individual suffering from the addiction. During this type of therapy, family members learn how to provide effective support for their loved one. Often the substance addiction has caused serious issues that can be discussed and worked through within the safe and supportive confines of therapy sessions.

12-Step Programs

While many people are aware of Alcohol Anonymous and its 12-step programs, there are now many others that are loosely based on its principles. Many addiction treatment centers base their treatment plans on a multiple-step program. On the other hand, some people transition to programs like AA or NA upon completing their rehab's treatment plan. If you are someone who requires long-term or ongoing support, aftercare programming like a 12-step program may be a good option for you.

Alternative Treatments for Substance Addiction

Sometimes individuals find it difficult to speak about their feelings and addictions. Yet, managing negative emotions in a healthy manner is invariably one of the keys to disease management. Art therapy allows individuals to express themselves in an alternative manner through creativity. Other people find that alternative programs like equine therapy helps them master the self-discipline needed to care for themselves as they learn to care and take responsibility for another creature, the horse they're paired with. Others find that programs like restorative yoga help them develop improved self-awareness so they can be mindful of their present state.

Since many of today's addiction treatment centers offer both conventional and alternative treatments, you can select a program that features both. When you visit your addiction rehab to get help, an addiction specialist can help you select the types of programs you want to try. We can also help you locate a rehab that offers specific treatments or plans you're looking for.

Choosing a Credentialed Addiction Treatment Center

Regardless of what types of therapies you wind up selecting, it's important to attend a treatment center that is certified to deliver the therapies it offers. Many rehabs network with area hospitals or medical centers; these will and should be staffed by medically trained and licensed caregivers like psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. On the other hand, there are some treatment centers that may not have the credentials one would hope to see. Our service can help you find an addiction treatment center that is staffed by professionals who have the training, experience, and know-how to treat people suffering from addiction.

Keep in mind, there are faith-based and community programs such as 12-step programs that may not be staffed by medical professionals but can provide helpful support for individuals who are recovering from an addiction. It may be ideal to consult with our service or your doctor about choosing treatment programs. We can also help you find a drug and alcohol rehab center that accepts your insurance plan or offers financing options. There are luxury addiction treatment facilities that are loaded with amenities like chef-prepared meals, but there are also many affordable rehabs that feature the high-quality treatments and care you need to achieve wellness.

Don't Wait to Get Help

If you are suffering from a substance addiction, you need to understand that it is likely to worsen without help. To protect your health and the important aspects of your life like your family relationships, finances, and career, it's essential to enter rehab and take your first steps toward successfully managing your addiction to drugs or alcohol.