Substance addiction is scary for both individuals who are dependent on powerful substances as well as close friends. It's scary for their loved ones too who understand the potential consequences of alcohol and drug abuse, and it's scary for communities who are watching overdose statistics increase in their vicinities. It would be scarier if there were no drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers located around the nation to help people manage this devastating condition. If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction to alcohol or drugs, it's important to seek help now.

Understanding the Nature of Addiction

Though it has taken time, more and more people are finally understanding that addiction is a disease. The medical community refers to it as a chronic brain-lapsing disease that is frequently progressive in nature. Taking a drink, completing a prescription from a doctor, or trying heroin for the first time these are choices in much the same way that eating unhealthy is a choice. Eating unhealthy for a long period can result in the development of diabetes, but that disease certainly is not a choice. Similarly, addiction can develop in association with using addictive substances, but addiction is not a choice. Understanding that this is a medical condition is the first step to acknowledging the need for treatment.

Addiction involves multiple dependencies such as physical, psychological, and behavioral dependencies. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers offer treatments and therapies that target these multiple aspects of addiction. Unless each is managed, individuals are at increased risk for relapse. Statistics demonstrate that individuals cannot control this disease themselves. Professional treatment is the key to successful disease management. If you are struggling with addiction, you can get the help you need at an addiction treatment center near you.

Substance Addiction and Health Risks

Too often, individuals suffering from addiction wait until they hit "rock bottom" before seeking out help. If you feel as though you have your drinking or drug use under control or think you have it in you to turn it around, don't wait to ask for support. A person can never know when an acute abuse session will lead to overdose. No one can know at one point their health will turn a corner, suffering permanent damage from drinking or drug use. Substance addiction is linked to conditions like organ damage, organ failure, heart irregularities, and mental illness just to name a few. To safeguard your health, it's important to stop addiction in its tracks now.

Substance Addiction and Its Destructive Power

Preventing health emergencies is not the only reason to get help managing addiction. Many people who suffer from substance addiction also witness serious upheaval in their lives. Many people addicted to alcohol or drugs find it difficult to maintain their work or school responsibilities. They may drain their finances as a result of their addiction problem. They may experience profoundly serious relationship problems as a result of their alcoholism or drug addiction. They may engage in high-risk behaviors such as driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Addiction can take a serious toll on multiple aspects of their lives. Fortunately, help is available at drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers.

How Can Treatment Help?

Today's addiction treatment centers feature various types of drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs designed to support disease management. They are staffed by professional addiction specialists and medical caregivers like psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselor. These professionals are committed to helping people achieve their recovery goals. When you enter a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, you can meet with these professionals to get help managing all aspects of your condition.

How Do I Choose a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center?

There are many addiction treatment centers today, so it can be difficult to select one. Our service can help you locate a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center that suits your needs and preferences. We can help you find a program that is covered by your insurance. Alternatively, if you do not have insurance, we can help you find a treatment center that offers finance options. There are also many treatment centers that accept Medicaid and Medicare. Your doctor can also recommend area treatment centers that can offer the help you need. Even if you have other health concerns like a dual diagnosis, there are treatment centers that specialize in your healthcare needs.

Types of Addiction Treatment Centers

When contemplating drug and alcohol rehabilitation, you may wish to select an inpatient or outpatient center. Inpatient treatment centers tend to offer programs that range from 30 to 90 days. Some people may transition from inpatient treatment to an outpatient program after two weeks. If you are suffering from a long-term addiction, you might find that inpatient treatment offers the all-inclusive programming you need to achieve recovery. Inpatient programs immerse clients in treatment, allowing them to focus entirely on their recovery. Inpatient treatment centers are preferable for individuals with little support from home or who still feel compelled to use. If you feel vulnerable to relapse, this type of treatment paradigm might be best for you.

Outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers feature evidence-based therapies as well. However, individuals attend therapy and then return to their lives. People who have support at home or who wish to continue working, caring for family, or attending school may find the outpatient paradigm to be best for them.

What Kinds of Treatments to Addiction Treatment Centers Offer?

Many high-quality addiction treatment centers feature evidence-based therapies that have scientific backing. These proven therapies can and do help individuals achieve long-term recovery. Medical detox and counseling can work; however, it's important to note that some people respond better to alternative therapies. Because these therapies also enhance the recovery process, many traditional treatment centers are including them in their offerings. When you enter a drug and alcohol rehab, you will meet with an addiction specialist who can help you decide what programs to choose. Many people find that conventional therapies complemented by alternative treatments offer a positive way forward through addiction and toward recovery.

How Does Medical Detox Help?

Usually, the first step in the treatment process is medical detox. Detox may last a few days or a couple weeks depending on the individual and their addiction. During this time, the person is carefully weaned from their dependent substance. Yes, withdrawal symptoms can occur, but medical staff will provide medications to reduce their severity. This is important because severe withdrawal symptoms can trigger health emergencies like seizures or heart irregularities. That's why it's important to undergo medical detox at a qualified rehab--never alone.

Detox targets the body's physical dependency on alcohol or a drug. It does not address any other dependency associated with addiction. Medical detox is not enough to help someone manage their addiction. Other therapies that target the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction are needed or relapse is likely.

Post-Detox Treatments

After medical detox is complete, individuals can begin a treatment program that targets their mental and behavioral dependencies on drugs or alcohol. Most of today's treatment rehabs offer some type of counseling--usually individual and group counseling sessions. During individual sessions, people can discuss issues that relate to themselves and their addiction. Group sessions are designed to be supportive spaces where people can speak about topics related to addiction and recovery. Both sessions are led by therapists.

Some addiction treatment facilities also offer alternative treatments like art therapy, moral reconation therapy, equine therapy, music therapy, and more. Some facilities may take advantage of the local landscape to provide group outings like hiking trips or yoga sessions on the beach. These alternative programs take different approaches to disease management, but they all offer individuals resources designed to help them on their recovery journey. Some people find that they express themselves more fully in art therapy--and so this treatment may wind up being more therapeutic for them. Others find that equine therapy and learning to care for a horse helps them achieve greater discipline in their lives.

Our service can help you find a rehab that offers the programs you are interested in. Again, we can also help you locate treatment facilities that meet your budget constraints or insurance stipulations.

What Happens after Treatment?

The goal of addiction treatment plans is to give individuals the tools and resources they need to manage their addiction and prevent relapse. Relapse is very common and people who complete therapy programs are not immune to temptation. However, treatment provides them with the support they need to identify the stages of relapse and develop skills for keeping them at bay. If you do suffer a relapse, more--not less--treatment and counseling are needed so that you can eventually achieve long-term recovery.

If you have an addiction to an illicit drug, a prescription drug, or alcohol, you should get help from an addiction treatment center. Disease management is possible--and it's essential in order to protect your health and overall well-being. Contact us or your healthcare provider to find a high-quality addiction treatment facility near you. Make today the day you begin your recovery journey.