If you or someone close to you is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it may be time to seek help. A rehab facility can help you overcome your addiction by utilizing proven treatment techniques and programs. You can make a full recovery from substance abuse and addiction with the proper help. It's very important that you get help for your drug or alcohol addiction right away as addiction is a disease that can be potentially life-threatening if it goes untreated.

There are many rehab facilities around the nation that are ready to help you obtain sobriety. A shocking 22 million U.S. citizens are victims of the disease of addiction making one of the most devastating illnesses around. The drug epidemic is a result of numerous factors such as over-prescribed opiate painkillers; a very addictive drug that comes with a high dependency rate. In those who are susceptible to the disease of addiction, even using a couple of times could lead them to a quick full-on drug addiction. The same rule applies to those with an alcohol addiction.

Addiction is classified as the chronic and compulsive desire to use and abuse a substance despite the fact that it is causing immense harm to the body and brain. In order to stop this cycle, professional treatment is needed which can be obtained through a rehab facility. It's important that you stick to the treatment plan that is designed for you as relapse is a large part of the addiction process and can happen if you do not complete the entire program.

Types of Rehab Facilities

Not all rehab facilities are the same; there are many various kinds that are designed for each type of addiction. Let's take a further look:

Inpatient treatment centers: This type of rehab facility involves the patient residing at the facility for the duration of their treatment. This time period may range from 30-days to 90-days depending on various factors such as the severity of the addiction as well as how long the individual has been addicted. Outpatient treatment centers: This type of treatment involves the patient attending treatment during the day and residing at home in the evening. Patients will go through intense treatment and therapy throughout their time in outpatient treatment. Sober houses: Patients who are attending outpatient treatment can choose to reside in a sober house as opposed to their own homes. This option is beneficial for those who are nervous about going back to their old environment in fear of relapsing. Aftercare programs: It is encouraged that all who complete their treatment program attend aftercare and relapse prevention programs. These programs can help patients stay motivated while also learning vital coping mechanisms. Medically assisted detox: Medical detox is a process that gets the body off of the addictive substance. This process usually lasts around one week long and the patient will reside at the facility or in a private room during this time. If you are addicted to opioids, you may be prescribed detox drugs and anti-craving drugs such as Naltrexone, Disulfiram, or Acamprosate in order to lessen the side effects of withdrawal. Behavioral Therapy: This type of addiction treatment works to teach people to cope with various behaviors that may lead them to use. By adapting to new ways in which to lead a healthy lifestyle, you will have a greater chance of succeeding in treatment. Specialized treatment: There are also addiction treatment programs that are focused on helping those who are in various communities such as the LGBT community. There are also men-only and women-only treatment programs available.

Types of Care at a Rehab Facility

During your time in treatment, you will be working with trained addiction counselors and specialists. These therapists and advisors are experts in their field of work and know what sort of struggles you are going through. They will work with you each and every day, motivating you and teaching you new ways of coping with your addiction. By opening about about any sort of struggles you are dealing with, addiction can be overcome. Many rehab facilities have full-time therapists that are available at various times throughout the day. This is so that you can have access to the help you need when you need it most.

A rehab facility offers the support, advice, assistance, guidance, and help needed to reach sobriety. Patients will learn how to manage triggers when they are faced with them post-treatment. Learning these mechanisms of trigger management will help you in sustaining long-term sobriety.

How to Know if you are Addicted

Sometimes, individuals do not know if they are dependent on a substance or are addicted to a substance. If you are wondering if you are an addict, ask yourself these questions:

Do you get annoyed quickly when you cannot use drugs or alcohol? Is your tolerance for substances increasing? Are you missing out on work and family obligations to get high or drunk? Do you abuse substances every day of the week, all day long? Do you suffer from withdrawal symptoms when you aren't using?

If you answered 'yes' to even one of these questions, chances are that you may be suffering from an addiction that needs immediate attention. You may also be on a slippery slope toward addiction if you answered 'yes' to any of these questions. You must take your life into your own hands and take control of your life. This means seeking help for your addiction right away.

It's important that during your treatment, you stick with the treatment program that is designed for you. This means attending support groups, group therapy, and individual therapy multiple times per week. You have the chance to completely change your life around so you must take your treatment program seriously in order to get the desired results. Support groups may mean attending 12-step meetings such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meetings at least once weekly. Here, you can learn from others who are going through similar struggles as you are.

Overcoming Substance Abuse and Addiction

Overcoming your addiction is not an easy process and, in fact, is a life-long struggle even after you have obtained sobriety. It is important that you refrain from going back to the social circle that you associated with while you were using drugs or alcohol as they may influence you to use again. By taking the courage to walk away from past friends, you are telling yourself that you no longer have an interest in leading a life that is controlled by your addiction.

Part of overcoming your addiction is also locating any sort of underlying co-occurring mental disorder that may be the cause of your addiction. By working closely with therapists and psychologists, it will be determined whether or not there is a mental health issue at the forefront of the addiction. Once this has been determined, dual-diagnosis treatment is necessary. This type of treatment works to treat both the mental health issue as well as the addiction. Treating both will give the patient the best chance at overcoming their addiction successfully. Self-care is also needed to overcome addiction. This means that individuals must be strong-willed and refrain from using drugs or drinking alcohol when they know they are susceptible to addiction. By taking the proper measures, long-lasting sobriety can be obtained.

Whether you are addicted to prescription drugs, alcohol, or illicit drugs, you must get help now in order to live a more fulfilled life. You will not simply wake up one day and not have the urge to use if you are an addict; you simply need these substances to get through each and every day. Therapy and treatment will help you to overcome this vicious cycle so that you can begin to live a meaningful and productive life once again.

Through compassionate and effective addiction treatment programs and methods, patients will have the chance to recover from their addiction. Patients who attending treatment must give it their 100 percent effort in order for sobriety to be obtained.

Getting the Right Help Today

It's important that you do not wait to seek help, as addiction is a disease that continues to worsen as time goes on. What this means is, if you wait too long to get help, addiction will ultimately control your destiny. You have a choice to get better through a quality rehab facility today.

Remember that addiction recovery is a process and will not happen instantly. It takes many months and even years to fully recover. Everybody reacts to treatment differently and it is no doubt that it is a learning curve. You will have to readjust to living a life that is free from drug and alcohol abuse and therapists and counselors will be by your side to help you each step of the way. It's time to take control of your life and seek help for your drug or alcohol addiction. Once you reach sobriety, new more promising doors will open for you.