Considering Drug Rehab? 5 Things You Should Know

By: James Snow

www.RiseAboveAddiction.com

March 25, 2008

1.      What is Drug Rehab?

Drug addictions are powerful and the consequences of addiction can be deadly. They are not only deadly for the user, but, unfortunately, many innocent bystanders like children also suffer. Strong addictions require intensive treatment. Drug rehab programs provide just that: intensive treatment.

Drug rehab programs can be either “inpatient” (live-in) facilities, or outpatient (you participate regularly in the program without living at the drug rehab center. Both can be effective. For more intense drug addictions, inpatient should be strongly considered. Most drug rehab programs last from about 6 to 12 weeks. During the length of the program most will involve many teaching sessions and participation in individual and group counseling sessions. The idea is to stop using all chemical substances during the program with the goal of abstaining after rehab is completed. Inpatient programs also help to remove the individual from friends and environments which can trigger and encourage relapse.

2.      Are all Drug Rehab programs pretty much the same?

Absolutely not! One thing that continues to amaze me is the variety of drug treatment programs out there. Although the goal is the same, sober recovery, and maintaining lifelong recovery, the methods used and the environment in which it is carried out can vary greatly.

Many drug rehab programs are poorly funded and are carried out in more urban areas. I wouldn’t say conditions are bad, but it is not exactly like a vacation either. Just remember recovery and change depends on the attitude you are in, not the building. If this is your only treatment option, take it and be grateful for the change that can take place in your life!

There are many other drug treatment centers that are quite “posh.” These so-called “executive drug rehab” centers are for those who are willing to get help, but only in the lap of luxury. They can be expensive, but if they help you overcome the barrier of getting help, it is worth it. Some studies have suggested that the reason someone goes to rehab actually has little influence on the success of the program for that individual. So whether they are being forced to go by the judge, or they are going and paying through the nose for “vacation rehab” the potential results can be similar.

3.      Do individual drug rehab centers specialize in certain types of drug addiction?

Absolutely! It is common for a drug rehab facility to have a particular area of expertise. One may specialize in cocaine, while another methamphetamine. Other programs still may be combined with alcohol rehab as well. Check ahead if you are interested in a specialized program, but remember it is most important that you just go.

4.      What if I have been through rehab before, even several times and I have had a relapse?

If this is your story, you need rehab more than ever. The only thing more sad and frustrating than relapsing is giving up! Maybe you need to try a different program. Perhaps, and this is more likely, you need to find ways to follow through with recovery after the program has ended. I think people underestimate the changes that are needed in their life after rehab to stay sober. Move a thousand miles away when the program is done if you have to. Leave all of your “bad friends” or even “bad relatives” if you have to. What ever you do, don’t go back to the same life and environment that supported your addiction. Today is a new day, and in terms of rising above your addiction think of it as the only day that matters for a while. For more information about Addiction and The Nature of the Beast go to: www.riseaboveaddiction.com/blog.

5.      How can I select a good drug rehab center?

If you are addicted, ask for help! Find a family member or friend who is willing to help you call and/or visit many centers. If you are the friend or family member trying to find a program for your loved one, do your homework. Try to find several drug rehab centers that will be a ‘good fit.’ It is all about choices. Give them a choice. As mentioned, while the reason they actually ended up in the rehab program they are in has little bearing on their success in the program, they might be more likely to actually go if they help make the decision. Not to mention your life might be simpler.

            RiseAboveAddiction.com has created another resource that will hopefully become one of the very best on the web for selecting a drug rehab center. They have created a forum section where visitors can write their own personal review of a treatment center and the services they offer. If you have been through a drug rehab program or center, please take a moment and write a sentence or two about the center you visited. This is a great place to start in researching different programs near you. To visit the forum click here.

This article should not be used as or interpreted as medical advice. Full legal disclaimer.

Copyright © 2008 RiseAboveAddiction.com

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