Drug Rehab
Nobody makes a conscious decision to become addicted to drugs, but they have to make a conscious decision to get help. Sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom and sometimes it takes an intervention, but whatever the reason leading up to drug rehab, it’s a new beginning.
Once the decision is made, a rehab program can be developed to fit the individual. First comes detoxification; the withdrawing from the drug’s effects. In extreme cases, this could be in a hospital via a trip to the emergency room for treatment of an overdose. Many hospitals offer inpatient detoxification, because it provides the patient with careful monitoring and medical care. By keeping the patient in a secure area, the availability of the drug or drugs of choice is eliminated.
Once the patient’s body and mind are free from the drug, counseling and a maintenance program can begin. According to the Schneider Institute for Health Policy, it’s estimated that five million drug users are in need of some type of rehab, but only about a quarter of those actually get it. However, drug rehab is getting moderately easier for some people due to the fact that most insurance companies cover expenses for drug programs.
About 43.9% of the people who sought treatment for either alcohol or drugs over the past year ended up paying for some of the costs themselves, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Out of those people, statistics showed that more women paid for treatment with insurance or public assistance programs than did men.
During a drug rehab program, the patient’s dependence is gauged so that the correct treatment can be arranged. The drug or drugs are also taken into consideration, since some are more addictive than others, and can have more lasting effects on the patient. Careful counseling is part of a rehab program, as is aftercare.
As already mentioned, inpatient programs are available, but residential and outpatient programs are also available, depending on the patient’s need. Another aspect that’s vital to success is involving the family. Because loved ones are often affected by the addiction of a family member, family counseling is an excellent option to help the patient, as well as their family, the correct support. This includes facing the fact that he or she has caused harm to their loved ones and reparations need to be made.
Even though drug rehab is a difficult and often painful experience, the longer a patient receives treatment, the more successful they’ll be. Once they have proceeded through the stages, drug detox, medical treatment, counseling and after care, it’s up to them to continue to work toward the goal of staying clean.