Alcohol treatment is, at its heart, a psychological undertaking. Alcohol treatment has a physical dimension, of course….and extraordinarily important physical dimension, in fact…but real and lasting recovery has got to be rooted in intensive psychological healing. Alcohol treatment that doesn’t address mental health can’t ever be successful. Alcohol rehab patients who don’t get emotional care can’t ever get clean.

Alcohol recovery has got to be a substantively psychological undertaking because alcoholism is a substantively psychological disease. Alcoholics come to rely on alcohol as a sort of chemical crutch, a vehicle in which they find the strength to get out of bed in the morning and face the world during the day. Alcohol rehabiliation that leaves the psychological dimensions of alcohol dependency unaddressed isn’t really alcohol rehab at all…and alcoholics who check out of alcohol treatment centers with their emotional reliance on alcohol still intact are invariably doomed to relapse.

For your own sake, and for the sake of the people who care about you, make today the day you resolve to get the psychological care you need. Alcohol rehab doesn’t work unless it’s done right. With so much on the line, you can’t afford to be wrong.

Alcohol rehabilitation is the only reason I’m here today. Alcohol rehabilitation saved my life, really: gave me the strength to quit drinking for good, helped me reclaim all the dignity and vigor that I’d lost to the bottle. Without alcohol rehabilitation, I wouldn’t be here, writing this, begging you to believe that alcohol rehabilitation really can work for you. All you’ve got to do, in the end, is give it a chance.

Alcohol rehabilitation can’t work unless you want it to, and unless you let it. Alcohol rehabilitation doctors, after all, don’t work miracles…and they can’t take you anywhere you aren’t willing to go by yourself. If alcohol rehabilitation is going to work for you, it’s going to be because you make it work: because you commit yourself to the struggle, and resolve to win the fight. With so much at stake…with your future on the line, and your life in the balance…you can’t afford to do anything less. For your own sake, make today the day you make the right decision.

At times, one may think upon the idea of a “drug treatment center” and
envision leather straps and shock therapy in a white, tiled room. Such
is not the case at Sunset Malibu. We engage in
facing the root causes of drug problems with which our clients may
struggle. Our comprehensive approach entails conquering both the
physical and mental conflicts within the client. In addition to
traditional methods of drug rehab, Sunset also offers a holistic
path to an addiction free lifestyle.

The basis on which success in a drug treatment center or recovery house is measured is
through the practice of accepting an exclusive and limited amount of
applicants. Because of this policy, clients will be empowered by a staff
to patient ratio of 3 to 1. Friends and family of our clients are fully
at ease with the notion of our commitment to personalized treatment, and
the guarantee of sustainable reintegration into society. The spacious
and majestic provisions provided at Sunset Malibu can only be
described as awe-inspiring. Nonetheless, we can count on the
rehabilitation process to be arduous and painful to the body and mind.
Therefore, our belief in a tailor-made path to detoxification and
recovery is the key to our high success rate.

Clients of our program can expect genuine interaction with our
outstanding 24 hour staff of doctors, nurses, therapists, resident
advisers, and on-site chefs; also, holistic practitioners such as
massage therapists, acupuncturists, yoga and fitness instructors
complete the circle. Through engaging in life affirming activities, and
visceral self reflection, the patrons of the Sunset Malibu recovery house
will regain focus and contentment. To initiate
yourself, or your loved one in the journey to real recovery, please call
1-800-332-9202. A truly addiction free life can be found in you and at
Sunset Malibu.

Addiction treatment is, in no uncertain terms, the treatment of addiction. Of course, of course: that much should be obvious, right? A no-brainer. A foregone conclusion. But look at the statement again. Think about it, mull it over, let it take root in your head. Addiction treatment is the treatment of addiction. What does it mean, exactly? What’s the buried truth—the deeper truth—there between the words? Pay special attention to the last part of the sentence: the treatment of addiction. Not of addicts—of addiction. Small as it may seem, that distinction—of addiction versus of addicts—is of critical importance to the recovery process.

Addiction is a disease. Period. It’s not “like” a disease; it’s not “almost” a disease. It is a disease, same as AIDS or cancer or any other more “conventional” ailment for which millions of American patients receive treatment. An addict is not an addict because he or she has some gross personal flaw—not anymore than a diabetic is a diabetic because of his or her lack of ethical character. Addicts, like diabetics, are sick. Clinically sick. Scientifically sick. Sick in a way that needs healing. Sick in a way, most importantly, that can and must be treated.

And so we’re back to square one: Addiction treatment is the treatment of addiction. Not addicts. Addiction. Addiction treatment aims to cure the patient, to combat the disease—addiction—which has made him or her sick in the first place. Addiction treatment does not pass judgment. It does not stigmatize, does not cast blame upon the individuals who receive it. Addiction treatment, simply put, aims to fix what’s wrong. Beyond that, all other considerations—moral, social, spiritual—are irrelevant.

But how, then, is that fixing accomplished? How does addiction treatment actually work? Individuals weighing the merits of recovery programs—either for themselves or for someone they love—often have questions about the most essential elements of the treatment process: conceptual methodology, structural organization, practical effectiveness. In order to make an informed, intelligent treatment decision, the potential patient—or his or her caretaker—must address each one of these areas in turn.

From a methodological standpoint, addiction treatment seeks to meet the specific needs of every individual patient; just as no two addicts are exactly alike, so should no two treatment programs be exactly the same. With that in mind, addiction treatment is geared towards treating the whole patient, not just his or her addiction. In practical terms, this means addressing a wide range of problems: medical, emotional, psychological, social, vocational, and legal. Addiction treatment is also defined by its inherently responsive, adaptable nature; as the needs of the patient change, the parameters of his or her treatment program must adapt in kind.

Broadly speaking, those parameters include two primary modes of treatment: behavioral and medical. Behavioral treatment aims to resolve the psychological underpinnings of an addict’s disease, both by exploring the roots of the addiction itself and by identifying the behaviors and thought processes that help sustain it. Behavioral treatment can include psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, and individual and group counseling. Medical treatment, by comparison, helps patients stabilize their lives—and stay off of illicit drugs—by providing chemical substitutes for addictive substances. Medical treatment techniques—like methadone maintenance programs for recovering heroin users, or nicotine patches for cigarette smokers—are effective insofar as they can ease the cravings associated with repetitive long-term drug use. In general, addiction treatment incorporates both behavioral and medical therapies in the healing process.

With respect to structural organization, addiction treatment is conventionally divided into a number of distinct phases, all of which function as complements to and outgrowths of one another. Addiction treatment typically begins with a one- or two-week detox program, which cleanses a patient’s system of all remaining drug residuals. From there, treatment transitions into primary care, wherein an individual continues to fight the physical ailments of post-addiction while developing the emotional and social skills necessary for functional sobriety. That process, which usually lasts for at least a month, often continues in extended care programs, which build on the gains made during primary care in a more advanced environment. For many patients, the recovery process continues in halfway houses, 3/4-way houses, and sober living houses, all of which build towards the ultimate goal of self-supervised independent living. Studies have indicated that addiction treatment is most effective when patients spend at least three months in their recovery programs, though longer stays—of six months or a year, for example—have been shown to demonstrably enhance an individual’s chances for long-term success.

And, finally, a word on that success. For most potential patients, this is the most important consideration: Will addiction treatment work? Will it fix what’s wrong with me? The short answer is a resounding yes. Though no program is perfect, addiction treatment is generally every bit as effective as treatment of other chronic diseases, like diabetes or asthma. A number of studies have shown that drug treatment reduces drug use by up to 60 percent, and leads to a significant decline in criminal activity both during and after a patient’s time in a recovery program. Treatment has also been shown to reduce the rate of HIV infection for intravenous drug users and increase an individual’s prospects for employment by as much as 40 percent. Granted, specific treatment outcomes depend on the particular circumstances of individual patients, and there is no guarantee that any one treatment program will be successful. That said, though, addiction treatment very certainly does give a patient reason to hope—which, when weighed against the alternative, would seem at the very least to be a chance worth taking.

Because of the variety of addictive drugs, treatment methods vary. Before a patient can receive treatment for their addiction, evaluation by a health care physician is necessary to determine the level of addiction. Long-term addictions generally require extensive treatment, which can last several weeks or months. On the other hand, persons with a mild addiction or those who suffer from a relapse may be able to complete treatment within a few weeks.

Many factors contribute to a drug or alcohol problem. Moreover, addictions affect people of all ages and social economic backgrounds. Some addictive disorders are more difficult to treat. The patient may refuse to acknowledge their problem, and turn down any sort of intervention. Since some drug and alcohol abusers also suffer from a mental health disorder, treating the addiction is complicated. Before the patient can successfully recover from the dependency, they must first deal with the underlying issues that cause addictive behavior.

A few drug and alcohol abusers attempt to stop on their own. While many will make several efforts to stop without treatment, the success rate is very low. Addicts may be able to achieve temporary abstinence, which involves going a few days or weeks without alcohol or narcotics. However, any kind of pressure or anxiety can cause cravings for the drug to resurface. Without the support of an alcohol or drug prevention center, a relapse is inevitable. Addiction treatment centers provide the best results. Not only will a patient undergo a complete detoxification, which involves the removal of all traces of the substance, they will also receive ongoing support.

Completing a rehab program is just the beginning. A large percentage of past drug and alcohol abusers experience a setback, or feel the urge to use again. By means of a support group or 12-step program, past abusers receive the strength to resist these urges. Furthermore, addiction treatment centers have a provision that allows patients to continue treatment on an outpatient basis.

Upon entering a drug and alcohol addiction treatment center, patients progress at varying rates. On average, patients receive treatment for at least 90 days. Treatment is on an inpatient and outpatient basis. An addict may reside at a rehabilitation treatment center for several weeks. Following detoxification and weeks of counseling sessions, physicians may determine that a patient is strong enough to leave the center and continue treatment on an outpatient basis. Outpatient care involves the patient returning to the rehab center for therapy sessions or group sessions three or four times a week. Treatment may be longer for long-term addicts – perhaps up to 12 months. Additionally, full recovery may necessitate numerous visits to a treatment center.

In the desperate urge to help addicted and alcoholic individuals regain their lives, rehabilitation centers were first created. They are as varied as the alcoholics and addicts themselves, but break down into basically two types.

1. Long-term Residential Centers-this type of treatment offers a 24 hour structure, support, and drug-free environment in a community made up of both fellow recovering addicts/alcoholics and counselors. Alcoholics and addicts stay in these programs from 30 days up to a year or more. These are also referred to as therapeutic communities. However, this does present problems to the alcoholic or addict who is also intent on continuing their job and supporting or raising a family.

2. Short-term Inpatient Centers-This type of treatment offers a 24 hour structure, with a focus on medical stabilization, abstinence and sobriety, and lifestyle changes. Staff consists primarily of medical professionals and trained counselors, and patients generally only stay a period of a few days up to one month. This was primarily for alcohol abuse treatment, until these programs expanded into drug abuse treatment as well in the 1980’s. This treatment offers most of the benefits of the Long-term Inpatient Program, while only keeping the addict or alcoholic from working or raising a family for up to a month, which makes it a good compromise between long-term inpatient programs and outpatient programs, especially when medical supervision and structure is needed for only a short time. It can easily be combined (and this is optimal for those in short-term inpatient programs) with the outpatient drug-free program for additional support, education, and maintenance of a drug and alcohol free lifestyle, in order to start recovery.

Each of these centers has a lot to offer the alcoholic or addict. Each has it’s own particular shortcomings. They may find it difficult to move on from the long-term residential center back into mainstream life. Or they may find that the short-term residential center doesn’t offer sufficient time and structure to prepare them for the move from the center to their prior lives.

The most important thing when choosing a rehab center is to find one that will work with a focus on the patient’s well-being, rather than a scripted treatment plan. Not every plan works with every patient, and the rehab center that realizes this will tailor the treatment plan, focusing on bringing as many aspects of the addict or alcoholics lost skills and abilities and mental and physical health back as possible.

There are many paths to sober living nowadays. In southern California sober living is possible through a myriad of avenues. Most people recovering from addiction find themselves looking for more than just one way to achieve sobriety. Too many times recovering addicts in other cities find subpar assistance. In southern California, there things seem to be getting better.

As times change, the ways of the past make way for the future. The antiquated methods of attaining sobriety have now relinquished the reigns to more effective means of gaining clarity. Someone seeking a southern California sober living lifestyle would find that treatment has not only become more tenacious in its scientific manner, but it has gained a spiritual side too.

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation could possibly be better in California than in any other place in the world. A patients journey could involve the application of treatment staples like the 12 step programs, group therapy sessions, and/or dual diagnosis meetings. Aside from the old school ways, one could find the bevy of holistic methods that California has to offer much more amiable. Southern California sober living seems more attainable with the help of acupuncturists, spiritual healers, and highly trained massage therapists. It doesn’t hurt to live in a place like southern California, a place that seems to attract more yoga instructors, chefs, and all around spiritually aware folk more than anywhere else on earth. Southern California sober living seems to be the best sober living there is.

Drug addiction is a serious problem that can affect us all. Whether you
know someone who has had a drug or alcohol problem, or have one
yourself, there is a way to get help.

Effective drug rehabilitation addresses both the physical dependence and
the psychological addiction of the substance abuser. By treating both
the dependence and the addiction harmoniously, the patient has the best
chance of making a full, lasting recovery. If only one aspect of the
affliction is addressed, the chance of a relapse increases.

Physical dependency is treated by putting the patient through a complete
and immediate detoxification process, during which time the patient is
not permitted access to either drugs or alcohol. This allows the body to
remove all traces of the abused substance. This process can take days or
months, depending on the substance abused and the length of the abuse,
both of which contribute to the patient’s tolerance to the substance.
Detox should always be closely monitored by trained medical personnel,
as withdrawal symptoms can be potentially life-threatening.

Once all traces of the drug have been removed from the body, the
psychological desire to continue using can become overwhelming. In order
to help overcome this addiction, it is recommended that the patient
enter into a custom counseling program or sober living facility. Twelve-step programs
are also recommended and they are one of the most effective ways to
battle this psychological desire.

In addition to regular counseling of some sort, the patient should be
diligent in maintaining a drug-free lifestyle. Especially at the
beginning of their treatment, they should distance themselves from
substance abusers and situations where substance abuse might be
occurring, even if this means alienating their friends. If a patient is
particularly susceptible to peer pressure, extended inpatient therapy
might be recommended to help establish a drug-free environment during
the most critical first stages of treatment. For those patients whose
addiction is not as severe, outpatient treatment is available.

Making the commitment to recover from a serious substance abuse problem
is a lifestyle change, and therefore it is not something that happens
overnight. The reasons people begin using and abusing drugs are
different for everyone, and the most effective rehabilitation plans are
custom tailored to each individual’s needs. Once the physical dependence
has been combated, the psychological addiction must be faced every day
for the rest of the patient’s life.

There is no magic wand to make an addict suddenly not be an addict
anymore, but with diligence and a strong foundation from a good drug
rehabilitation program, the recovering addict can lead a normal,
successful life.

A detox program is a program set up to help individuals who are addicted to drugs rehabilitate themselves. The basic definition of a detox program is a program established to detoxify one’s body and rid it of all harmful chemicals and/or toxins. Often times in the holistic world, a detox program can be used to boost the immune system, to lose weight, or as a fasting aid. These can be found in the form of herbal cleanses, colon cleanses, or detox teas.

In the drug rehabilitation world, a detox program is used to help drug addicts kick their destructive drug habits. There are several types of detox programs in the world as we know it. Some deal with the inclusion of legal drugs to counteract the patient’s dependence on the illicit drug they were abusing. One example of this would be the methadone treatment of an opiate addiction. Methadone, also known as Dolophine, is a misunderstood remedy for chronic pain. Even doctors do not understand its potential for improving pain relief methods. Methadone is a narcotic pain reliever for medium to severe pain, and is mostly used for the treatment of dependence on opiates such as Vicodin, Percocet, Morphine, and Heroin.

Unfortunately, it is an arduous task for one to find an effective drug rehabilitation/ detox program because many available methods offer little to no recovery. The success rate of most detox programs is so low because these programs and the people who created them neglect to actually heal the underlying causes of addiction. Alcohol and drugs are never the problem, but the solutions chosen by some to cope with their underlying conditions are.

Many drug-dependent clients enter treatment in a revolving door manner; from one program to the next, only to find themselves unable to break out of the vicious cycle of relapse. Chronic exposure to drug abuse and to alcohol changes the way that the brain functions. It is only by effective medications combined with counseling and support, that the individual can interrupt the vicious self-destructive cycle of abuse and dependence.

Approximately 100 years after cocaine entered into use, a new variation of the substance emerged. This substance, crack, became enormously popular in the mid-1980s due in part to its almost immediate high and the fact that it is inexpensive to produce and buy.

Crack is a highly addictive form of cocaine that is typically smoked. The term “crack” refers to the crackling sound heard when the substance is heated, presumably from the sodium bicarbonate that is used in the production of crack. Smoking crack delivers large quantities of the drug to the lungs, producing effects comparable to intravenous injection. These effects are felt almost immediately after smoking, are very intense, but do not last long. For example, the high from smoking cocaine may last from 5 to 10 minutes, while the high from snorting the drug can last for 15 to 20 minutes.

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive drug. Compulsive cocaine use seems to develop more rapidly when the substance is smoked rather than snorted. A tolerance to the cocaine high may be developed and many addicts report that they fail to achieve as much pleasure as they did from their first cocaine exposure. Sources say that crack cocaine users can become addicted to the drug as early as the first hit. Many who have become addicted say that kicking the habit may be the hardest thing they have ever had to do.