Drug addiction is one of society’s major problems today and this is happening around the world even in the less developed countries. It is an issue that governments are still trying to resolve through the passing and implementation of appropriate laws.
Thankfully, rehabilitation centers exist to help addicts recover and become free and normal people again. They play a vital role in reforming a patient and preventing a relapse in the future.
Effects of Drug Abuse
Frequent use of illegal drugs is detrimental to one’s overall well-being. Apart from adversely affecting one’s physical health, it also has psychological effects.
Additionally, those who inject drugs face a higher risk of contracting HIV, Hepatitis C and other types of infectious diseases that are spread through the use of contaminated needles and unprotected sex. Reports have it that drug dependents who use needles are nearly six times more likely to get HIV.
As in any chronic condition such as arthritis or diabetes, drug addiction has a risk of relapse. This can happen even to patients who have undergone rehabilitation and successful medical management. For this reason, it is always best for addicts to stay in a facility for several months as prescribed so they can go through the detox and therapeutic processes without fair. Experts note that the therapy part is most important as this is where the patients reveal the root causes of their substance abuse and where psychiatrists and psychologists can find solutions to the issues brought out to them.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) pointed out that people who successfully complete a drug abuse rehab program have a good chance of achieving sobriety, having fewer relapses and run-ins with the law as well as enjoy better relations with their family members, friends and colleagues.
Going to Rehab
Rehabilitation programs can either be inpatient or outpatient and short-term or long-term. An inpatient program requires the patient to live in a rehab facility together with other people suffering from drug addiction. It involves a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, medication management and support groups.
The treatment for drug addiction normally takes at least 90 days. Longer treatments, however, are recommended by the NIDA. Additionally, patients need continuous support from their family and friends and aftercare from the facility they came from for their long-term recovery. Medical experts have confirmed that recovering addicts who have a strong support system are more likely to resist the urge to use illegal drugs again. Parents can also obtain health insurance for their loved ones. Many providers cover various types of treatments. For instance, Aetna Health Insurance covers alcohol treatment while others accommodate drug abuse treatment.
Attending rehab is proven to be beneficial to drug addicts. This option, however, may not be easily accepted particularly when the person concerned and his family are still in denial about the real situation. The reasons are understandable such as the social stigma that comes with going to rehab, fear of sharing with others, financial trouble and fear of being fired from one’s job.
The U.S. currently has more than 10,000 treatment facilities for drug addicts. Funded by local, state and federal governments, they provide counseling and behavioral therapies as well as medication and case management for those facing substance abuse problems. In addition to these facilities, those who prefer the outpatient treatment can get assistance from doctors, nurses, counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers through medical clinics and doctor’s offices.
Originally posted on December 12, 2016 @ 9:19 pm