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Which Rehab is Right For You

May 2, 2011 by Leave a Comment

For those dealing with addiction that have finally admitted to themselves that they have a problem and that they need help, congratulations. This is a big step in your road to recovery. Many people don’t get where you are. While it should be applauded that you admitted it, now you must do something about it. That means that you must do what is right and get yourself to rehab. This means that you will have to make a decision on the kind of facility you want to go to.

The first thing you will want to determine is if you are willing to go to a place that is voluntary in involuntary. Many opt for the voluntary treatment centers. That means that you are agreeing to be a part of the treatment and can leave anytime you want. For many this works because it allows them to feel as if they are not trapped. It’s can be a very rewarding experience. This will allow you to check out if you are no longer interested in staying there.

The other type of facility will not allow you to leave. There you have to deal with a much stricter staff. It’s a bit of the tough love idea. There are no easy roads and the staff will not allow you to leave until the treatment is over. This might be the right place for you but you have to make that decision on your own.

The important thing to remember is that you are getting help and it’s the first big step. Just think about what facility is best for you and you’ll be great.

 

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Drug Rehabilitation

March 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Rehabilitation center or rehab is often referred to as a place when a person seeks major changes or help from something he cannot get free from by his efforts or his loved ones. An institution of rehabilitation is the location of rehabilitee.

Drug rehabilitation is one of the commonest seeking purposes for help and aid. The sufferers are given medical or psycho therapeutic treatments to rid their aptitude from psycho active drugs and entities. Some of the psycho active substances are alcohol and medicinal prescribed drugs and the street drugs being heroin, cocaine, and more. The people generally get addicted to such substances after repeated usages and thus become difficult for them to get away from these. The general consequences affect all the phases of life being social, economical, behavioral, personal, financial and legal to great extents. People generally get affected by these when they do the drug abuse to the levels of addiction. The path is then turned towards rehab where the addicted person gets treatments and is told the ways of getting free of the acquired drug addiction.

The treatment options are varied for the drug rehabilitation. Residential treatment and outpatient treatment, local support groups and extended care centers being the famous ones.  The effective therapies consider the patients overall needs along with the consideration of freeing him from the addiction as they understand that the mental status and thinking of social behavior are most of the times the major factors behind opting for a mind nullifying sources such as drugs.  In addition to the therapies, counseling plays an important role in overcoming the mental distress suffered by the patients. The basic methodology is to curb the emotional regulation of a person to go for addictions i.e. opt for substances which stimulate behavioral instincts.

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Things to Take to Drug Rehabilitation Centers

February 24, 2011 by Leave a Comment

When someone dealing with an addiction decides to seek treatment, this calls for some adjustment on their part and for their family members as well. Anyone with a family member entering rehab for the first time may immediately think about making preparations. Many basics are not provided by drug treatment centers. There are also a few notable items that rehab centers prevent their patients from taking with them.

What to Pack

This may vary depending on the center, as some offer slightly more relaxed rules. Some arrange day trips and other outside activities for patients. A few may even allow supervised trips to the store to get a few needed items. A list of things to pack for a loved one entering rehab might include:

  • Prescribed medication
  • A pillow if one will not be provided
  • Personal items like hair care products, toothbrush, sunscreen (they must be alcohol free)
  • Sneakers for exercise
  • Some centers require that some form of ID be taken in
  • Comfortable clothing
  • An alarm clock

These centers try to make the life of the patient as comfortable as possible while they are undergoing treatment. There are many other things which can be added to this list depending on the treatment center chosen.

Drug treatment centers will generally provide a list of the Items that are not allowed. Some prohibited items have to do with privacy concerns. These include cameras and cell phones. Energy drinks and any product that contains alcohol such as perfumes are also prohibited.

Leaving some things behind can be difficult, but this is sometime necessary so as to help the person focus on the therapies available to them. After successful treatment, they can go back to their lives, albeit with some level of modification.

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The Very Real Challenges of Rehab

February 21, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Before any addict even considers entering rehab they must first face the fact that they have a problem. Forcing someone with addiction issues into a rehab facility is unlikely to produce successful results otherwise. What they will encounter while undergoing treatment will vary depending on the facility and their treatment program.

Regardless of facility is chosen, there are conditions that are constant like abiding by rules outlined by administrators. These may cover visiting hours, and there are often restrictions on who can visit. Patients are required to take part in all activities unless they are excused from doing so. In most centers relationships between patients are actively discouraged.

Battling addiction to drugs or alcohol sometimes requires therapy sessions, which can be emotionally taxing. This often forces individuals to confront personal issues that may have played a contributory role in their addiction. For this reason there is a confidentiality agreement between the facility and each patient.

Family Contact

This can be a big challenge, as while visits are usually allowed, contact with family members is generally limited to visiting hours. Most facilities do not allow the use of cell phones, which may lead to a feeling of isolation. This is a necessary aspect of the treatment, however, as all attempt is made to minimize external negative influences.

The Possibility of Relapse

This is a very real concern for anyone who has ever battled addiction, whether it is to alcohol or drugs. Some drug rehab centers offer follow-up programs for just this reason, but this is not always possible. For some addicts, beating the problem will be only the beginning. It is easy to fall back into old habits or behaviors leading t lead to drinking or drug use.

Some centers have whole programs devoted to dealing with the issue of relapse. This usually focuses on identifying the triggers which may lead to drug or alcohol use. Once former patients are educated on the risks of relapse, and follow provided guidelines, they can successfully avoid reverting to their destructive habits.

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Understanding the Lure of Alcohol

February 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Many people can never understand what it is about alcohol that pulls people in. In many cases, the lure of alcohol is hard to understand unless you or a loved one has had to deal with alcoholism or any other form of substance abuse. It is not easy to grasp why anyone would drink until it takes over their lives.

The first thing is to realize is that alcoholism is not just about having a drinking problem. It is in fact a disease that can wreak havoc on one’s physical health, as well as their emotional and social wellbeing. This addiction, like so many others, has destroyed families in many ways.

For many recovering alcoholic, just the smell or taste of alcohol can undo all their progress. For many, one drink is never enough, they must have just one more which in itself is not enough. Alcoholics have no control over liquor, it controls them. As such they drink because they have to and usually in excess.

Many people drink because they need a means of escaping from something, whether a past experience or difficult existing situations. Sadly, over time the alcoholic will find that they need to drink just to function on a day to day basis. Interestingly, not all alcoholics become so drunk that it is obvious. In fact, many are able to avoid detection for years.

Once someone becomes addicted to alcohol, it is advisable that if they enter rehab and come out successful, they must avoid alcohol like the plague. Only by not drinking can an alcoholic be assured not only of being cured, but also of being able to resist the lure of this seductive mistress.

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The Importance of Aftercare

February 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment

In some ways, the stay at the rehabilitation facility is the easy part. Maintaining sobriety while you are out there alone, surrounded by temptations is more complicated. That’s where aftercare comes in.

Aftercare is part of the rehabilitation process – continuing to reinforce the lessons learned while in residential treatment. It can include attending twelve step meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, seeing a therapist, group therapy, or outpatient care.

An aftercare plan is usually developed in the final days or weeks of residential treatment, and must involve the patient’s family or other support network. The plans are written for the individual – some people do well attending twelve step meetings and regular therapy sessions. Others may need a halfway house where they can work during the day, but return to a controlled environment at night. The most intensive aftercare may mean staying at the residential facility for the first dangerous months. Patients who do not have family or a network of sober friends can benefit by maintaining a strict routine while learning to function in the real world.

Aftercare is not program just for the weak willed. It is an important part of every recovering addict’s care when they return home and must deal with the pressures of relationships, work, and home with easy access to drugs and alcohol. Individuals who feel alone and vulnerable can fall into familiar, destructive behaviors.

Families sometimes want to declare an addict cured when they leave rehab. Sometimes they desperately want to get on with life and consider their loved one’s addiction just a bump in the road. Sometimes they indulge in “magical thinking”- not discussing an addiction means it didn’t happen.

Over half the patients who complete rehabilitation relapse within their first year of sobriety. Returning to their old surroundings and old friends can lead to falling back on old habits. A thoughtful aftercare plan can help reinforce new habits of sobriety and healthful living.

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The Betty Ford Center

February 3, 2011 by Leave a Comment

It took a very brave woman to introduce drug rehabilitation to mainstream America. But Former First Lady Betty Ford has never been anything but honest about her struggles with breast cancer and substance abuse. In 1982, when Mrs.. Ford and Ambassador Leonard Firestone established the Betty Ford Center at Rancho Mirage, California, drug rehabilitation was spoken of only in whispers. By talking about her own recovery, Mrs. Ford single-highhandedly brought rehab out of the shadows and into the light.

The Betty Ford Center is a non-profit, residential hospital for inpatient, day, and outpatient rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction. The Center has seven different treatment programs ranging from 90-day inpatient treatment to follow-up care. There is also an outpatient program that allows the patient to live at home and attend the program from 5-9 pm daily. This program is primarily an aftercare program or for patients who have completed an inpatient stay, but need a “refresher” course for ongoing recovery.

No addiction happens just to the addict. The Center also has education and prevention programs for children and families who are not addicts, but live within addicted families.

Mrs. Ford was convinced that men and women react differently to addiction, so treatment is gender specific. Each patient is assigned a comprehensive team of specialists who remain constant throughout your treatment. An individual care is plan is developed for you and counselors, case manager, dietitian, fitness expert, psychologist, and physician follow you through the treatment period.

An important part of rehabilitation is aftercare – the way you maintain sobriety in the real world. The Betty Ford Center has an active alumni group that holds regular meetings throughout the United States and Canada to encourage a lifetime of healthy living.

The Betty Ford Center was the one first rehabilitation hospitals surrounded by luxury and exclusivity. The Center quickly became the rehabilitation site of choice for movie stars and rock musicians, and rehab became socially acceptable.

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What Do I Take To Rehab?

February 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment

You have finally decided to enter drug rehabilitation. You have found a compatible program, and set the date you will start the program. What should you take to the facility?

If treatment isn’t prepaid, bring your payment. You will also be allowed to bring a limited amount of cash for personal purchases. Phone calls will be limited, and cell phones are generally prohibited. Buy a phone card for long distance calls when they are allowed.

Rehabilitation is work and you must not be distracted from the task at hand. Do not bring your computer, DVD player, palm pilot, or video i-pod. Ask before you bring an alarm clock, i-pod, MP3 player (with headset), or hair dryer.

Part of rehabilitation is taking ownership of your past actions, and how they have affected the people who love you. Your life has been out of control, revolving around drugs or alcohol. A properly ordered life, complete with diet, regular exercise, and plenty of rest is essential for a successful rehabilitation.

Did your Grandma ever tell you “pretty is as pretty does”? Rehab centers often stress gaining control of yourself and your surroundings. There are often strict rules about clothing- limiting selections to modest shorts, appropriate undergarments, and comfortable casual wear. You will not be allowed to bring any clothing with drug or alcohol logos. Women may be asked to leave all low cut tops at home; but bring one dress. Men may be asked to bring a dress shirt and tie.

You may bring personal toiletries, but nothing containing alcohol- including perfume and after-shave. You may be allowed to bring sealed cigarettes, but they will be checked for tampering. All your possessions will be checked when you arrive for contraband substances.

Rehab is an opportunity to break from old habits and old friends. Restoring your sense of responsibility means getting rid of distractions and bad habits during your stay.

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Using Alternative Treatments for Drug Rehabilitation

February 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Drug addiction is an ongoing issue. Over the years various methods of rehabilitation have been tried to help addicts overcome this problem. It is therefore not surprising that with the growing interest in alternative medicine, this is increasingly being used in drug rehabilitation efforts.

Some alternative methods being used to help people overcome addiction include nutrition, acupuncture, meditation, cognitive and motivational therapies. These methods may be combined depending on the response of addicts. Some treatment centers also go with a combination of alternative and standard medicinal programs.

Nutrition is now being used as a means of detoxification. In fact, ensuring a certain level of nutrition serves more than one purpose. It helps to improve the overall health of the addicted person since they are normally malnourished. Plus, certain minerals and vitamins are known to have properties that aid in removing toxins from the body.

Antioxidant rich foods that are high in nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin c, selenium and zinc are excellent at helping to fight free radicals. Malnourished people, especially those who abuse drugs and alcohol tend to have high levels of free-radicals. Increasing antioxidant intake improves the health of tissues.

Acupuncture is also being used to help people beat addiction. The area of focus is the ear. Acupuncture needles are placed in specific areas of the ear to control withdrawal cravings. Based on the pressure points stimulated, endorphins are released which help to improve the mood of drug addicted people. This helps to control the urge and discomfort generally associated with withdrawal from drugs or alcohol.

Whatever methods are used to help people overcome addiction to drugs and alcohol, it will always be challenging. Some persons will be successful the first time they try to beat their addiction. Unfortunately, this is not true for everyone as they will need to try different methods to help them overcome this problem for life.

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Drug Addiction and Rehab

January 29, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Drug addiction is one of the biggest problem and challenges facing the youth not only in this country but across many parts of the world. The saddest part is that teenagers usually fall victim to this habit and by the time they as well as the parents realize it, things usually would have gone out of control. There could be many reasons for drug addictions and most of them are socio-economic in nature, Of course there are also emotional reasons which drive young children to drug.

To counter this scourge, there are many drug rehab centers spread throughout the country. Anyone desirous of giving up drugs would most naturally contact these rehab centers who are always ready to lend a helping hand to such people. All it requires is a mindset which is positive towards detoxifying there body. Once this is done, the next important step is to go for a total drug rehabilitation therapy. This takes time and calls for patience, love and affection on the part of the family members.

There are many types of drugs that are available freely in the market and so detoxification and drug rehabilitation is something which needs careful study before being put into practice. Drug addiction starts as a pleasure and slowly the victim starts sinking deeper into this problem and over a period of time his body takes over his mind.

His body starts demanding drugs out of which he finds it very difficult to come out. They would like to kick this habit out but are unable to do it in spite of their best personal effort. This is when they would need the help and support of rehab centers that would follow a scientific approach and wean away the victims from drugs. The process is slow but it is usually successful provided the victim cooperates.

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