Alcohol and drug addiction are characterized by physical and psychological dependency which causes the user to feel compelled to continue drug seeking behavior, even when it has negative effects on their life. Untreated, addiction can wreak havoc on every aspect of the user’s life, from physical and mental health problems to job loss and failed interpersonal relationships.

Over time, alcohol and drug use causes physiological changes in the user’s brain, which can short circuit the brain’s reward mechanisms and result in loss of self-control. In this case, although users may want to quit, they are unable to resist the temptation to take drugs or alcohol. Increased tolerance to their drug of choice causes addicts to increase their dosage to achieve the same “”high””, which spirals into increasing physiological and psychological dependency. The longer the exposure continues, the more addicted they become, and the more difficult it is for them to quit.

Eventually, the addicted individual will realize that they can no longer continue their addictive behavior. This realization often comes as a result of a serious event such as a divorce, loss of a job, or even the death of a close friend or family member. From this point, the user may begin to look for ways to moderate or quit taking their drug of choice. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation, also known as rehab, provides individuals suffering from addiction with the necessary support to start on their path to a healthy drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab

Quitting drugs and alcohol to pursue a sober lifestyle presents a number of challenges for the addicted individual. The first problem they must face is ridding their body of the addictive substance. With certain drugs and alcohol, it is critical to seek medical assistance, as withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even deadly. Once their system has been cleared of all addictive substances in a detoxification program, the user can then move forward with the rehabilitation process.

The benefits of choosing drug and alcohol rehab are many. Users who are in the midst of drug and alcohol addiction are often at a loss as to how to live a normal life without their substance of choice. Even if their life has been severely altered and affected by their abuse, an addict is typically incapable of choosing to discontinue use, even when they want to. Fortunately, rehab programs exist with this particular purpose in mind. In a rehab facility, individuals can receive a range of physical and mental health treatment and support to help them beat addiction and enjoy a sober lifestyle in the future.

Drug Rehab Centers

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation is a lifelong process that incorporates medical and psychological treatment of the physical and psychological effects of addiction, while helping the user remain sober when they return to mainstream society. Drug rehab centers are specialized facilities dedicated to providing recovering addicts with a variety of tools and support systems to cope with their addictive behaviors and tendencies. Depending on the severity of the addiction, the substance to which the user is addicted, and the physical and psychological health of the individual suffering from addiction, both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs are available.

Inpatient Drug Rehab

Inpatient drug rehab programs allow addicts to remove themselves from potentially triggering situations while providing them with the support and tools they need to slowly reintegrate into society. For users suffering from extreme addiction, 24-hour observation in a drug rehabilitation program may be necessary to help them establish healthy coping methods in a structured environment where there is no access to drugs or alcohol. Inpatient rehab also allows medical professionals to address the symptoms of physical addiction, which sometimes require medical treatment to mitigate withdrawal symptoms.

The primary goal of an inpatient program is to help the addict confront and overcome the underlying psychological and social influences and behaviors that lead to destructive thoughts and actions. With a deep, structured examination of their own tendencies, recovering addicts develop responsibility and personal accountability, so they can better function in society. An inpatient program provides the user with sufficient structure and guidance to establish constructive and healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress, anger, sadness, and other negative emotions, while reducing the risk of a relapse.

Outpatient Drug Rehab

Outpatient drug rehab features many of the same services as inpatient treatment, but individuals in recovery do not reside in the rehab facility. Outpatient treatment is most effective for recovering addicts with a strong, drug- and alcohol-free support system outside the facility. For individuals who do not require medical intervention or 24-hour surveillance, outpatient programs provide the psychological and mental support that is critical to their recovery process.

While patients in outpatient programs may simply proceed with their rehab process from home, the programs may also be incorporated into sober living and halfway house settings, where users attend rehab at an outpatient facility but live in a stable drug- and alcohol-free environment. The primary concern with outpatient treatment is providing recovering addicts with sufficient social and psychological support to help them cope with triggering situations that could result in a relapse.

Rehab Near Me

Each alcohol and drug rehabilitation program is tailored to meet the needs of the individual. While some people suffering from addiction may require 24-hour assistance and medical treatment at the start of the rehab process, others may be able to complete substance abuse treatment on an outpatient basis. Fortunately, there are a variety of alcohol and drug rehabilitation and support programs available for individuals with all levels of addiction. Although addiction can seem impossible to overcome, studies on the effectiveness of addiction treatment have shown that rehab over extended period of time helps recovering addicts quit using, reduce criminal activity, and improve their overall psychological and social interactions.

If you believe that you or a loved one are suffering from addiction to drugs or alcohol, there is help in your area. Visit our comprehensive directory of addiction support resources to find a rehabilitation facility near you.

Sources:
https://medlineplus.gov/druguseandaddiction.html
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/recovery
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/drug-addiction-treatment-in-united-states/types-treatment-programs
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/frequently-asked-questions/how-effective-drug-addiction-treatment