Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment

Drug and alcohol use can be traced back to 4000 B.C., in Egypt. By the 19th century, active substances were being extracted from the raw materials, and these psychoactive substances were being sold without any regulations. By the early 1900s there were an estimated 250,000 drug addicts in the United States included in Los angeles and more. The anti-war upheaval of the 1960s brought with it a dramatic increase in drug use and increased social acceptance. The 1980s saw a decline in most drug use, with a slight increase in Cocaine use. Despite this overall decline, most Americans still regard illegal drug use as one of the nation's most serious problems. Opinion polls show the public favors a variety of different approaches to the drug problem. In addition to strict laws, it is vital to effectively treat individuals already suffering from drug dependence and substance abuse, through education, therapy, medicine, and group support. Drug rehabilitation is a key component to a successful campaign against the use of illegal drugs.

At its fundamental level, humans use substances such as alcohol and psychoactive drugs because these substances give the user a feeling of pleasure. Pleasure is a very powerful force. Our brains are wired in such a way that if you do something that gives you pleasure you will probably want to do it again. All drugs that are addicting can energize and enhance the brain's pleasure circuit. Addiction is a chronic disease that affects ones brain, and ones behavior. Addicted individuals abuse drugs without regard to the consequences of health, relationships, money, work etc. It is a consuming disease that not only effects the individual directly, but others indirectly. If left untreated, this disease can lead to the social death, as well as the actual death of the inflicted individual. Proper management must be instituted immediately to return the individual to a life that is more manageable, and drug free. A program of drug rehabilitation best achieves this goal.

Drug rehabilitation is the process of medical or psychotherapeutic treatment for substance abuse. The goal of any drug rehabilitation program is to provide comprehensive drug treatment and alcohol rehabilitation services, and introduce individuals to a new lifestyle free of chemicals. Successful treatment of substance abusers depends upon the severity and nature of the addiction, as well as motivation. Some treatment programs use medicines that neutralize the effects of the drug. Acupuncture has also been successful in treating the cravings that accompany drug withdrawal. Comprehensive substance abuse counseling and education is another component for a successful plan. Evaluating the efficacy of any treatment plan is difficult because of the chronic nature of drug abuse, and the fact that the disease is usually complicated by personal, social, and health factors.

Statistics show that getting sober is easy; staying sober is the hard part, and the first year of recovery is the most difficult. It may take a number of attempts before success is achieved. Nobody chooses to become a drug addict or alcoholic, this disease cannot be wished away, it has to be treated.

People who have unfortunately got into drug addiction and want to get help, may need a drug rehabilitation program. Anyone who wants to take control of their addiction and wish to contribute to society can admit themselves for treatment and make an effort to recover.

There are various types of drug rehab programs. You must honestly evaluate your problem. Do not try to lie to yourself about your condition. You might see a doctor for evaluation of your addiction. He is the best person to discuss your rehabilitation options with and decide which one will be the most beneficial for you.

How many types of drug rehab programs are there?

There are two types of programs: Short term and Long term.

Various short term methods:

For those people who do not have severe form of addiction, for them short term method lasting for 6 months is recommended.

* The next method of drug rehabilitation program is out patient therapy. Generally medicines are not used in this method to wean the patient away from the drugs. It is generally based on frequent counseling in a small support group or privately. Those addicts who strongly want to get off their addiction and are not heavily into drugs yet, generally opt for this method.

* There is short term-residential program. These programs are generally for 3 to 6 weeks, which is followed by the presence and counseling of support groups like Narcotics Anonymous. This program is very effective but a lot depends on the person's desire to recover.

* Another short term therapy is out patient, drug free therapy. This method is suitable for those addicts who do not have a long history of drugs usage. They are new users. In these cases the patients themselves have strong desire to recover and there are supporters for the patient. In such cases counseling and support groups works for them.

Various Long term methods:

Those patients who have a long history of drug usage need to opt for long term drug rehabilitation program. The patients who opt for it may have a criminal history and are heavily into drugs. They need a long time to recover both physically and mentally.

* Methadone out patient therapy is one of the options. It is a part of long term rehabilitation program. The patient is orally given doses of substances like Methadone so that his cravings for the drug are reduced. Once the cravings are reduced, he is counseled along with his family and friends group support.

* There are residential therapeutic treatment options for patients who have a long history of taking drugs and also have a criminal history. This treatment is recommended for patients with a severe problem. The patients have to stay in the center for up to 1 year. Methadone drug is administered regularly till they become stable.

Drug addiction is a very serious problem and drug rehab program must be taken very seriously. The family, friends and other support groups should support the patient in his or her endeavor to become drug-free. Entering a drug rehab center may be the patient's only chance of recovering from this dreadful problem.