Rehab: The Best Way to Stop Using Drugs
Rehab: The Best Way to Stop Using Drugs
Those who are addicted to alcohol or other substances may wish to stop using drugs and stay clean. It is very difficult to quit without some kind of assistance. For this reason, there are a variety of treatment options available. Different treatments may focus on the type of harmful substance being used. Some programs may involve outpatient options or admission into a specific facility for inpatient treatment.
Is Rehab the Best Way to Stop Using Drugs?
Rehab is short for rehabilitation. These programs provide an effective process of quitting use of harmful substances. According to the NIDA, nearly 24 million people over the age of 12 in the U.S. need treatment for substance abuse and addiction problems. This is nearly 10 percent of the US population. Of those who need to stop using drugs, only about 11 percent actually receive treatment.
Why Get Rehabilitation Assistance?
It is extremely difficult to quit drugs or alcohol alone. Those who quit using drugs or alcohol can experience uncomfortable or painful withdrawal symptoms during detox. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous. Also, withdrawal symptoms may lead to relapse, overdose, or death. Even after detox is complete, it is difficult to remain free of harmful substances. Rehab treatment programs help those who want to stop using drugs to learn about their addictions, cravings, and triggers. Those in recovery also learn new coping skills and ways to avoid returning to drug use.
Different Types of Rehab
Benefits of Inpatient Rehabilitation Treatment Programs
When attending inpatient rehab treatment, those in recovery have around the clock support for problems or questions. Being away from daily life and its problems, individuals have more time to focus on their needs and recovery. Access to drugs and alcohol is severely restricted, reducing the risk of relapse. The day is generally planned out with programming options so that the individual doesn’t have time to dwell on cravings. A healthy meal plan is typically included, allowing those in recovery the chance for their bodies to recover from substance abuse and also letting them learn how to eat nutritious meals. Certain types of exercise and physical activities may also be provided or encouraged so that individuals can start new habits to help start a healthier lifestyle.
What to Look for in an Addiction Treatment Program
It is important to find a rehab program that meets specific needs, though options may be limited due to insurance or financial restrictions. There are publicly funded facilities to help give those with low incomes the treatment they require. Those who have insurance coverage should check with their insurance provider for a list of covered rehab treatment centers. A good rehab treatment facility should be licensed or certified, use successful treatment methods that can be measured through statistics on successful outcomes, and should offer some type of aftercare treatment program to help prevent the risk of relapse following treatment. Depending on an individual’s needs, an important factor may also be the availability of extended stay for those who feel they need additional assistance and are not ready to return to outside influences after the initial treatment phase is completed.
Post-Rehabilitation Center Treatment Options
Once the treatment program has been completed, successful individuals should attend some form of aftercare treatment to reinforce their rehab treatment as well as to increase the chances for successful recovery and to reduce the risk of relapse. There are different types of aftercare programs and support groups available to meet those needs, as well as individual and group counseling sessions. A combination of these programs is most effective and should be selected based on individual needs.
Things to Consider When Attending Rehab
Rehab is a place to get better while you stop using drugs. While it is important to make new friends and build a support network, socializing should be secondary to getting better and free from drugs and alcohol. Make the most of the time spent in rehab and take the treatment plan seriously. Stay as long as possible in each phase of rehab treatment programming to get the maximum program benefits. Be sure to attend all appointments and continue the aftercare program for as long as allowed. It is important that those in recovery be honest both with their treatment providers and with themselves in order to best succeed with recovery and avoid potential relapses. If a relapse occurs, it is important to seek help and to continue with sobriety and not give up. While relapse is unfortunate, it is not the end.
