Drug Rehab

Although there are common themes that need to be addressed in all addiction treatment, no two people are alike, and this needs to be taken cognisance of by drug rehabs. Alcoholism treatment programmes will also pay attention to the unique story of each client.

Some regimes rely exclusively on medical techniques and are heavily inclined to dispensing prescription drugs. Other alcohol rehab programs employ a merging of multiple disciplines in a cohesive team to provide a more holistic and integrated treatment experience for those who have become addicted to alcohol.

Anyone trying to choose the most appropriate alcohol rehab centre will know there’s a lot to consider. Alcohol abuse is complex problem with many short and simple answers, unfortunately every one of those answer is wrong!

Alcoholism manifests in very different ways, across different people and ages. The multitude of substances available today have different effects too and it’s rare to find a ‘pure’ alcoholic who hasn’t combined their alcohol with some or other form of drug abuse;

prescription pills
gambling
dagga and other illegal drugs

Therefore it’s critical for treatment professionals to mould each patients programme around the individual and their specific history of alcohol and other drug abuse, as well as considering the overall needs of the patient.

For example: a person who is addicted to alcohol & sleeping tablets needs to receive addiction treatment that is different from somebody who is addicted to alcohol & cocaine or heroin.

It’s paramount that the multidisciplinary team collaborates with the patient in negotiating and agreeing upon a flexible treatment plan that can be altered when needed. This plan needs to address the whole person and consider their, mental, physical and emotional health, legal problems, vocational guidance, accommodation, family history, risk of relapse, social support etc.

The length of stay in an alcoholic rehabilitation centre can often be a bone of contention for people seeking help with their drinking. There’s a tendency to expect that after a few days short detoxification they’ll be able to pick up their lives as though nothing’s happened.

The length of alcoholism rehabilitation is dependent upon patient needs and can extend into 6 months or longer.  The initial phase of rehab, where the alcoholic is detoxified and assisted through the essentials of early recovery is known as Primary Care and usually lasts between 21 and 42 days.

There are short alcoholism treatment programs, normally for binge drinkers that run as out-patient rehabs for 3 or 4 weeks enabling people to continue to work during the day time. This type of after-hours rehab is only appropriate for alcoholics who are not dependent on drinking and don’t suffer from withdrawal symptoms.

Then the short term in-patient rehab’s last just a few weeks and are sufficient for the alcoholic to get their life back on track and in order.

The more intensive in-patient rehab’s can last longer  and will recommend continued care at a Secondary Care alcohol rehab enable the patient to look at issues around their integrating back into normal life but also enabling them to clear away the wreckage of their past’ more effectively.

Some people have childhood abuse and other issues that need to be addressed after the Primary Care phase of alcohol rehabilitation is over.

Sometimes people with severe alcoholism choose to extend their care by living in a sober environment and benefiting from what is known as Tertiary Care rehab. This phase of alcohol treatment can last for a year.

It is a wise idea to identify what resources are available so that you can develop a sound and sustainable recovery strategy.

For example: you might choose to spend 4 weeks in an intense Primary Care alcoholism rehab  program, followed by 4 weeks in a step-down, Secondary Care facility while attending aftercare and outpatient treatment. Thereafter you may opt for living in a Halfway House as an insurance policy to enhance your chances of success.

Unless you know where to find these rehab services and what they entail you might be denying yourself the opportunity to receive addiction treatment that matches your needs.

Psychological interventions are an important part of drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Many substances, including the commonly abused and socially acceptable alcohol, can create serious psychological disturbances that persist even after the person stops drinking or using them.

Additionally addicts and alcoholics develop behavioural patterns that reinforce their using and make it difficult to live clean and sober.

Clearing the body of drugs and alcohol (in a detox centre) is usually fairly straightforward and quite routine. Helping the person to address the mental problems that addiction /alcoholism has created can be significantly more involved.

Most alcohol rehab centres will have some sort of psychological component to their alcoholism treatment program. This enhances the chances of a successful treatment outcome and helps patients to adjust to living life sober and without the use of mind-altering substances.

are staffed by trained professionals who understand the nitty-gritty of alcoholism and its effective treatment. You will find therapists, counsellors, doctors, nurses, psychologists, and other professionals in any quality alcohol rehabilitation centres.

Each member of the team will perform an assessment of the client. By drawing on the combined knowledge of the team they are able to develop a rich understanding of the individual and make informed decisions about what sort of rehabilitation program is required.

While you are a patient at a drug or alcohol rehab centre you will be assigned a counsellor who has received special training in addictions treatment. Together with other members of the team your counsellor will take a life history and could even recommend certain medical tests. This will further refine the addiction treatment plan.

If you would like help in finding a drug or alcohol rehabilitation centre please contact us.

United Kingdom: 0808 26 REHAB (73422)  
South Africa: 082-74-REHAB (73422)

 

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