Getting into the habit of drug addiction is no laughing matter, as it could end up being a matter of life or death. With the latter being more often than not, the sad conclusion if nothing is done about it, it’s time to invoke change. We need to recognize local killers like heroin addiction and crystal meth addiction. While only those with an iron will are able to overcome their drug addiction by quitting cold turkey, the majority of the others would require the assistance provided by a drug rehab center. WisHope Recovery is a non-profit organization that has its fair share of recovery houses to help those experiencing drug dependency issues to overcome this form of addiction, in order to live a healthy, fulfilling, and drug-free life.
With different kinds of drug and alcohol rehab centers offering their own version of programs and treatment, it would be in the patient’s best interest to know what exactly should one look out for in a particular program. This will not only help cut down recovery costs in the long run, it will also minimize the destructive pattern of dropping out from a rehabilitation center that could lead to depression and lapsing into old habits, resulting in a seemingly never-ending downward spiral. The search for the right kind of drug rehab center is a very important decision to make, so here are some pointers on how to choose a drug rehab center close to where you live that will tick off most, if not all of the checkboxes on your list.
LIST DOWN YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE REHABILITATION CENTER
No two programs are the same when it comes to drug rehab, although some of them might be similar in many aspects. Just like how varying factors in an experiment will ultimately affect the results, so too, will the variety of programs deliver results of their own. With individual interpretations of what success constitutes in a rehab center, I would want to choose a drug rehab near me that makes me feel comfortable. Knowing my expectations is the perfect way to select the right kind of rehabilitation center. It should be a decision that ought to be made collectively, including other stakeholders like the family to determine whether the ultimate result is acceptable or not. It is in your best interest to ask the rehab program on their definition and measurement of success, along with their historical success rate before a decision can be reached.
KNOW HOW LONG THE REHAB PROGRAM WILL LAST
Everything needs to have a beginning and an end. It really depends on the seriousness of the situation as well as the viability of the program’s length. Do ask whether the rehab program will be a short-term one or is it one that lasts for the long haul. The longer a particular program runs, the more expensive it will be, which makes sense to reduce commuting time if it is located close to home. Many drug rehab programs stick to a 28-day schedule but do be aware that this might not be adequate enough for certain patients to achieve a level of stability and drug-free lifestyle. After all, addiction is not something that can be cured by popping three pills a day before meals, as there is a very high chance that mental damage has also occurred. Fixing the mind and healing the body can be a long and tough road, so do consider exploring programs that last longer than 28 days.
IS DRUG SUBSTITUTION PART OF THE TREATMENT PROGRAM?
One of the most common forms of drug treatment programs includes drug substitution, relying on the likes of Suboxone, methadone, or buprenorphine to the patient who is on the path to recovery. This includes addicts of prescription painkillers, something more serious like heroin, or even other kinds of drugs. Such a program is usually implemented as part of the harm reduction process with the ultimate aim of lowering the amount of harm to a person’s body as opposed to going through wanton drug abuse.
There are also other rehab programs that do lean towards a pharmaceutical solution that rely on medication that falls within the level of benzodiazepines, such as Valium or Xanax. The logic behind that is to help relieve any possible distressing symptoms so that the patient will have an easier time through the entire process. Anyone who experiences a serious case of alcohol withdrawal might require the assistance of benzodiazepines, but it is imperative to take note that this is not the sole solution when it comes to rehab treatment.
There is always a risk that the patient might end up relying on the substitute medications that make up the treatment itself. Xanax, for instance, carries the risk of someone being dependent on it after a mere 12 weeks of usage at the certain dosage. One should be even warier of prescription opioid substitutes since those can be far more addictive within a short span of time.
Do take note that the prescription substitute method is not recommended as a long-term solution, as it is essentially nothing more than trading one particular addiction for a different one. Assuming that the ultimate aim is to be weaned off totally from drug addiction, then steer clear of any programs that have drug substitution as the primary form of treatment.
As most prescription drug rehab centers also deal with alcoholic patients, there are selected programs that will prescribe drugs such as Antabuse which will make a person feel nauseous upon consumption of alcohol. The big danger of Antabuse is, it opens up the door to liver problems that range from severe to potentially fatal situations. One’s sex life will also be impacted negatively as impotence is another possible side effect, and this could lead to a despairing situation that will not be a positive experience for the patient in any way.
GET FAMILIAR WITH THE METHODOLOGY USED TO OVERCOME CRAVINGS
Sit down and ask just what kind of method is used, if any, to help a person overcome the cravings that are all too common in cases of drug dependency and alcoholism. Any addict who is going through the recovery process will have to grapple with cravings for the drug that one has been so dependent on all this while. We understand that most rehab programs do not offer a direct way of combating these cravings, but rather, resort to prescription medications that will suppress such cravings as a form of the chemical solution. Without an effective or suitable method to address the intensity of such cravings directly, one might end up with a far greater desire to resort to one’s old ways.
Hence, do see whether there are other kinds of components or techniques in the program which will prevent any kind of backsliding from happening. These can comprise of a potent combination of a well balanced, nutritious diet, a properly planned exercise program, and even a detox session to help one’s journey on the road to full recovery.
DIET PLAYS A KEY ROLE
You are what you eat, and there is wisdom in that saying. It is wise to pay close inspection to the nutritional aspect of the drug rehab program. Normally, an addict who wants to be helped tends to be in very poor shape, normally suffering from gastrointestinal issues due to serious opiate abuse over the course of time that results in being malnourished. The other twin terror of addiction, alcoholism, often ends up causing anemia and brain disease in its victims due to the lack of proper nutrition. By making sure that the drug rehab program is backed by proper nutrition support, it will greatly help the patient return to the peak of health.
Just like how the drug addiction problem did not develop in one day, patience is required while the patient is on the mend. It will take time for the body to absorb all of the nutrients from a proper diet as the body begins to heal. Symptoms such as insomnia, depression, a lethargic feeling all the time, and is easily irritated, among others, should go away after a while.
REINTEGRATION INTO SOCIETY UPON GRADUATION
Nobody likes to experience uncertainties in life, but one unavoidable fact upon checking in to a rehab facility is equivalent to taking a hiatus from everyday life itself. The longer one takes to recover, the more detached a person would be from the real world. This might prove to be a far more difficult step to take for professionals as it can be a huge mental and emotional blow to the ego. More importantly, do find out whether the rehab program does provide relevant life skills to a patient in order to ease the transition when one makes a return to a sober lifestyle.
The mountaintop experience at a rehab program will not last, where tough and challenging times will come. Such stress levels associated with everyday life will test a recovered person’s will to the limit, offering temptation to return to the old lifestyle. There will be old associates and places that might trigger a relapse, or other kinds of challenges that life offers such as being made redundant, losing a spouse or family member, deteriorating health, or other reasons.
Being equipped with leaving the rehab center to cope with the upcoming challenges is an essential factor to be able to face such stress triggers and emerge victorious without turning to drugs. The relevant life skills imparted during the recovery process are crucial in keeping one on the straight and narrow. It will also be able to show the recovering addict that the old self-destructive patterns are a thing of the past and that it is possible to overcome temptations and triggers in a positive manner. Hope is a very powerful driving factor for any person to move on, and with each victory in overcoming temptations and stress, it will be a stepping stone to future victories.
HOW THE REHAB PROGRAM VIEWS ADDICTION
The way a particular rehab program views drug addiction will ultimately shape the way the program is designed. If the drug rehab program flows along the lines of drug addiction being a curable chronic disease, then there is every possibility that episodes of relapses are going to be expected on the road to recovery. On the other hand, there are particular rehab programs that believe relapse episodes need not happen as long as there is a well structured and thorough program to guide the addict through tough times. How the drug rehab center thinks should be aligned with the patient, as a common goal and vision make for a very potent combination. Otherwise, there might be resistance experienced by the patient or a defeated mindset right from the very beginning that will surely not help the situation in any way.
THERE IS NO INSTANT OR MIRACULOUS CURE
If there is a drug rehab program that promises a miraculous, instantaneous cure, avoid that at all costs. Anything that is too good to be true probably is. It is contrary to common sense and logic that a patient is able to overcome a long period of sustained addiction through a simple injection, or worse, being subjected to painful electric shocks.
CONCLUSION
Ultimately, the decision lies in being comfortable with the philosophy, ideas, and people running the drug rehab center. It is a human life at stake here and not an inanimate object, so the best possible step for the well-being of the patient is of the utmost importance. All the best in picking the right drug rehab center near you!