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 can overcome their drug addiction by quitting cold turkey, the majority of 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 overcome this form of addiction and 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 one should look for in a particular program. This will not only help cut down recovery costs in the long run, but 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 about 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 for certain patients to achieve a level of stability and a 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 for the patient who is on the path to recovery. This approach addresses addiction to prescription painkillers, heroin, and other drugs. Programs often implement it as part of a harm-reduction strategy that aims to reduce damage to the body rather than allow continued uncontrolled drug abuse.
Other rehab programs do lean towards a pharmaceutical solution that relies 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 throughout 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 a certain dosage. One should be even more wary 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.
Many prescription drug rehab centers also treat alcohol addiction and may prescribe medications such as Antabuse, which causes nausea when a person consumes alcohol. The big danger of Antabuse is that it opens up the door to liver problems that range from severe to potentially fatal situations. Impotence can also occur as a side effect and negatively affect a person’s sex life, which may lead to emotional distress for the patient.
GET FAMILIAR WITH THE METHODOLOGY USED TO OVERCOME CRAVINGS
Ask the rehab center what methods they use to help individuals manage the cravings that commonly occur in drug dependency and alcoholism.
Anyone in recovery must cope with cravings for the drug they were dependent on.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 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 that will prevent any kind of backsliding from happening. These can comprise 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 attention to the nutritional aspect of the drug rehab program. People seeking addiction treatment often face poor health, malnutrition, and gastrointestinal issues caused by long-term opioid abuse. 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. A drug rehab program that includes proper nutritional support can greatly help patients return to peak health.
Just as drug addiction does not develop in a single day, recovery also requires patience. 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, constant lethargy, and irritability should gradually fade over time.
REINTEGRATION INTO SOCIETY UPON GRADUATION
Nobody likes to experience uncertainties in life, but one unavoidable fact upon checking into 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, and 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. Old associates, familiar places, and life challenges—such as job loss, the death of a loved one, or declining health—can trigger relapse.
Patients must leave rehab equipped with the skills to cope with future challenges and handle stress triggers without turning to drugs. The relevant life skills imparted during the recovery process are crucial in keeping one on the straight and narrow. It helps individuals break destructive patterns and resist triggers, with each success building hope and momentum for lasting recovery.
HOW THE REHAB PROGRAM VIEWS ADDICTION
A rehab program’s perspective on drug addiction ultimately shapes how it designs its treatment approach. If a rehab program views drug addiction as a curable chronic disease, it expects episodes of relapse as part of the recovery process. On the other hand, some rehab programs believe that a well-structured and thorough program can guide individuals through difficult times and prevent relapse. The drug rehab center’s approach should align with the patient’s goals and vision, as this alignment creates a stronger path to recovery. Otherwise, the patient may develop resistance or a defeated mindset from the beginning, which can hinder the recovery process.
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 too good to be true probably is. Common sense and logic show that a patient cannot overcome long-term addiction through a simple injection or by undergoing 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!