Understanding What Happens in Drug Rehabilitation

Current drug users may be afraid to detox. They may have seen television shows and movies where addicts have gone through a painful detox process that simply does not look appealing, or they may have heard misguided information about the detox process from fellow drug users. The following are a few things that someone looking for drug addiction help should keep in mind, before he or she allows fears to take control:

• Being afraid to detox is understandable, as it can be a difficult process. However when you are receiving drug addiction help, you have the benefit of a team of medical professionals who will guide you through the detox process.
• When you make the commitment to quit drugs, you make the commitment to live and lead a much healthier life. Counselors will help to devise a treatment plan that is as unique as you are.
• Rehab involves a comfortable environment in which recovering addicts can feel completely at ease.
• Your family members will be able to visit you in order to help provide you with the emotional support that you need during the recovery process.
• You will be able to explore every aspect of your addiction and your recovery.
• Family counseling will help you to understand how your determination to quit drugs will have a positive impact on your personal relationships.

You Can Quit Doing Drugs

If you have questions or concerns about what happens in drug rehab, call our toll-free helpline. We can ease any fears you may have, and we can help you find the resources that will work for you. We are here 24 hours a day, so free to call and speak to one of our knowledgeable counselors any time.

How Long Does Detoxification Take?

The amount of time it takes for detox depends upon the severity of the addiction and the drug being abused. On average, most patients will detox from three to seven days, but the process can take as long as two weeks. Patients cannot accelerate the detox process: detox can only go as fast as the body is willing to go. It is true, however, that the healthier a person is, the easier detox will be. Eating right, exercising and getting enough sleep can seem insignificant, but they can have a huge impact on how the body handles detox.

Is Drug Detoxification Painful?

Yes, drug detox can be painful, but not always; some people will feel more uncomfortable than anything. Detox pain can be both physical and psychological. When patients receive proper addiction treatment, rehab professionals can minimize the pain and discomfort of withdrawal.

Medical professionals monitor their patients throughout the entire detox process and recommend how fast the drug is removed. Medical professionals are also able to prescribe and administer the proper medication to assist a patient through detox if needed. The pain of detox is insignificant compared to wonderful feelings of recovery.

Withdrawal Symptoms Experienced during Detoxification

Withdrawal symptoms are guaranteed during drug detox. Not all addiction brings about the same withdrawal symptoms but the most common symptoms include the following:

• Nausea, vomiting and stomach pain
• Tremors, convulsions or seizures
• Irritability
• Fatigue and/or insomnia
• Depression
• Hot or cold temperatures to the extremes

Can I Detoxify from Drugs on My Own?

Some people may want to quit using drugs on their own, but this is never recommended. Once an addiction has developed, quitting drugs becomes a tricky task. Detox is not an easy process and without medical assistance people face serious health risk. Detox can be fatal. Rehab professionals can make certain that the process goes correctly and in the safest way possible. When people choose to quit drugs, they are getting a second chance at life. It is unwise to risk that chance on improper recovery treatment.

Addiction Detoxification Help

If you have questions or concerns about the detox process, please pick up the phone and call our toll-free helpline now. Our counselors are here to talk 24 hours a day to you about your addiction treatment concerns. We can connect you to the top treatment centers and the best medical specialists that make addiction treatment a positive experience. Don’t let fear hold you back from a life that you deserve to be living. Call us today; we can help.

Multiple Drug Use Statistics and Patterns

Multiple drug addictions are increasing, as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) found that over the last decade the use of multiple prescription drugs increased by 20%, and the use of five or more drugs increased by 70%. The CDC also found that in 2007 and 2008 one out of ten Americans used five or more prescription drugs.

Alcohol used with marijuana makes the “high” last longer, but alcohol also increases the body’s cravings for marijuana. Anabolic steroids are often mixed with other steroids, because the user feels that it will increase the benefits and prevent the aggressive behavior associated with steroid abuse. Cocaine users often think that alcohol will prolong the high and offset the mood swings, anxiety and depression common to cocaine use. Amphetamines and opiates are often combined to counteract the unwanted effects of each. None of these beliefs about the effects of multiple drug use are correct, and using more than one drug at a time increases the side effects associated with each.

Multiple Drug Addiction Treatment

Recovering from a single drug addiction is difficult, but many people who participate in inpatient residential treatment programs are successful at getting clean and staying clean. Comprehensive treatment is necessary for individuals with multiple drug addictions. By taking advantage of the following services you have an increased opportunity to maintain your recovery:

• Medically supervised detox services are critical for individuals recovering from multiple addictions, as multiple drug interactions and withdrawal symptoms lead to an increased safety risk.
• Individual and group counseling delves into the issues that lead to addiction and provides a wealth of knowledge and experience so that you can develop a set of lifelong skills for recovery.
• Aftercare support helps you through the transition period between rehab back to everyday life.

Find Multiple Drug Addiction Treatment Options

While recovering from multiple drug addictions is difficult, it is possible. We can help, so please call our toll-free helpline and learn about your options for treatment. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions or simply talk with you about your concerns. Please call now.

It Is Difficult to Hide a Crack Addiction

No one wants to be addicted to anything. Addiction means that a substance like crack cocaine has taken over your life so much that you no longer have control over it. Crack cocaine has received a lot of publicity since the 1980s, and no one wants to admit to being a crack addict. Despite this fact people try crack every day, and many of those people become addicted. You may be able to hide crack abuse during the early stages of addiction. Friends may also use, your family may not know you have tried the drug and you may still be able to limit your use. As use continues, you will take greater amounts of the drug, lose control over use and begin to have terrible “crashes” after the crack wears off. These low feelings and ill moments are strong indicators that your body is becoming dependent. It is exhausting to maintain an addiction much less try to hide that addiction from loved ones. It is important to take good care of yourself and seek supportive and confidential help for crack addiction right away.

How to Enter Crack Rehabilitation

Rehab for crack cocaine is available almost everywhere, but not every rehab program is the same. Programs can vary greatly, and some addiction rehab programs offer better treatment than others. You want to seek a treatment program with experienced rehab professionals who can help you with both the addiction and the underlying causes of the addiction. If you are going to get better, you need to seek quality treatment. It is your life and the quality of your loved one’s lives at stake.

Entering rehab is as easy as making a phone call. We offer a toll-free helpline to get you started on the right track today. When you call us, one of our experienced recovery assistants will take the time to get to know you and your situation and offer you a variety of treatment choices and information. You shouldn’t have to worry about how to get into rehab or how to find a reputable rehab. We can help. We are available 24 hours a day, and we strictly follow all HIPPA privacy guidelines to always maintain your privacy. All of our helpline services are free to you. Find out how we can help you today.

But what is rock bottom? Can addicted persons realize what rock bottom really is? Sometimes an addiction can defy all logic, and what everyone thought would mean rock bottom ends up just being another step deeper into addiction. Family and friends may have to stage an addiction intervention and raise the rock bottom level for their loved one. Otherwise the addicted person will continue on a downward spiral until that point is reached. In some cases an addict won’t hit rock bottom until a fatal overdose occurs.

Helping Your Loved One Realize It Is Time for Help

Before hitting rock bottom an addict won’t usually know when to seek treatment for addiction. Raising the rock bottom level can make the addicted person realize it is time to seek help. How do you make your loved one realize it is time to seek help? You can do the following:

• Cut off financial support to the addict. If the addicted person does not have the money to continue the addiction habit, he or she may be more likely to seek help.
• Do not allow drug use in the house. You may feel it is safer if your loved one does drugs where you can supervise him or her, but do not offer your loved one a location for drug use.
• Avoid enabling your loved one in any other way. If you are concerned that you may be enabling your loved one, call a recovery helpline and ask for advice.

Removing the “support” from the addiction can make a difference. It is important to seek counseling and support for yourself, so you can learn how to set healthy boundaries and find ways to encourage your loved one to seek help. Letting an addiction problem grow is dangerous and can have severe consequences. You can learn how to set safe consequences for your loved one with the help of an experienced interventionist or recovery counselor. It is possible to help your loved one firmly and confidently without abandoning your loved one.

Find Addiction Help before Hitting Rock Bottom

Instead of waiting for the addicted person to hit rock bottom and seek treatment on his or her own, consider staging an intervention to help your loved one. We are here 24 hours a day to help. We can put you in touch with recovery experts who can help you through every step of the rehab process. We can help you and your loved one find treatment that fits your specific needs, budget, insurance coverage and desires. Please call our toll-free helpline now, and find out how we can help.

When Does Drug Abuse Become Drug Addiction?

The following are signs that drug use has become an addiction:

• You may or may not experience a sharp drop in grades. Some students are able to maintain grades and have what is known as a “functional addiction.” Others will experience a drop in grades that can be devastating to college completion
• The college student may change friend groups or become increasingly isolated, depressed, hopeless or moody.
• A great deal of time may be spent trying to recover from drug use or nights of hard partying.
• Personality changes may occur as may mood swings or strange behaviors.
• The student may lose or gain weight, lose money or employment or lose housing or roommates.
• You may see physical signs like sniffing nose, bruises on arms, dark circles under eyes, thinning hair or body puffiness.
• Drug use will become more important and the student will prioritize, talk about, and plan to use again.

What to Expect in Drug Rehabilitation

Rehab can offer a comfortable and safe place for you to get back to your normal life and health. Even if you have experienced trauma or mental illness during your struggles, integrated rehab programs can help you in a number of ways. Integrated rehab treatment begins with a detox in a comfortable room of your own. A team of nurses or doctors will help you remain comfortable and at ease during this time. Your treatment team of counselors and therapists will work with you to help you feel comfortable and in control. You will have time to work on issues that concern you and learn new things about yourself. Licensed medical professionals, physiatrist consultations, and therapy sessions and aftercare are all provided. Fun activities and organic, chef-prepared meals are also available in some programs.

College can be fun without drugs, and you may be surprised to learn how many students prefer life without drugs or alcohol. You can opt for many activities and groups on your college campus. You may try new hobbies and activities you never considered. For instance, rock-climbing, kayaking, art, literature, music, dance, hiking, ultimate Frisbee, volunteer work or a career passion may begin to enrich your life.
Peer pressure will always exist. Quality rehab can help you develop the strength and comfort to maintain your health and happiness first. You don’t have to be alone in your battle; treatment centers will help you with counseling, outpatient care, alumni groups and ongoing support.

Drug Addiction Help for College Students

We can help you find a treatment program that matches your insurance coverage, your desires and your addiction treatment needs. Call our 24 hour, toll-free helpline right now to learn more. Our caring recovery assistants are waiting to hear from you.

Keep Up with Responsibilities with Outpatient Drug Rehabilitation

Many people would choose inpatient or residential treatment if they could, but certain responsibilities make taking time off from daily life difficult. Outpatient programs allow the person to continue to work or attend school and care for children while being treated. Though some will find it difficult to balance recovery and responsibilities, others will make it work. They may attend support group meetings, counseling appointments or classes as often as once per day but will return to their own home each night. Though this approach can be especially difficult for those dealing with significant withdrawal symptoms, for those focused on the psychological aspects of addiction this type of treatment may be enough.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Offers Real-time Recovery in the Your Environment

Another advantage of outpatient treatment is that the patient is learning to be sober in the environment he or she lives in. Some patients have success while in a residential facility with its relaxing environment, constant supply of healthy diversions and constant companionship of fellow recovering addicts and caring staff but struggle when released to their old environment. Outpatient treatment allows people to get clean in the environment they will be a part of following treatment. This also means that outpatient rehab can be an effective transitional tool for those who attend inpatient treatment.

Outpatient Drug Treatment Is Less Expensive

The cost of addiction treatment is often covered by insurance or aid programs, but it is certainly true that residential treatment is more expensive than outpatient treatment. There are many people who would prefer to detox and rehab in a residential program, but they can’t afford it. Outpatient treatment is an option for those individuals and is a much better choice than no treatment at all. The fact that the patient may still be able to work makes a financial difference as well. Though ultimately the cost of treatment is nowhere near the cost of continued addiction, for some people price is a limiting factor.

Find the Rehabilitation Help You Need Today

If you are considering any kind of addiction treatment, we can help. Our toll-free helpline is open 24 hours a day, and our specially trained counselors can help you find your path to recovery. Talk to our counselors about inpatient and outpatient rehab and what treatment options will be best for you as an individual. Don’t waste another day trapped in the cycle of addiction. Call us now, and start your new life.

Steps to Living a Drug-Free Life

The following are ways to find and maintain a drug-free future:

• Find and afford quality rehab. A great resource is your insurance coverage. If you have insurance, you probably purchased it to use in a time of great need. That time is now. You want to find the best counseling or rehab treatment possible. There are many ways to work with insurance and without insurance to get quality treatment.
• Use the help that is offered. There are many talented recovery coaches, therapists and counselors who work in the addiction field because they want to help. Not all resources are financial. This is the time to use the love and help of your friends and family.
• Be good to yourself. Whether it involves eating well, living a healthy lifestyle or just being kind to yourself, try to be good to yourself. Addiction is an illness, and it is a treatable illness. Find ways to reward yourself in healthy ways, as you approach recovery.
• Get away from negative influences. If you know you will be tempted in a particular situation or around certain people, take steps to avoid these factors. If a situation is stressing you out on a constant basis or a relationship is riddled with conflict, take a step back and examine the situation closely to determine if this is a healthy situation for you.
• Continue with counseling or consider rehab. There are many new treatment methods that you may not have tried before. Even if you have been to rehab treatment before, you may want to visit again for a short refresher. Consider the newer approaches to treatment that can help you treat anxiety, trauma, PTSD or other underlying causes of addiction.

Find Help for Sobriety and Recovery Now

Call us now to find out more about recovery options including rehab, counseling, support, meetings and more. All calls are completely confidential and free. Find out how one of our experienced addiction assistants can help you now, and don’t give up hope for a drug free future.

Aspects of Residential Drug Addiction Centers

There are four main ways that inpatient drug treatment programs provide effective drug addiction help to those facing substance abuse issues.

• Drug Detoxification
  When brain chemistry is at optimal and natural levels, a state of homeostasis (balance) occurs. However, as drugs enter the system, the brain experiences an excess of certain vital chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin and GABA.  These chemical imbalances are responsible for creating the “high” experienced by the drug user, as feelings of energy, euphoria, calm and happiness set in. However, over time and with repeated use, the brain begins to compensate for these imbalances initiated by drug use. The drug user feels “normal” only when drugs are present in the body, experiencing the jolt of chemical deficiencies when substances exit the body in the form of drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification allows the body to eliminate drugs from the system in a supervised, medically managed environment where withdrawal symptoms and cravings can be treated. Drug-addicted individuals can allow their bodies to register the chemical imbalances drugs have created and resume natural production of neurotransmitters, allowing their bodies and brains to return to a drug-free state.
• Psychological and Emotional Healing
  In addition to the physical addiction to drugs, inpatient drug addiction programs seek healing on both a psychological and emotional level for patients. Many drug-addicted individuals turn to drug use to escape the fallout of emotional trauma or self-medicate preexisting psychological issues. In order to prevent the development of substitute drug addictions in the future, root causes of drug addiction are also treated during inpatient care. Psychological counseling, psychiatric medications (in cases of Dual Diagnosis), family therapy and group counseling sessions all aim to resolve underlying factors that may have contributed to the development of addiction.
• Development of Coping Skills
  For many individuals, the inability to cope with life challenges, work pressures, anger and stress also contribute to the formation of drug addiction. In inpatient drug addiction treatment, individuals can learn anger management skills, stress reduction techniques such as meditative practices and visualizations, and conflict resolution skills to help lower emotional tension. Organizational skills and time management techniques may also be emphasized, to help recovering drug-addicted individuals interact with the world around them in productive and beneficial ways that eliminate undue stress and facilitate sobriety.
• Transitional Planning
  Unfortunately, many individuals who successfully graduate from drug rehabilitation programs experience relapse upon returning home — some as early as within the first month following treatment. Transitional planning services are now offered by the majority of inpatient drug recovery programs in order to plan for drug use triggers and to prevent relapse. Assessment of social relationships, physical environment, work pressures, familial issues and drug accessibility are all addressed during the transitional planning phase of treatment. Additionally, options for continual care — such as referrals to local therapists, physicians or support groups — are set into motion to help the recovering individual gather support for a drug-free future.

Specifics of Outpatient Drug Addiction Centers

Drug addiction help generally comes in two varieties — inpatient residential drug rehabilitation centers or outpatient drug recovery solutions. While outpatient drug rehabilitation programs can be successful for many addicted individuals, they often involve a lower time investment, unchanged lifestyle components and less intensive treatment. Patients attend outpatient drug recovery solutions during night and weekend hours, allowing them to maintain their employment and family obligations. Most outpatient programs require that patients first have successfully detoxified from drugs and no longer are experiencing the physical bonds of addiction. To ensure drug-free status, patients may be required to submit to routine or randomized drug testing while participating in outpatient care.

Outpatient drug treatment programs also place a premium on drug addiction education. With seminars, educational materials, group discussions and family workshops, outpatient drug treatment programs seek to help patients understand the causes, cycles and aspects of drug addiction. However, the focus of addiction education tends to be more generalized in nature, with less emphasis on personal drug use triggers, individual emotional issues or underlying psychological conditions than patients will find in inpatient drug treatment programs. Some aspects of transitional planning may also be available in outpatient treatment programs, with an emphasis on occupational counseling, 12-step treatment groups and government-funded social programs.

Inpatient vs. Outpatient Drug Addiction Treatment

For many individuals seeking drug addiction help, the question of whether to select an outpatient or inpatient drug treatment program becomes one of the first decisions involved in the pursuit of recovery. Inpatient programs are residential in nature, allowing the addicted individual to enter a supervised, safe and sober environment where intensive treatment can take place — usually for a duration of 30 days or more. Detoxification can often be performed on site, allowing the addicted individual to smoothly transition between healing from physical addiction to drugs and the emotional, psychological and lifestyle changes that need to take place during the balance of their respective stays. For those with psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma responses, learning or personality disorders, the capacity to treat mental health issues alongside drug addiction — known as “Dual Diagnosis capacity” — may necessitate inpatient care. Additionally, inpatient drug rehab centers may be the most appropriate option for those who have battled long-standing drug addictions, those who require detoxification or patients who have relapsed after prior drug treatment.