Types of Drug Treatment Varies by Individual Needs

Drug treatment is necessary whenever drugs or alcohol interferes with normal life. Job losses fractured personal relationships and even physical illness can accompany the overuse of drugs or alcohol. Alcohol is considered a drug as it does affect thoughts and feelings. It is also a central nervous system depressant and shares that characteristic with other drugs. Many individuals that enter drug treatment centers do suffer from both alcohol and drug abuse.

Getting high becomes so important that addicts will use whatever substance they can to deal with the emotional pain inside. While alcohol is generally used legally for recreational purposes overuse does make it as toxic as any other drug and treatments are necessary. Without treatment for a drug problem, the usage can become so extreme that death can occur in any addict at any time.

Signs of needed drug treatment

The inability to focus on job performance with perhaps the loss of employment. On top of that, the economic impact of drugs becomes more apparent as both alcohol and drug habits cost a great deal of money. Addicts have been known to steal and rob to obtain money for their habits. Some individuals become so desperate for money they can indeed turn to prostitution.  If in a personal relationship, either married or not, a partner might leave the relationship. Children can also suffer from parental neglect due to the need for drug treatment.

Social bonds are oftentimes cut and anyone with a drug problem can find themselves isolated from society. Mood fluctuations can also occur when using drugs and this makes others in their lives avoid them. Addicts can be unpleasant and drug treatment is necessary to also deal with the behavioral problems that have occurred while using drugs.

The consequences of addiction are far-reaching

Individuals who experience problems with drugs and alcohol usually cannot overcome the addiction themselves. Friends are also lost when an addict becomes too dependent on drugs as the only focus in life becomes acquiring more and more of the drug each day. As a person consumes a drug, the body becomes immune to it and the “high” that was achieved initially becomes more difficult to sustain therefore an increase in drugs needed occurs. Before an addiction completely takes over an individual’s life drug treatment should occur.

Sometimes drug addicts can be unaware of how badly their lives are deteriorating and need an intervention to push them into a drug treatment program. An intervention is when friends and family members get together and refuse to assist the drug addict anymore thus making them aware that without treatment they will be alone and possibly homeless.

Physical illnesses that can occur in addicts

Malnutrition is one of the major problems. When using drugs, the appetite can be curbed and addicts can sometimes not even have enough money for food. These individuals become calorie and protein deprived as when they do it is usually very little or some type of junk food with little nutritional value. In addition, drug abuse can cause vomiting and diarrhea when using the drugs and when going into withdrawal which further depletes the body of nutrients. In the worst-case scenarios, addicts who continue to use drugs can share needles and end up with HIV and/or hepatitis. The nutritional deficiencies can easily escalate any cases of HIV or hepatitis and lead to an untimely death. Death by accidental overdose is also common, especially in addicts with dual addictions. Dual diagnoses are common either in the use of more than one drug or when an individual also has a mental disorder on top of the drug addiction. The quandary for most drug treatment centers is to address both mental and drug addiction disorders. It is complex as drug addiction can cause mental disorders and mental disorders can contribute to addiction. It is a double-edged sword.

Types of drug treatment

Some addicts with a mild addiction do stop using drugs or alcohol on their own but these are few and far between. Most need assistance in quitting and need assistance even in choosing the correct type of drug treatment facility. Seriously addicted individuals might need a “medical detox” as withdrawal can be severe, while others can be treated outside a facility through a drug treatment counselor or outpatient treatment center.

The first step in drug treatment is generally the most difficult and that is in admitting that a problem with drugs or alcohol exists. This is shameful to many addicts and even their families. Going to a psychologist or even a family physician and asking for help with drugs is a good first step and a family doctor, in particular, can make great recommendations on what treatment center is best for each individual.

Choosing a drug treatment facility needs research

Some drug treatment centers are primarily for men and others for women while some accept both. Some specialize in mental disorders as well as dual addictions. Families are allowed to visit in some centers while others request no contact from families until an addict is clean and sober. The proper fit is important for anyone that needs drug treatment to be successful.

Payment is also an issue for some individuals although in the USA most private insurance does cover drug treatment. Canada and other countries with universal healthcare can have different requirements in insurance.

Most facilities do offer payment plans and payment options now to ensure no one that needs drug treatment has to suffer without receiving it.

Drug treatment summary

No two addicts or their addictions are alike and no two treatment centers are alike either. A good fit with drug treatment will lead to a clean and sober lifestyle that can be maintained. It is not easy to remain free from drugs but choosing the correct facilities and approach to drug treatment will enhance the ability to maintain sobriety throughout life.

Addiction is common worldwide and nothing to be ashamed of. Drug treatment for all types of addictions exists but the proper choice of treatment facility and treatment plan must be in place for success in maintaining sobriety.

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