How Rehabilitation Works To Treat Drugs, Alcoholism And Other Addictions
There is no real difference when trying to treat an alcohol, drug or substance addiction. The same methods are used in figuring out what the patient needs. It seems a little redundant to prescribe drugs to treat a drug or substance problem, but medications are an important part of the rehab treatment. Rehabilitation, in addition to other methods of alcohol treatment, can prevent long-term serious problems that may turn fatal. Since no one form of rehab treatment works for every patient, rehabilitation centers match the programs to each individual's unique issue. In addition to a substance abuse program, therapy and other services are used. These include family therapy, job training, medical services, parent support and other social services.
Rehabilitation centers offer free initial consultations for anyone with an addiction, to help them discuss their habit in confidence. A significant first step is admitting there is a problem and seeking out help. An adequate treatment can include behavioral therapy which talks about the patient's willingness and motivation to make changes. The center may also give incentives for the patient to stop using any drug or alcohol related substance. Medications are combined with rehabilitation only at certain intervals in the treatment. The medicines are to avoid falling back into drug habits, and to make sure the patient stays in treatment.
Not all rehabilitation programs require their patients to stay at the facility. Some of them involve attending and participating each day. Patients stay in the treatment center if they are in a residential program. There they attend groups, have individual counseling and participate in other activities. With outpatient rehab, there are more options such as treating individuals for a few hours each day for a period of several weeks. The most popular programs rehab centers use are the Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and the 12-step program. These programs are given in groups, and help patients recover and set life goals.
For rehabilitation to work, it is crucial that the patient stay in treatment and in compliance with their follow-up treatments. Each treatment is reevaluated and modified continuously as to promote ongoing improvement. Aftercare is also essential to prevent relapse. Rehab centers recognize that it is easy for patients to seem healed, only to go back to their addiction. Aftercare includes patients remaining involved in individual or group counseling, and following all suggestions given. Rehabilitation can provide positive benefits to the patients' and their loved ones' lives.
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