PDFWhat a Drug Rehab Program Does
Drug and alcohol addiction is a problem that is non-discriminatory. It afflicts people from all walks of life, all economic brackets, all ages, all races and nationalities. The reasons why some people become addicts are just as diverse. The one commonality is that addiction is very difficult to overcome and requires professional support and the commitment to remain sober. The goal of a rehab program is to teach patients how to live without drugs or alcohol. A drug rehab facility provides the resources to detoxify the body and the skills to remain sober throughout a lifetime.
Because people are complex and unique, every treatment plan that a rehab facility formulates is customized to help each individual. These facilities offer personalized attention based on a number of factors. One of these factors is age. The teenage years are a crucial time in life when people define who they are and what they believe in. It’s a time when self-image and self-esteem are formed, when coping skills are developed, and when goals and aspirations are discovered. It’s also a time when emotions, confusion, and anxiety are intensified. Too often, teenagers turn to drugs and alcohol to alleviate their anxiety and deal with their emotions.
Drug rehab facilities provide a structured environment where teenagers can safely examine their emotions and identify the reasons for their substance abuse. Patients are taught new and healthier coping skills that they will be able to use to stay sober after they have been discharged from the facility.
Drug addiction treatment programs in drug rehab facilities may include:
Detox. Detoxification is the process of removing the drug and/or alcohol from the patient’s body. It is also designed to relieve the symptoms of withdrawal in a physically safe environment.
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Assessment. When a patient is admitted, a thorough assessment of the patient’s condition and specific needs are determined. The assessment may cover:
Additional assessments depend on the individual and may include:
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Treatment Planning. The assessment is used to formulate a personalized treatment plan. This program may include:
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Stress management
- Anger management
- Family therapy
- Educational lectures
- Health, fitness, and nutrition education
- Relapse prevention group therapy
- Cognitive behavior groups
- Art therapy
- and even equine therapy.
The decision to enter a drug rehab program can be difficult and extremely emotional. It can initially cause conflict within the family because family members may feel guilty or defensive. The patient may be resistant and angry. Many facilities offer specialists that will speak to the family and the patient and help guide them through the process. Drug rehab facilities work to teach the patient healthy coping skills and to help them come to terms with their problems so that they can maintain sobriety once they are released. The ultimate goal is to teach the patient how to make positive, healthy choices that will lead to a productive, fulfilling life.
Article written by Jillian Blume
