Drug Rehab
An increasing number of people are turning to drugs in order to escape from the pressures and stresses of life.
However, what may start as a recreational or relaxing activity can quickly spiral into an addiction that can have devastating effects on your physical, mental and emotional health.
Do you feel as though you are starting to lose control of your drug use? It may be time to consider checking into a rehabilitation centre where you will receive support and guidance from experienced medical professionals as you recover from your addiction and regain control of your life.
What should I look for in a drug rehab programme?
Choosing the optimal drug rehab programme is not typically something that we are taught to do. However, being selective about the type of treatment facility that you enter can mean the difference between long-term recovery and short-term relapse.
Factors to consider when choosing a drug rehab programme include:
- Location: Would you benefit from travelling across the country to rehab, or would you prefer to stay closer to home?
- Cost: Do they have affordable options that suit your budget?
- Treatments: Are there a range of treatment options that work with your needs and requirements?
- Expertise: Do they specialise in treating your specific drug addiction?
- Amenities: Is there a certain level of comfort and luxury that you would expect from a rehab facility, or are you content with more basic accommodation?
- Reviews: Are you able to read testimonials from former patients, and do they have a proven track record of success with treating your addiction?
What are the signs and symptoms of drug addiction?
Physical symptoms of drug addiction include:
- Poor grooming and lack of hygiene
- Sudden, unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- Excessive perspiration
- Dilated or constricted pupils
- Frequent headaches
- Bruises, scabs and abscesses on the face and body
- Bloodshot eyes
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the individual is unable to take drugs
- Building a tolerance to drugs, need to increase the amount or frequency in order to experience the same effects
Psychological symptoms of drug addiction include:
- Anxiety and depression
- Frequent mood swings
- Low self-confidence and self-worth
- Intense cravings for drugs
- Extreme paranoia
- Short temper, regular bursts of anger
- Feelings of guilt and shame
- Dependency on drugs in order to function
- Memory loss, trouble recalling events or conversations
Behavioural symptoms of drug addiction include:
- Using drugs to escape the stress and pressures of life
- Becoming withdrawn and isolated
- Poor performance at work or school
- Strained relationships with family and friends
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, home and school
- Becoming defensive when challenged about drug use
- Lack of interest in hobbies, activities and events that were once enjoyed
- Being unable to stop taking drugs despite wanting to
- Continuing to take drugs despite negative consequences
Choosing between inpatient and outpatient drug rehab
With such a wide range of treatment options available, it can sometimes be difficult to know which programme or facility to choose.
Both inpatient and outpatient drug rehab programmes come with a number of benefits to suit different budgets, lifestyles and addictions, and it’s important to select the correct option for you. [1]
Common benefits of an inpatient drug rehab facility include:
- 24/7 monitoring and support during drug detoxification
- Availability of medications during the withdrawal process
- Meeting people with shared experiences and emotions
- Higher success rate than other treatment methods
- Less temptation as there is no way to access drugs on-site
- Trained and experienced staff members
Common benefits of an outpatient drug rehab facility include:
- Ability to continue attending work and maintaining employment
- Less childcare is required, so more accessible for single parents
- Lower cost of treatment
- Comfortable and familiar surroundings
- Support from friends and family
No matter which drug rehab option you choose, our team at OK Rehab can guide you towards a treatment centre that is best suited to your budget, lifestyle and personal needs. Give us a call today and start your recovery journey in a safe and supportive environment.
What to expect during drug rehab
Knowing what to expect from your experience at a drug rehabilitation centre can remove many of the barriers that can prevent people from seeking treatment.
Many people have only experienced rehab through films and TV shows, and this can sometimes make the idea of entering a rehabilitation centre seem intimidating and overwhelming.
There are four key stages within drug rehab: assessment, detoxification, counselling and aftercare. This article goes into more depth on each of these stages below.
1. Assessment
Before the treatment programme can begin, patients must undergo a thorough assessment and diagnosis provided by a medical professional.
This can help to determine the severity of the addiction and explore any potential co-occurring mental health disorders.
The assessment may include blood and urine tests, interviews with your friends and family members and an overview of your medical history.
2. Detoxification
It is important to cleanse the body of all addictive substances as part of the detoxification process, and the safest and most effective way to do this is under the care of a medical professional.
In most cases is it not recommended to suddenly stop taking drugs. Instead, the amount and frequency of the dosage will be gradually lowered over a period of time. This method can help to reduce and prevent many of the most uncomfortable and potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
3. Counselling
Once the patient has recovered from the detoxification process, the psychological aspect of treatment will begin.
The majority of rehab centres offer a wide range of therapy treatments including cognitive behavioural therapy, group therapy and holistic options such as acupuncture, reflexology and music therapy.
Through counselling, the patient will explore the past traumas and experiences that may have lead to the development of the addiction, as well as developing goals and strategies that will help them to accomplish long-term recovery.
4. Aftercare
Some studies show that up to 60% of patients will relapse at least once after completing treatment. [2] However, a personalised aftercare plan can help to decrease the risk of relapse by helping patients to build a support group and continuing to make their recovery a priority.
An aftercare plan may include attendance at local support groups and 12-Step programmes, receiving ongoing counselling and severing relationships with people who continue to use drugs.
Which counselling options will I be offered during drug rehab?
Depending on your experiences, personality and specific type of addiction, certain therapy treatments may benefit you more than others. The majority of rehab centres will provide a wide range of counselling options so that you can receive the help and support you deserve in a format that best suits you.
Common counselling options offered during drug rehab include:
1. Cognitive behavioural therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you to make connections between your thoughts and your behaviours. This form of treatment provides strategies and advice for dealing with problems in a healthy manner instead of resorting to taking drugs. [3]
2. Dialectical behavioural therapy
A form of CBT, dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) can help you manage your feelings and emotions and focuses on mindfulness exercises to help patients live in the moment as opposed to inside their heads.
3. Group therapy
Group therapy involves meeting with a group of between 5 and 15 people, all with similar experiences. It can be a chance to share your thoughts and emotions with other patients who will be able to relate to you, and during the course of the treatment, you will be able to gain and provide support and motivations while building a strong support network.
4. Family therapy
Addiction can affect the entire family, and this form of treatment allows the family unit to come together and communicate about their feelings and experiences with the addiction. It can strengthen bonds and foster more effective communication skills that can be utilised even after the treatment has ended.
How can I stay on track after drug rehab?
Your recovery journey does not end once the treatment programme has been completed. When you leave drug rehab, you are entering your new life free from drug abuse and addiction. In order to stay on track, there are a number of activities that you should prioritise that will help you maintain your progress and achieve long-term recovery.
1. Find local support groups
Recovering from drug addiction can feel isolating, and connecting with others who share your experiences can provide much-needed relief. There is a range of local support groups available across the country covering almost every addiction you can think of, and it is highly likely that you will find one in your local area.
If you have trouble attending these groups in person, many of them also meet online on a regular basis.
2. Attend 12-Step programmes
Similarly to local support groups, 12-Step programmes such as Narcotics Anonymous meet regularly to discuss the emotions and experiences that occur during drug addiction recovery, providing support and motivation to other group members.
3. Seek ongoing counselling
While the counselling received during drug rehab is highly effective at providing coping strategies and examining the potential causes of the addiction, there is rarely enough time within the treatment programme to thoroughly explore past traumas and experiences.
Seeking counselling as part of an aftercare plan can provide a deeper insight into your behaviour and help you to move forward with your life in a healthy manner.
4. Participate in alumni programmes
Many treatment centres will provide access to alumni programmes after the treatment has ended, giving previous residents the chance to meet up and share their experiences and struggles with recovery.
This can help to decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness and prevent many instances of relapse.
