Addiction is a chronic relapse defined by a physical or psychological dependence on a particular form of substance including medications, alcohol, and even some forms of behavior. It is a brain disorder that forces the person to pursue a form of addiction all the while knowing the detrimental effects of the same. A person can put oneself and others in harm’s way to fulfill their addiction.
Drug and Alcohol abuse are among the more common forms of addiction in the country affecting teenagers and young adults predominantly between the ages of 15 to 24 years. One must look out for the following signs and symptoms that can indicate a developing problem of any form of substance abuse.
- Aberrant behavior
- Changes in friend circles
- Performance issues at school
- Deterioration in relationships within the family
Factors that can trigger substance abuse
Genetics, gender, ethnicity, and the presence of mental disorders can all collectively increase the risk of a person suffering from a substance abuse problem. Peer pressure, stress, early exposure to medications, physical abuse, and even sexual abuse are among the factors that contribute to substance abuse.
It is imperative to understand the purpose of rehabilitation before finding a suitable treatment for substance abuse. The following points will provide clarity as to what to expect with the treatment that can assist in recovery and prevent a relapse in the long term.
Admitting to the problem
To solve the problem, a patient must be willing to admit that they are currently suffering from a substance abuse problem. Most rehabilitation centers will focus on mentally preparing the patient for the treatment firsthand.
Detox
The first stage to any substance abuse treatment is detoxification or alternatively referred to as detox. The process helps flush out all substances of abuse from the system under careful supervision to ensure there are no severe withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification also prepares the body and mind for the next phase of treatment.
Inpatient care
Detox clears the way for intensive inpatient intensive care wherein the actual treatment begins. Patients focus on multiple elements of recovery in a controlled substance free environment to fight the temptation of procuring these medications, alcohol or other forms of addictive substances. A planned schedule of activities ranging from therapies, nutrition, counseling, exercise, and active interactions help the patient work on the issues and triggers of substance abuse. Inpatient care can range from just under a month to even three months depending on the severity of the condition. Alternative therapies and medicine are also recommended in some cases to boost the morale of the recovering patient.
Outpatient care
Additional support from friends and family often prove to be effective during the final stages of the de-addiction process which is why many patients opt for outpatient care after a certain point during rehabilitation. Depending on the severity of the condition and the stage of recovery, some patients can also choose outpatient care that allows them to continue the treatment at home. Building the skill and confidence necessary to combat addiction is one of the primary steps of outpatient care with continued therapy and various forms of counseling from the comfort of their home.
Support post recovery
Counseling, therapy, and support group meetings with other people in different stages of recovery can help a person stay positive and motivated in the future to avoid any temptations of a relapse.
