Drug Addiction Treatment Blog

I’m Michael C and I am an Alcoholic and Drug Addict! I have found truth in the saying, ” the only way to keep this is to give it away”. I had great experiences at Lakeview when we had outside speakers come in. I felt secure while I was in Lakeview because I was away from alcohol and its influence. I had no idea if this would work for me on the outside in real life. I listened intently to the outside speakers and began to have hope that this could work for me.  I have begun to pass on the same hope I received by going into local treatment centers here in Beaumont, TX and telling my story, leading groups, and doing Big Book studies. It is an amazing experience to see the light come on in someone’s eyes who had thought at one time they were hopeless.  This is an amazing way of life and I am grateful to Lakeview and its staff. I live a life of recovery now and I am generally happy most of the time. I was so depressed from drugs and alcohol 10 months ago that i almost ended this life. I love life now and I live it everyday. I want to say Hi to all my wonderful friends at Lakeview.  Thank You!

Bookmark to:

Drug abuse or alcohol abuse is a widespread issue. Although popular culture has created certain stereotypes for the drug abuser, all are susceptible to drug addiction. The intensity of drug addiction, the type of substance abused and the effects may vary based on the genetic makeup of the individual among other environmental factors. It is heartening to note that drug addiction is treatable. This addiction treatment process is also called drug rehabilitation. 

Drug rehab aims to integrate the person back into society to become a productive member. The process may involve avoiding the drug, learning new stress management skills, other behavioral addiction treatments but often involves the use of specific medications. Another prominent component of drug rehabilitation programs is the use of a physical location with a controlled environment where the patient is taught life skills while undergoing addiction treatment. Addiction treatment centers can be private or government operated. 

Popular celebrities often make the news when they go into drug rehab but there were over 1.7 million admissions to addiction treatment centers in 2003 of which 23% are for alcohol abuse, 15% for marijuana and 14% for heroin. The largest age group entering drug rehab programs is 36 to 40 years old but all age groups have needed addiction treatment. It is a fact that half of US teenagers try marijuana before finishing high school. It can affect school performance and sports adversely. Long term use can lead to addiction. There are a few drug rehab programs geared specifically for marijuana users. Drug rehab involves counseling and group therapy. The ultimate goal of teen drug rehab programs is to allow the teenager to be abstinent from drugs. They help the person become productive and overcome the health effects of the drug as well as the withdrawal symptoms. 

Other drug rehabilitation programs are geared for specific drugs. For example methadone maintenance programs distribute a synthetic opiate, methadone to prevent the physiological effects of craving while avoiding euphoria in patients who have heroin addiction. 

Bookmark to:

Drug Addiction
 

In the past, society viewed drug addiction as a moral flaw. Popular ” drug addiction treatments” involved imprisonment, sentencing to asylums, and church-guided prayer. Not surprisingly, these methods were generally ineffective.

Today we understand that drug addiction is a brain disease characterized by fundamental and long-lasting changes in the brain. Modern addiction treatments are based on scientific research. Addiction treatment is tailored to the individual, and typically involves a combination of drug and behavioral therapy. Today’s methods are very effective, with 40-70% of patients remaining drug-free.
Detoxification
For some addictive drugs, suddenly stopping use can cause painful drug withdrawal symptoms. In the past, the resulting suffering was considered a necessary part of rehabilitation. It was the punishment for having the moral flaw of being an addict.

Today we understand that while detoxification is the necessary first step to recovery from drug addiction, there is no reason for the patient to suffer. In fact, allowing painful withdrawal decreases an addict’s chances of recovery. To avoid withdrawal symptoms, today’s doctors often give patients medication that makes them feel similar to being on the addictive drug and gradually reduce their dose over time. This stabilizes the person’s brain long enough to get through the detoxification process. Examples of this type of treatment include methadone and LAAM for opiate withdrawal; nicotine replacement therapies (patch, gum) and bupropion for nicotine withdrawal; and benzodiazepine and anti-seizure drugs for barbiturate withdrawal.

If you are looking for a drug addiction treatment program or detox program go to www.recoveryconnection.org or call the national addiction treatment helpline at 1-800-99-DETOX. 

Bookmark to: