Drug Addiction Treatment Blog

It is very hard to predict how long a client should stay in drug rehab and alcohol rehab to get the most benefit. The evidence seems to suggest that 90 days is the optimal length of stay for most people. The evidence also seems to suggest that we are poor predictors of how long someone should stay in rehab, as well as how successful someone is after they leave a drug rehab program.

This I believe would lead us to two conclusions. If in doubt go for a 40 to 90 day program. The longer you stay in rehab the greater the chance of staying sober. The other is to honor your commitments and your word. If you say you are going to stay in drug rehab for 60 days, stay for at least 60 days. Even if you are convinced that you have turned the corner and have learned all you possibly can by 45 days. Since no “expert” can make a prediction, neither can you. By sticking to what you originally agreed to, you can start to re-build the trust with people in your life. If you tell the world you are “cured” and leave early, you are sowing more seeds of distrust with those close to you in your life. You are also setting yourself up for a lot of “I told you so’s” is you relapse after leaving a drug and alcohol rehab program. Do everyone a favor and stay the course.

If you are looking for a reputable drug rehab in Florida or other state you can call the national addiction helpline 1-800-511-9225 and they will be happy to help.

Bookmark to:

The Difference between Social Drinkers and Alcoholism

Alcohol’s intoxicating effects have been manipulated in ceremonies and used for celebration since the beginning of time. Although it has been made illegal for short periods due to alcohol’s addiction and addictive qualities, it has always been available as the process of making it is quite simple and the knowledge can be readily obtained.

Through the centuries alcohol has become an object of romanticism. From bible excerpts to Shakespearean literature it has been alluded to as a fundamental part of life. It is an art form; one that has been embraced by both the rich and the poor. It is universal. Even the most remote tribes have been found to ferment certain berries and other fruits.

Alcohol is an integral part of the economy and a lot of money is spent on its marketability. It covers the pages of popular magazines; it is plastered across our country on signs and billboards; it is used in television and in movies by actors looked up to and copied by the young. It is portrayed as being the ultimate relaxant. I have noticed lately that in the last few years alcohol has become rampant on television shows at all times of day or night. Actors drink at dinner, on dates, at social functions, and leave stressful jobs to hang out with friends at serving establishments. It is shown quite often as being a stress reliever. It seems that whenever one of the characters has a bad day they are shown with a beer, glass of wine or cocktail in hand. If an occasion arises in the script of horrible circumstance the actor is often seen as overly intoxicated. Alcohol addiction, addiction to alcohol, alcoholism, and alcoholics have been glamorized by society. Even alcohol rehab has been glamorized to a degree.

For many reasons this is an negative portrayal. It gives the impression to our youth that when confronted with stressful areas of life that to escape is a normal and healthy reaction. Justifying alcoholism is dangerous and foolish. It is when the lines of acceptable behavior become indistinct that the difference between social drinkers and alcoholics are confused.

Alcoholics exhibit learned behavior. Situations that begin with moderation can easily turn to abuse. If one is constantly surrounded by the presence of alcohol it is likely they will begin to misuse it. Like any other substance that is addictive, alcohol should only be used occasionally and in moderation to avoid the building of a tolerance. The amount and frequency are key in the determination of an addiction. Habitual drinking is the first stage for alcoholics and the beginning of alcoholism. There are certain types of personalities that should stay away from alcohol altogether, as they are not mentally healthy enough to deal with its addictive properties. Those who suffer from depression or other abnormalities are more likely to become alcoholics as they lack the strength to deny the craving.

Alcohol is dangerous and should not be tampered with. Despite the medias light hearted portrayal, the line between social drinkers and alcoholics is very fine, and with constant abuse could be easily crossed. Once this occurs it is not as easy to return to the previous state, as addiction can be quite powerful and hard to be rid of. Recovery from long term and chronic alcohol abuse is best accomplished in a alcohol rehab, the percentages of sustained recovery are much higher.

To locate an alcohol rehab in your area contact the national alcoholism helpline at 1-800-99-DETOX.

Bookmark to:

When I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland opiate addiction was not as prevalent as it is today. Twenty years ago a Maryland drug rehab was seeing more admissions for cocaine and prescription drugs. Now, the same Maryland drug rehab sees more admissions for the treatment of heroin addiction and opiate addiction. In Baltimore, there has been a tremendous rise in heroin addiction to be followed by other forms of opiate addiction. Understandably, a drug rehab has placed their focus on opiate addiction treatment with each drug rehab developing the best drug detox possible.

Maryland Drug Rehab and the Rise in Dual Diagnosis

The Maryland drug rehab which we spoke with and which is no different than the other drug rehabs in Maryland have begun to see an increase in depression associated with the opiate addiction treatment provided. This has led to the drug rehab reviewing the percentage of addicts and alcoholics they admit with co-existing mental health problems. To their astonishment, over 50% of the patients admitted at this Maryland drug rehab had a secondary mental health problem. This is referred to as a dual diagnosis.

Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment

To effectively treat co-existing disorders, dual diagnosis treatment had to be integrated into mainstream drug rehab treatment. This meant that therapists now had to be trained to be able to effectively treat mental health problems. It also meant a reliance on a psychiatrist when in the past; they were only viewed as a necessary evil. Today, we have come to recognize the value of the psychiatrist trained in addiction medicine. The treatment of the dual diagnosis in drug rehab has led to a drop in the relapse rate as one of the patient’s core issues are being addressed.

A Florida Drug Rehab Is The Leader in Dual Diagnosis Treatment

A Florida drug rehab appears to be the leader in integrating dual diagnosis treatment into the typical drug rehab. They have remained on the cutting edge of drug rehab treatment by implementing new and innovative drug rehab treatment techniques. The ability to truly treat the whole person whether it is their dual diagnosis, sexual trauma or issues relating to the gay or lesbian patient, has allowed drug rehab treatment to turn the corner in providing quality healthcare.
If you require assistance in locating a drug rehab in Maryland, Florida drug rehab or dual diagnosis treatment center, you can call the national helpline at 1-800-511-9225 or go to www.recoveryconnection.org.

Bookmark to:

Drug Addiction Treatment
Drug addiction treatment comes in a variety of forms. Depending upon the individual’s drug of choice and the depth of addiction, different addiction treatment options are more appropriate. They can be residential, where the addict moves into a 24-hour clinic or care center focused on their recovery or non-residential in which the addict comes to group meetings or therapy on a regular basis.
Drug Detox
For each of these drug addiction treatment options, detoxification or drug detox is the first step. This involves the client or patient going through the physical symptoms of withdrawal that occur when they stop using. Symptoms vary according to the drug of choice, the length of drug addiction, and the amount used per dosage. Physical manifestations of the drug detox usually begin within hours of the last dose for the most severe drugs and can be quite intense. It is best to undergo drug detox from opiates or narcotics under the supervision of a medical doctor.
Types of Drug Addiction Treatment
Once detoxification is complete, any number of drug addiction treatment styles follows. Some involve substitution in which one drug takes the place of another under medical supervision, like methadone treatment for heroin addiction. Other addiction treatment methods prescribe to total abstinence of all drugs, others focus on finding the least harmful method of sustained drug use and still others are religious or spiritual in nature. They include:
• Methadone maintenance – Narcotic and especially heroin use is replaced with a prescription for methadone that is monitored by a doctor and gradually reduced over time until the user is free from addiction.
• 12-step addiction treatment – Both spiritual and non-spiritual versions are available free of charge and feature meetings in which fellow addicts in recovery meet and share their experiences and lend each other support.
• Harm reduction – Methadone maintenance and needle exchanges are forms of harm reduction in which addicts are encourage using more safely in order to minimize overdose and the spread of disease.
• Inpatient residential addiction treatment – Residential centers provide 24-hour medical care, continuous therapy and one-on-one counseling both short- and long-term and provide structure for addicts struggling to rebuild their lives without their substance of choice.
• Outpatient treatment – Non-residential centers provide a base of support and therapeutic options for those who require a less-structured form of drug treatment.
For immediate help you can call the national drug addiction helpline at 1-800-511-9225.

Bookmark to: