Drug and Alcohol Rehab-Different Therapies to Overcome Addiction

People who become dependent on drugs and alcohol are the victims of substance abuse. People can get addicted to anything starting from painkillers to anti-depressants, drugs like cocaine, marijuana, smoking, alcohol, etc. These people have to live life miserably in the throes of addiction. If left untreated, their addiction consumes their lives totally. As a result, their jobs, education, families, children and relationships suffer. Everything goes haywire.

The treatment of addicted patients leading to their recovery so that they can lead a healthy life is known as rehabilitation and it takes place at a drug and alcohol rehab. There are various centers which help such persons in fighting substance abuse. The rehabilitation centers may be owned privately or by state. Approaching the right rehabilitation center is the first step towards recovery. Each center works differently from the others and they have variances treatment procedures.  In this article we shall discuss the various elements and approaches which make rehabilitation program a success. A few of the elements are given below:

Detoxification

The first step in any rehabilitation program is administering medicine for breaking down the drugs and harmful chemicals into smaller, less harmful substances and removing them from the body in the form of a waste product. This process is known as detoxification. Normally the other therapies follow after detoxification.

Medication

Qualified medical practitioners working in the field of rehabilitation prescribe certain medicines which reduce the craving for a particular substance. For instance, patients of alcohol abuse are administered Naltrexone or Campral. These people are also given some supplements as the consumption of alcohol drains away certain essential body fluids and vitamins. However, this alone cannot work unless combined with some behavioral techniques.

Counseling

The trained psychologists in the drug and alcohol rehab develop a strong bond with the patient. It enables the patient to open up and share all information regaring their addiction, the causes and their feelings associated with it, with the counselor. The love, caring and empathy makes the person emerge from the shell.

Disease Model and a 12-step Program

A common approach used by most drug and alcohol rehabs is following the 12-step comprehensive plan. The duration of this is almost of 1 year and requires regular follow-ups post treatment.

Cognitive approach

This model is used to prevent and treat relapses. Relapse occurs when the person thinks that by resorting to taking the substance they would be in control and be able to handle a given situation. Consequently they succumb to their temptation and take recourse to the substance again. The therapists in the drug and alcohol rehab make the patient understand fully the futility of taking drugs.

Emotional regulation

People generally take drugs or drink alcohol to escape from their problems. Counselors help the people dependent on intoxicants to identify their negative emotions, the causes behind addiction and hence overcome the habit.

Client-centric approach

This is one of the most successful therapies so far. An underlying belief is that a person can get cured if with enough motivation and love for themselves. The therapists should inculcate trust in the patient and help the client build self-confidence.

Faith-based treatment

This is the most unique approach and is adopted by Christian rehabilitation centers. They make the people inclined to spirituality. This reinforces their faith in God and they emerge to be more confident and cheerful people. The moral values of caring and sharing are promoted. People are encouraged to develop hobbies. This is a very holistic approach and heals the patient mentally and emotionally too apart from physical recovery.

In conclusion, it must be noted that none of the therapies can work in isolation. They are combined with one another to liberate the patients from their addiction.