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SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT
Detoxification or withdrawal is the first step on the road
back to sanity. It usually involves medical care and supervision. This is a
very crucial step, the brain has been affected by the drugs and is not balanced
at this point, and rational thinking does not come easily for the addict in
this stage of recovery. The addict will need to clear the drugs out of the
their system before they can listen rationally to any counseling or benefit
from therapeutic activities. The brain will need to restructure a proper
neurobalance. This restructuring is aided by vitamin supplementation.
Deficiencies in specific vitamins, minerals and amino acids are known
consequences of alcohol and drug abuse, due either to poor nutrition or to the
action of the drugs themselves. Alcohol abuse, for example, is known to lead to
deficiencies in thiamin (Dl), vitamin C, vitamin A and some minerals while
cocaine abuse leads to deficiencies in thiamine (B1), pyridoxine (B6), vitamin
C, and tyrosine. Most chemical dependency programs offer some form of medical
supervised detox or work in conjunction with a primary hospital to provide
these services. Addicts taking large daily doses of drugs, especially
physically addictive drugs like speed, cocaine, heroin, and alcohol will
require a detoxification period. This period will also be the time when the
addict is lest able to think rationally and will crave the drug the most. The
withdrawal process can take any where from 3-10 days on an average, after it is
complete the addict is then ready to begin rehabilitation in a residential
setting.
Residential treatment is the
second step and is on an inpatient basis. The addicted person lives in a
structured therapeutic living community with other addicts that are also
battling their addiction as well. There is supervision by certified
professionals and the days are careful planned for the addict. Most of the day
will be focused around therapy of some degree and helping the addict regain
control of their life. This is a very tough stage, as it requires a lot from
the individual, the addict has to start taking a look at all the damage they
have done with their addiction, and ultimately accept responsibility for it. In
this stage it is common for addicts to leave treatment, as they find the guilty
unbearable and want to go medicate themselves from it. In a lot of situations
it is advised the addict be far removed from the area of their home so then can
not easily call someone to pick them up or walk home. The guilt they are
feeling is absolutely necessary for them to accept responsibility, and
accepting responsibility is imperative for recovery. The majority of drug
treatment professionals don't recommend one "best" treatment approach; there
are too many variations among abusers. In general, the levels of treatment
range from simple and behavioral to complex and medical. The person dependent
upon drugs or alcohol may have used the chosen substance for so long that he or
she has literally forgotten how to cope with life stresses; how to have a
meaningful, drug-free life-style; or how to solve the social or psychological
problems that prompted the substance abuse in the first place, in these
instances a very comprehensive approach must be prescribed if one is to expect
any degree of successful recovery. Deciding on a treatment approach is often a
very confusing, difficult and an important endeavor to undertake. At the end of
this site there is an evaluation and referral form supplied for those of you
who wish advice or simply a second opinion, it is strongly advised that you to
take advantage of this service.
Aftercare is the 3rd step,
this final phase serves as support for the addict, once successfully completing
the residential stage of treatment, they will then be ready for the transition
back into society. The treatment facility should have developed a
discharge-aftercare plan. This aftercare program should be uniquely tailored to
the individual and should encompass several areas:
-Support
systems
-Lifestyle
changes
-Educational and vocational
guidance
-Financial planning
-Relationships
-Living
arrangements
-Social / Spiritual
development
-Self - development
There should also some form of
grounding or contact with the original treatment provider, for at least a short
period (60-90 days) of time following discharge, either through a regular phone
contact or weekly meeting schedule
Get Help Now
Call Toll Free
866-649-1594 or use the form here.
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