Drug Addiction and Recovery: Seeking Help

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Seeking help for yourself, or someone you love, in resolving a drug problem is one of the biggest decisions you can make in your life. But deciding to get help is only a small part of the process. The bigger issue is determining they type of treatment needed, and where to find the best drug rehabilitation program.

Finding a Facility:

On an average day, you could see encounter several advertisements, in radio, TV, and even billboards for expensive rehab programs in spa settings with ocean views. And while it might be tempting to try one of these programs, they are not always the best bet for everyone.

Some addicts could benefit from an outpatient program. Choosing a facility close to home would allow an addict continue meeting his daily obligations, such as work, school and family, while receiving intensive treatment several days a week. A nearby facility would also allow the addict to receive support from family and sober friends. Additionally, someone who needs prescription drugs for an underlying medical condition could benefit from staying in close proximity to his personal physician.

Other addicts might benefit from a complete change of venue, including separation from family and friends who might trigger a relapse, and an out-of-state facility could fit the bill.

Whether searching local or out-of-state, it might be tempting to open the yellow pages or do a web search to find facilities in your target area. For example, if you need a facility in a different area, a search for something like “best drug rehabilitation Manistee” or “drug rehabilitation centers in (city/state)” will definitely yield results. You can find a list of facilities in your target area. This is a great way to get a basic idea of what is available, but it will not give you the whole picture.

Your best option is to go to the agency that oversees mental health in the state where you would like to attend rehab. The primary reason you want to go through a state agency is that you are more likely to find programs that are accredited and licensed by the state. This is important because it ensures that the facility is following state-mandated standards of care, and that the facility receives periodic inspections. A non-accredited facility could be using unproven, and untested techniques.

The state mental health department can also give you information on the effectiveness of the program and its success rates. If you contact a rehab facility directly, it will most likely report high success rates. However the fact is that the average post-rehab relapse rate is 50 percent or more. There are several factors that determine relapse, including the initial quality of care and the type of aftercare services the facility provides.

A reputable facility should have information on its success rates compiled by an outside source, but you should also be able to find this information at the state agency. Additionally, a good facility will provide information on the type of aftercare services they provide including referral services for patients who choose to continue their recovery out of state. Always ask for this information before making any sort of commitment to the facility.

If you are unable to find information at the state level, you can also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is part of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA offers a treatment locator and additional resources for finding treatment to meet your needs.

Natural Alternatives to Pharmaceuticals

Addiction to prescription drugs is a hot topic these days, however, there are some natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals.

Aside from the cost real benefits include less side affects and addictions.

“There are natural therapies available that are much safer, often more effective, and cost much less,” says Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, author of the book Real Cause, Real Cure. “Of course, you should never start, change, or stop taking medications without first talking to your doctor.”

Prescription Medication and Growing Rates of Addiction

Prescription drug use can be no less harmful than illicit drugs.

Although millions of people are treated successfully with prescription medication there are those whom are unable to follow doctor’s orders to safely treat their illnesses.

As much attention as we pay to illicit drugs such as cocaine or heroin, the truth is prescription medications kill more people in this country than those illicit drugs combined. Perhaps it is a perception issue: “It came from a pharmacy, therefore, it must be safe.”

Addicts’ Brains May Be Hard Wired for Addiction

Some people may be born with brains which are hard wired to become addicted.

The new study shows it’s possible to identify people who have inherited a susceptibility to addiction. Further research will help researchers figure out how to help those who are susceptible and strengthen their self-control.

“We know that in people who are addicted to drugs like cocaine, that self-control is completely impaired,” she says. “These people use drugs and lose control on how much they use. They put everything at risk, even their lives.”

Being predisposed does not mean you are destined to be addicted.

Exercising self control can be perfected with practice.

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