Chemical Dependency Center Offers Hope For Individuals Suffering From Addictions

By Alison Wilcox


People do not begin using drugs or alcohol with the intention of becoming addicted to them. However, these substances cause subtle but significant changes in the brain so that the user begins craving more of the drug of choice. Help from a chemical dependency center may be a key to sobriety.

For years it was thought that an individual had to hit rock bottom before he would seek help. Today, it is possible for a family to stage an intervention with the individual that may prevent some of the heart break and negative effects of allowing someone to continue down this destructive path. At the very least, the family is able to set boundaries, show support and encourage the individual to get the help that is needed.

The initial step for most individuals is checking into a detox facility. During the time in detox, the individual's body eliminates the toxins that have collected inside it. Most will receive medical supervision. In some facilities, other drugs are used to reduce the physical side effects of withdrawal, helping to keep the patient more comfortable during the process.

During the first day or two of the detox facility, individuals usually do not feel like doing a lot. However, as they begin to feel better they might be encouraged to begin attending group sessions. The group includes other people struggling with addictions and is normally led by a counselor or other licensed professional.

Once the patient completes the detox process he then moves to the treatment program. There are both in-house and outpatient treatment programs. In-house treatment offers a more sheltered environment. In outpatient programs, patients may continue to live at home, but it could be easier to relapse when living at home.

Most facilities base treatment on cognitive behavioral therapy. The patient is expected to discover what triggers him or her to use drugs in the first place. Then patients learn to participate in other activities when the temptations become stronger. Patients who find stress as a trigger may find relaxing with the appropriate type of music can help to avoid using drugs again. Others may find they need to break ties with certain individuals who serve as a trigger.

Most in-house treatment facilities will keep clients as residents for about thirty days, before they are released. Even when released, the patient may not be ready to return home. Patients may go to group living situations where life is very structured for a few months before finally heading home. Outpatient facilities have programs that last six months or longer. In either program, the individual may be subjected to random drug testing.

Even though a person has completed the program at a chemical dependency center, he or she remains an addict. Most centers direct patients to an after-care program. Many of the after-care programs are based on the twelve-step program. Others may be based on a counseling model. Effective aftercare is essential to maintaining sobriety. With proper treatment and aftercare, it is possible to be sober for the rest of one's life.




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