Ready to make a change?

For immediate help, 24/7
Please call us!

1-800-296-3484

During Rehab

Ready to get help ?

Speak with one of our qualified Treatment Advisers

Call Now
1-800-296-3484 Immediate help, 24/7

Where do you and your loved ones fall on the scale of addiction ?

What Medications Are Used?

Most of the addiction treatment plans that are effective today use various types of drugs to prevent relapses and manage withdrawal symptoms. In most cases, drug and alcohol addiction relapses occur because the addicts find it hard to cope with the associated withdrawal symptoms. When administered properly, some drugs can have similar effects as the addictive drugs on the addict’s body, thus preventing him or her from relapsing. Such medications are administered as a part of outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation program.

Detox and Associated Withdrawal Symptoms

The first step of addiction treatment is aimed at removing the addictive drug from the body of the addict, often referred to as the detox phase. The period taken to detoxify the body will vary from one addict to another and is accompanied by various withdrawal symptoms, such as:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Seizures
  • Nausea
  • Sweating
  • Muscle aches

To prevent such symptoms, different medications may be prescribed. Some of the commonly used medications in this stage include:

Antidepressants: Various antidepressants, including Prozac and Zoloft, may be used at this stage to stimulate the production of happiness-inducing brain chemicals, hence prevent depression.

Benzodiazepines: These are administered to combat anxiety and irritation, usually experienced by heroin and cocaine addicts during the detoxification phase.

Clonidine: This medication is used to prevent such symptoms as anxiety, muscle aches, sweating, and cramps.

Medications for Alcohol Addicts

Regular abuse of alcohol can lead to prolonged withdrawal symptoms, lasting up to months, as the addict tries to quit the habit. This prolonged occurrence is known as the post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). With proper maintenance therapy, alcohol addicts will not only ease PAWS, but also reduce craving for alcohol. In this regard, some of the medications commonly used include:

Acamprosate (Campral): Campral is administered to ease the physical and emotional distress associated with alcohol addiction.

Naltrexone (Vivitrol): This medication is used to curb the craving for alcohol in addicts and may lead to side effects like headaches and nausea.

Disulfiram (Antabuse): When administered to the addicts, it causes them to vomit and experience nausea whenever they take alcohol. This discourages the addicts from taking alcohol.

Medications Commonly Used For Opiate and Heroin Addictions

Most of the medications used to treat various opiate addictions, including narcotic painkillers, heroin, and morphine, ease withdrawal symptoms and curb Opiate craving. The withdraw symptoms associated with this form of addiction may last for months or even years. Some of the medications used to ease PAWS, in this regard, include:

Buprenorphine (Suboxone): Functions by binding to similar brain receptors as the addictive opiates would and without getting the user high. This suppresses craving for the addictive drug and suppresses withdrawal symptoms.

Methadone: These work in a similar manner to Buprenorphine and may be used for moderate to severe opium addictions.

Naltrexone: This medication reduces the urge to take the addictive drug in addicts.

Medical Detox and Rehabilitation

While some people prefer detoxifying themselves, this can be difficult and dangerous as compared to detoxification under the supervision of a qualified medical practitioner. As such, opting for medical detox ensures that you get detoxified and rehabilitated in a comfortable and safe environment. Supervised detox has a horde of benefits to offer, including the ability to negate health complications as well as a professional tracking of the addict’s temperature, heart rate, and fluid levels as well as breathing rate.

Monitoring such aspects allows the medical practitioner to adjust the medication as well as other aspects of the rehabilitation process for a more effective and comfortable experience. Additionally, medical detoxification and rehabilitation ensures that the treatment program is designed to suit the needs of every patient. The detox phase is normally offered as a part of inpatient rehab, which mostly takes between 30 and 90 days. With the right treatment center, you will have access to the right medication, therapies, and activities to help you recover from your addiction.

What if I Have a Co-occurring Disorder?

A dual diagnosis identifies an individual as having a substance abuse issue existing concurrently with a mental illness. This generally occurs because drug use becomes a way for the individual to self-medicate as it relieves the symptoms of the mental illness. Unfortunately, drug use only masks the symptoms, causing the underlying mental illness to become worse as it goes untreated.

Both mental illness and addiction originate in the brain, and one leaves the individual susceptible to the other. A person suffering from addiction may develop a mental disorder or exacerbate an existing one. Drug abuse counselors and mental health experts alike recognize drug abuse as the first indicator of a mental disorder.

Help For Those With Co-occurring Disorders or Dual Diagnoses

For those who have been diagnosed or who think they may suffer from co-occurring conditions, it is extremely important to seek out counseling and/or other treatment right away. As one condition can exacerbate the other, it is imperative that the correct form of treatment(s) be administered so as to avoid making either one worse. Help is available, and it is confidential. Call to speak with one of our Professional Treatment Advisers today.

What Happens to My Loved Ones?

The decision to enter into a rehab program is one for which you should feel pride. However, as you are thinking about what will happen to your loved ones, those positive emotions can turn into anxiety and even refusal to enter into the program at all.

Child Care Options for Those in Rehab

Whether you have human or furry children, you'll want to ensure that they are cared for. Asking a relative or family member to look after them is an option. Depending on the age of your children, they may prove old enough for legal emancipation. As for your pets, look into long-term boarding options if no one can watch them. You may also be able to hire a long-term sitter. If the pets are from a rescue group, the rescue may temporarily re-home them for you. You may want to check with a rescue group regardless to learn about fosters.

Nonprofit and Government Child Care Options

Expressing your concerns to the rehab facility is important because the staff there may know of nonprofit and government options. You could also call your health insurance company to find out if any options are available through that avenue. In addition, you can speak with guidance counselors at your children's school to learn about services. While you may want to keep your rehab stay private, letting your children's school know what is happening can prove ameliorative for the kids.

Financial Help for Your Family during Treatment

When you are considering obtaining treatment, you should speak with your job to find out what type of coverage and pay is available for long-term absences. You may also have enough sick days that you have the ability to take off from work for a protracted period of time. Making a phone call to your health insurance company is imperative. Also, you can ask if payment plans are available at the rehab so that you do not have to pay the full sum at once.

Communicating with Your Loved Ones from Rehab

Keeping in touch with your loved ones is important, especially when you want to maintain and rebuild bridges. Find out if the facility places any limitations on how you can do so. For example, you may have the ability to speak with them live over a computer, or you may need to talk to them on monitored phone calls. Keep in mind that while communicating is important, you do want to focus on yourself too.

Visitation with Loved Ones during Rehab

Finding out what the possibilities are for your loved ones to visit you is also powerful. While inviting them to come all of the time detracts from your personal goals at the facility, knowing that a scheduled visit is approaching can help to keep you motivated. You'll want to show your loved ones how much you have progressed.

Before you let the anxiety of what will happen to your loved ones overwhelm you and stifle your efforts, know that options are available.

What is a Typical Day in Drug Rehab Like?

Drug rehabilitation should be an eye-opening experience for anyone who truly wants to get well. As you enter rehab, you've probably been through the withdrawal process that rids your body of the preferred drug. It's time for your mind to be stimulated so that you can recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy habits. Take a journey on what a typical day is like in drug rehab, and you'll be ready for the challenge.

Early Rising

It's not unheard of for you to wake up at the onset of sunrise. Rehab centers aren't meant to be vacations from your life. You're encouraged to learn as much as you can, and early mornings give you some clarity before the day's events truly begin. Enjoy a breakfast that's complete with all of your necessary food groups. Take part in an exercise class, such as yoga, so that your mind and body are relaxed. Counselors are available for individual and group discussions at this point.

Morning Therapy

The day continues with one or more morning sessions of therapy. These gatherings are normally in a group atmosphere. Leaders don't dive too deeply into your psyche at this point. The conversations usually revolve around therapy basics and your journey ahead. The main reason for these therapy sessions is simply comfort driven. If you feel good about meeting with others in the morning, you'll be able to handle more intense sessions later on in the day. Socialize with others in the program so that you can feel even more support than what's offered by the professionals. Lunch will soon follow.

Afternoon Sessions

You'll encounter several different groups in the afternoon. Depending on your progress through the treatment program, you'll enjoy individual, family, group or specialty therapy. In most cases, you'll visit at least the individual and group sessions as you learn more about yourself and sobriety. Your doctors will guide the treatment so that you can recognize triggers within yourself. Avoiding and dealing with temptation will be constant lessons in treatment. Although you're in a safe haven right now, you'll need to deal with the real world as soon as you enter outpatient services.

Evening Diversions

Most of the day is scheduled, but you will have a chance to relax before dinner. Afterward, you'll enter a 12-step meeting held by the professionals at the facility. You'll learn about the 12-step process so that you're familiar with the concept. When you leave treatment, it's possible to go to 12-step programs held in your neighborhood. They offer support when you're feeling tempted. Although treatment can help with initial sobriety, you'll need to fight off temptation every day of your life as a recovering addict.

Although every rehab center has their variations, a basic day will always follow this pattern. Scientists and doctors have narrowed down these daily activities to the ones that truly make a difference in patient's' lives. When you accept the treatment and try your best to absorb it, you'll be on the road to sobriety in no time.

Packing For Rehab

Checking into rehab is a huge step for anyone who is seeking help with addiction and recovery. It can be an overwhelming step, as well, especially if a person has never checked into a rehab facility before. One of the main questions a person has is what they can and should bring with them upon checking in. Most rehab places provide a general checklist of what should be brought and what should be left at home. It also varies from place to place. There are a few items, however, the remain consistent across the board.

Recommendations

Addiction centers specialize in getting a person back on track to their own personal recovery. It's also a time of reflection. Therefore, they recommend that a person brings a journal or notebook and writing utensils. This way they can write out their thoughts and keep track of their own journey. It's also recommended that a person brings stamps and envelopes. That way, if they feel so inclined, they can involve loved ones in the process by writing to them about their recovery. Therefore, it's also crucial to bring along a list of who a person wants to be involved in this process. This can include but is not limited to, family, friends, sponsors, etc. If a person requires medication then it's key that they follow these strict guidelines. The medication should be brought in it's original bottle with the label intact. Finally, a person will need things from their wallet just like in the outside world. This means a debit or credit card to pay for treatment, some cash for outings to the store or the vending machine, and an insurance card.

What Type Of Clothes To Pack

Most rehab centers will have certain rules about what should be worn. A person should ultimately dress for comfort, though. This includes packing t-shirts, sweatpants, sweaters, and jeans. A good sturdy pair of tennis shoes is also great to bring along. Those checking in should make sure that they have enough underwear and socks to last them. Most rehab centers do provide laundry on site so a person shouldn't worry about overpacking. It's also important to bring along fancier clothe such as a nice dress shirt for a man and a skirt for a woman. This is for those special occasion nights like family night.

Packing Toiletries

While in rehab, it's important to feel fresh as well. A person should typically pack a month's worth of personal hygiene products and beauty supplies. This includes all of the basics like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and makeup if they use it.

Overall, it's important to check with the rehab center first about what is allowed and what isn't. There are usually rules set in place but generally, a person can expect what to pack. They should know to bring certain items, toiletries, and their most comfortable clothing. Making sure that a person is well packed for rehab will alleviate stress and allow them to focus on their recovery.

How long does treatment take?

If you’re ready to seek treatment for your addiction, you may be concerned about the length of time it will take for you to complete a rehab program. This all depends upon the specific type of program you choose and everything that’s involved in your treatment. It’s important to remember that recovery from addiction doesn’t just happen overnight, and it may take some time before you truly achieve sobriety. The time that’s needed to complete a program and the effort that you’ll need to put into making your recovery will definitely be worth your while.

30-Day Program

If you choose to go through a 30-day program, you’ll be carefully monitored by counselors and other addiction recovery specialists who will look out for your well-being. Over the course of a 30-day period, you’ll have the opportunity to get through any withdrawal symptoms and learn effective ways to prevent a relapse. This type of program may be ideal for you if you are concerned about the length of time and only want to commit to the shortest recommended program. Your insurance plan may also cover the full cost of treatment.

60-Day Program

Enrolling in this program will allow you to receive more in-depth treatment, which could improve your chances of success. In addition to having the time to work through any withdrawal symptoms, you’ll be able to attend therapy sessions so that you can come to terms with situations involving your family, behavior or other factors that may be triggering your addiction struggles. You’ll also have more time to adopt better habits and make positive lifestyle changes. Although your insurance may not cover a 60-day program, your rehab center might give you the option of enrolling in an affordable payment plan.

90-Day Program

As intimidating as it may seem, a 90-day program has a much higher success rate. This program is especially recommended if your addiction is severe and you’re at high risk for relapsing. If you choose to go through treatment for 90 days, you’ll have even more time to go through withdrawal symptoms and attend one-on-one and group therapy sessions. You’ll be away from drugs or alcohol for an even longer period of time, and this will help you adopt a sober lifestyle.

Aftercare

Once you’ve complete your chosen program, you have the option of getting aftercare treatment that can keep you on the right path. Receiving aftercare is particularly beneficial if you want to better prepare yourself to go back into the world following your rehab program. Moving into a sober living house might be an excellent choice, and you’ll be living in a drug- and alcohol-free environment with other people who are in recovery. The facility where you went through your rehab program may also recommend additional aftercare options.

Addiction doesn’t have to rule your life, and you can take control of your struggles by enrolling in a treatment program. Choosing the program that’s most suitable for you will make it easier for you to get on the road to sobriety.

Monitoring such aspects allows the medical practitioner to adjust the medication as well as other aspects of the rehabilitation process for a more effective and comfortable experience. Additionally, medical detoxification and rehabilitation ensures that the treatment program is designed to suit the needs of every patient. The detox phase is normally offered as a part of inpatient rehab, which mostly takes between 30 and 90 days. With the right treatment center, you will have access to the right medication, therapies, and activities to help you recover from your addiction.

No matter what you're going through, there is an addiction treatment solution that's right for you.

We can help you find the treatment center based on your location, budget and specific needs for support.

Find Addiction Treatment

Ready to make a change?

For immediate help, 24/7
Please call us!

1-800-296-3484