Drug Rehabilitation Treatment

1. Drug Rehabilitation Treatment

2. Table of contents • Introduction • Physical Detoxification • Psychological Detox • Treatment on an external basis, without medication • Therapeutic communities • Methadone Assisted Detox

3. Introduction Drug rehabilitation is the process of liberating the user from active addiction and includes two stages - physical detoxification and psychological detoxification.

4. Physical Detoxification Chronic drug use causes a person to have an increasing need to take the substance of their choice. Physical dependence / addiction is the condition in which the user cannot control the drug use, but rather, when the user is controlled by the substance. In other words, a person loses control of their actions as well as the consequences produced by them. Abrupt cessation of use results in painful withdrawal symptoms, both physical and psychological. Detoxification due to the severity of the risks must be performed in a controlled drug rehab environment by properly trained staff and varies in length depending on the case, but usually takes about a week.

5. Psychological Detox The growing use of drugs, in addition to physical dependence, creates in the abusive user a psychological powerlessness in managing feelings and way of thinking. Their only concern is finding and taking the substance of choice, as well as the money for its acquisition. Psychological detoxification follows physical, and can last up to a few years due to the fact that its process puts itself directly against very strong defence mechanisms such as denial, fear of change and distorted way of thinking.

6. Drug addiction is treatable. In order for this to happen, it is imperative users receive bespoke treatment, specific to their needs. Treatment enables them to manage their problem in order to lead a normal life. As part of any treatment to long-term health problems, drug addicts often need to both change their behaviour and take medication. Behavioural therapies include psychotherapy, counselling, as well as family therapy. Medications on the other, help users overcome the uncontrollable desire to take drugs, and the neutralization of drug action in the body.

7. In general, the results are better the more the treatment given. Patients receiving longer treatment have better results and progress, compared to those receiving treatment for a shorter period of time. Many patients in addition to detoxification treatments need other care from physical and mental health services in addition to AIDS prevention tips. Research in recent decades have shown that treatment can help clear drug addiction and reduce the risk of the user relapsing. In addition, it is more likely for users who have received treatment to reintegrate in society, i.e. get employed.

8. Detox programs can be either short-term or long-term. Short-term methods include treatment on an internal basis in a therapeutic community with the use of drugs, and treatment on an external basis without drugs, and have a duration of up to 6 months. Long-term treatment includes treatment within the therapeutic community and may involve methods of drugs administration to individuals addicted to externally based opioids. This type of treatment lasts between 6 and 12 months.

9. Treatment on an external basis, without medication Outpatient treatment without medication may include various detoxification programs for users who visit specialized clinics regularly. Most programs offer individual or collective counselling. These programs are for aimed at users with a stable and integrated life in society, and a short-lived drug addiction.

10. Therapeutic communities Therapeutic communities (TCs) are focused on users with a serious history of drug addiction. These are usually users that problems functioning in society and have a history of criminal activity. Therapeutic communities aim for patients to become productive members of society, without having to depend on drugs. Long-term programs in these communities usually involve patients staying in residential units between 6 and 12 months. Short-term programs include an internal therapy period of about a 3 to 6 weeks. This is followed by external treatment based on participation in counselling programs or support groups.

11. Methadone Assisted Detox In maintenance therapy for heroin addicts, a synthetic opioid, usually methadone, is given orally. A dose capable of suppressing the effects of heroin is administered, creating a steady non-euphoric state that relieves the user of the uncontrollable craving for opioid drugs. Among methadone administration programs, it has been proven that doses of methadone of at least 60 mg have better participation rates. Also, when methadone programs are accompanied with counselling and medical care, they have better results than when the programs offer the bare minimum services.

12. Methadone assisted programs are more successful in opioid dependence compared to therapeutic communities. TCs in turn are more effective than externally based programs that offer psychotherapy and counselling.

13. With the help of these drugs, the user is relieved of the need to search for drugs, this way also suppressing the criminal behaviour involved. With the right counselling and support from social services, the user can ultimately reintegrate into society. Research shows that treatment for heroin addiction with the help of methadone in appropriate doses coupled with behavioural therapy reduces the frequency of deaths and many other health problems associated with heroin use.

14. Contact details Inspire Change Wellness Addiction Treatment Centre for Men Address: 15216 north bluff road suite # 509a white rock, bc v4b 0a7 Phone: 888.508.9802 Email: info@addictionhealingcentre.ca Visit: https://addictionhealingcentre.ca/