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Addiction Treatment Centers
More serious addictions, such as alcoholism or drug addiction, may require treatment at an addiction treatment facility (also known as a “rehab” center). These centers are fully equipped to handle both the physical and emotional issues that arise when a patient attempts to overcome an addiction.
From a physical standpoint, one of the first steps toward recovery is enduring a detox process, during which the body flushes out all remaining traces of the addictive substance. Detoxing can lead to serious physical side-effects such as nausea and vomiting, tremors and panic attacks; in some cases, withdrawal can be life-threatening. It is extremely important to undergo detox under proper medical supervision.
When the detox phase is complete, treatment continues with addiction counseling. Certified psychologists and counselors are on hand to help patients work through the emotions that may have led to their addictions and to help them through the feelings typically experienced after detox, such as depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Counseling is offered both one-on-one and in group settings, where recovering addicts can share their experiences with one another.
Other Types of Addiction Treatment
Not everyone with an addiction will check into rehab. Individual outpatient therapy sessions can be extremely helpful in overcoming addictions; this form of treatment uses many of the same strategies and techniques as inpatient care, but allows the patient to continue working jobs and living at home while recovering.
Many addicts who are looking to quit often turn to addiction recovery groups such as Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous and others. For less complicated addictions, such as smoking, the solution could be as simple as making a few healthy lifestyle changes.
How to Get Help
Regardless of the type of addiction, the most important step is to acknowledge the problem – first to yourself, then to your loved ones. Family and friends can help connect their loved one with the appropriate form of treatment and offer support throughout all phases of addiction recovery.
A few forms of addiction counseling include:
- Group therapy. Group therapy sessions are commonly part of the treatment programs offered in addiction rehab facilities. These sessions take place under the guidance of a trained counselor or therapist, but group members are encouraged to share openly with each other and give feedback and input to group members.
- Individual counseling. Individual counseling can take place in a rehab facility or on an outpatient basis. Many addicts choose this type of counseling for deeper exploration of the issues behind their addiction, or when they aren’t comfortable sharing in a group environment.
- Support groups. Support groups are another form of group therapy, though they aren’t run by a licensed therapist or counselor. Instead, members follow a program, share their successes and shortcomings, and use each other as sponsors to aid new members in recovery and help old members stay clean.
Drug Addiction
Where to find drug abuse counseling that works
Drug addiction can be difficult for many people to understand, but ignoring the problem, either in yourself or a loved one, can have serious and even life-threatening consequences.
Serious substance abuse problems, such as cocaine addiction and heroin addiction, affect a person’s body as well as their mind. In the advanced stages of addiction, extreme weight loss and organ damage are common, as are paranoia, delusions, anxiety and other serious mental health issues.
How Does Drug Addiction Happen?
Not everyone who uses drugs will develop an addiction or substance abuse problem. Many people who use recreational drugs have no problems controlling their use, and many who are prescribed drugs show no signs of developing an addiction.
For others, the scenario is completely different – even short-term use of prescription or recreational drugs can create an intense need to continue to use, regardless of health, social pressures and personal willpower. Some factors that have been known to contribute to drug addiction include a family history of substance abuse, social pressures and, in the case of prescription drug addiction, self-medication of chronic physical pain. People who have been victimized by physical, emotional or sexual abuse also tend to turn to drug use at higher-than-normal rates.
Finding Drug Abuse Counseling
Treatment for drug addiction typically starts with a period of detoxification, during which the body is given time to eliminate all traces of drugs from its system. Symptoms of withdrawal will vary depending on the drug of abuse, but they typically include agitation and anxiety, extreme fatigue and/or insomnia, malaise, tremors and vomiting.
Since drug addiction is both physical and mental, the best drug abuse counseling methods are tailored to address both issues. Drug addiction treatment facilities are often best-equipped to provide help, as they offer medical supervision for the physical symptoms of detoxification as well as psychiatric counseling for the mental and emotional stages of withdrawal.
For those who don’t enter an inpatient facility, peer counseling groups such as Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous (who often open their groups to people with drug abuse problems as well) can provide ongoing support through meetings and sponsorship. Personal therapy is another option, as the emotional side effects of drug addiction often last longer than the physical.
Additionally, it’s wise to consult a physician to discuss your withdrawal treatment as early as possible. He or she can help you prepare for what you will be going through and can even refer you to an addictions specialist if necessary.
Family Support
In tandem with these counseling options, family and friends are often the greatest sources of ongoing support. Being open and honest with the people around you can help you maintain the strength needed to battle a drug addiction and can help you live a full and healthy drug-free life.