Drug And Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers

In any addiction case, be it hard drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, or any combination of these substances, a primary goal is often to encourage addicts to attend drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers. Most addicts, however, are under full control of their chemical dependencies, and the cocaine, heroin, or alcohol is not telling them to seek help. Instead, doses get higher, more frequent, and behaviors become more irrational and dangerous.

Family members, loved ones, and friends are all affected by drug abuse and addiction. A pattern of behavior begins that is dishonest, full of denial, and damaging. Sadly, many people watch in fear as their drug addicted friends deteriorate. The desire to intervene is often hampered by the threat that the addict will turn away and be lost forever. It is an unfortunate fact that many concerned friends and relatives find themselves waiting until the problem is dangerously severe before seeking help from drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers.

Understanding Drug Addictions

As soon as drugs like heroin, cocaine, and many prescription medications enter the body, chemical reactions begin within the brain. The drugs latch onto receptors in the brain that tell the body when to feel pain or pleasure, creating a superficial euphoric feeling that we often call a "high." Each time the person takes the drugs, more is required to achieve the same high level, creating a tolerance to the drug.

While chasing the euphoric high with more and more drugs, the body's natural reward system is severely disrupted. Daily activities, such as playing sports, watching a sunset, or walking hand in hand with a loved one, become less rewarding. This point can be identified as the beginning of an addiction. Eventually, if the drug abuser does not stop his or her usage patterns, the body will become chemically dependent on the drugs.

Intervention and Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers

Two intervention models are widely discussed in regards to influencing addicts to enter drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers. One model describes forceful confrontation as the only effective way to make an addict seek alcohol or drug abuse help. Friends and family are encouraged to confront the addict, forcing him or her to face the addictions. This approach can escalate to a point where the concerned parties feel driven to physically bring the patient to treatment.

Another model based on more current research describes varying levels of openness that addicts experience throughout their addiction. At certain times, he or she may be more or less open to seeking treatment at drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers. When approached at a stage of awareness, the addict may willingly seek help. Both models of intervention are used today when examining drug and alcohol abuse cases.

Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers with Detoxification Programs

Not all drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers have access to the same resources, which means a drug addict could have completely different experiences at two different drug treatment centers. Modern research indicates that detoxification is especially helpful in fighting drug addictions, and some treatment programs offer rapid detox treatments. Drug detox is believed by some to reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, depression, and even prevent relapses.

Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers that offer detoxification will often provide a specially formulated series of antioxidants, vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and fluids to help cleanse the body. An exercise schedule also helps the body's natural metabolism remove toxins. Some detox centers even have their recovering addicts use saunas daily to sweat out trace elements of drugs. Of course, the usual group and individual counseling also occurs in order to address the patient's mental and emotional status.