Drug abuse is defined as the compulsive and habitual misuse of any drug for various purposes, such as achieving calming or euphoric effects, an escape from reality, dulling anxiety, and fighting depression. Drug abuse victims need a support system to help them overcome this negative habit. The rehabilitation of such drug abuse victims is conducted through special drug rehab programs that are designed to make the victim independent from the drug. Drug rehab statistics are an indication of the number of drug abuse victims and the common drug abuse methods.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, it is estimated that almost 22.8 million Americans need treatment for either alcohol or drug addiction. Out of these 22.8 million people, only a small percentage received help from rehabilitation, and the rest were not exposed to any rehab programs. Around 1.2 million drug abusers who did not receive any treatment admitted to having felt the need for treatment at some point in time. A small percentage of these people disclosed that they made attempts to get some kind of help, but were unable to contact any rehab support group.
The percentage of teenagers reported to be victims of drug abuse is alarming. There were 2.3 million youth between the ages of 12 to 17 who were found to need treatment for alcohol or any other illicit drug abuse. Only 8.2 percent of these youths received any rehab help. An increased use of illegal substances such as cocaine, heroin, and other drugs among the youth is also observed.
It is possible to curb this menace if drug abuse is detected in its early stages. Behavioral change is the most reliable indicator of drug abuse in an individual. Drug rehab can help such people to overcome their addiction.
Showing posts with label drug rehabilitaion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drug rehabilitaion. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Drug Addiction Rehabilitation And Process
Rehabilitation from drug addiction is a complex process. It involves commitment from the individual addict to abstain from further drug use. The physical dependence on the drug needs to be overcome through medical intervention. Medical supervision is essential to safely detoxify an addicted individual. Safety is an issue since sudden withdrawal of a drug will lead to very profound physiological changes that can be very uncomfortable and can sometimes be life threatening. The range of drugs abused is wide but general principles apply to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
After the medical detoxification process, which is often in an inpatient setting, a program to continue the rehab process as an outpatient is essential. Sometimes replacement drugs are needed such as methadone maintenance programs where patients are given methadone to replace the heroin that is abused. The methadone helps prevent the euphoria and at the same time decreases the craving that is central to addiction. A typical dose that may work is 30-60 milligrams of methadone daily but this is variable and depends on the intensity of addiction among other factors. Alcohol rehab often involves an acute hospital based detoxification where a thorough medical assessment is done and then drugs belonging to the class called benzodiazepines are given to prevent withdrawal. Medical issues are often the main reason an addict enters a treatment entry point.
After this acute phase an outpatient 12 step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous is critical to maintain abstinence. Many patients who are addicted to drugs have co-morbid psychiatric conditions like depression that need to be addressed. Others have HIV/AIDS, which also need to be managed if a lasting solution is needed. Many rehab programs are covered by insurance and charity. They also have social workers who will help with the practical aspects of getting back to a productive life.
Above all, the commitment of the individuals working in the program helps sustain and develop faith and trust in the system since addicts are often marginalized members of society.
After the medical detoxification process, which is often in an inpatient setting, a program to continue the rehab process as an outpatient is essential. Sometimes replacement drugs are needed such as methadone maintenance programs where patients are given methadone to replace the heroin that is abused. The methadone helps prevent the euphoria and at the same time decreases the craving that is central to addiction. A typical dose that may work is 30-60 milligrams of methadone daily but this is variable and depends on the intensity of addiction among other factors. Alcohol rehab often involves an acute hospital based detoxification where a thorough medical assessment is done and then drugs belonging to the class called benzodiazepines are given to prevent withdrawal. Medical issues are often the main reason an addict enters a treatment entry point.
After this acute phase an outpatient 12 step program such as Alcoholics Anonymous is critical to maintain abstinence. Many patients who are addicted to drugs have co-morbid psychiatric conditions like depression that need to be addressed. Others have HIV/AIDS, which also need to be managed if a lasting solution is needed. Many rehab programs are covered by insurance and charity. They also have social workers who will help with the practical aspects of getting back to a productive life.
Above all, the commitment of the individuals working in the program helps sustain and develop faith and trust in the system since addicts are often marginalized members of society.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Faith Related Drug Rehabilitation
Faith based drug rehab is one approach to drug rehab that is slightly different from secular drug rehabilitation. The Christian religion based programs have at their core the belief that religion plays a critical role in the rehabilitation process. Therefore, all programs are designed to emphasize the primary role of religion in the life of the addicted individual.
The study of scripture, religious services, and group discussions may all play a part of Christian drug rehab. As with other programs that are specialized funding and sustenance may depend on client payments and grants. Other aspects of rehab such as medical and psychiatric evaluations as well as duration of therapy may be similar to secular rehab programs. Often the treatment is done in an inpatient setting and may last one month. Drug addictions as well as alcohol abuse are huge problems for society and their treatment requires committed individuals. Christian drug rehab has at its root the belief that faith heals and these programs are spearheaded by volunteers and altruistic individuals.
One program’s website states that they believe that God provides wholesome healing and overcomes the destructive power of drug addiction. These programs recognize Jesus Christ as the Higher Power referred to in 12 step programs. Christian drug rehab aims to rehabilitate the individual in a comprehensive manner by changing their view of the world and stressing the primacy of faith in the healing process. The philosophical basis of Christian drug rehab programs may not be well known to healthcare providers. It includes the concept that addiction arises from an attempt to fill a spiritual void through substance use and recovery through the process of salvation and a sustained relationship with God.
Christian drug rehab may be a model other religious or faith based organizations can use to develop drug rehabilitation programs.
The study of scripture, religious services, and group discussions may all play a part of Christian drug rehab. As with other programs that are specialized funding and sustenance may depend on client payments and grants. Other aspects of rehab such as medical and psychiatric evaluations as well as duration of therapy may be similar to secular rehab programs. Often the treatment is done in an inpatient setting and may last one month. Drug addictions as well as alcohol abuse are huge problems for society and their treatment requires committed individuals. Christian drug rehab has at its root the belief that faith heals and these programs are spearheaded by volunteers and altruistic individuals.
One program’s website states that they believe that God provides wholesome healing and overcomes the destructive power of drug addiction. These programs recognize Jesus Christ as the Higher Power referred to in 12 step programs. Christian drug rehab aims to rehabilitate the individual in a comprehensive manner by changing their view of the world and stressing the primacy of faith in the healing process. The philosophical basis of Christian drug rehab programs may not be well known to healthcare providers. It includes the concept that addiction arises from an attempt to fill a spiritual void through substance use and recovery through the process of salvation and a sustained relationship with God.
Christian drug rehab may be a model other religious or faith based organizations can use to develop drug rehabilitation programs.
Drugs And Alchoholism - Rehabilitation And Care
Being a kid is often tough. No one is really trying to argue against this. As much as the teenagers claim that no one really knows what they're going through, this is bogus. We were all there at one time in our lives. Maybe it was 10 years ago and maybe it was 30 years ago. The point is we do know the deal. Not that much has changed in regards to problems. Sure, now we have the Internet and cell phones, bla bla bla. However, the alcohol, drugs, sex and peer pressure have been around forever. We grappled with these issues just like teens do today. Sadly far too many children get involved with drugs and alcohol, as they have done for years. It's a nasty cycle that needs to end. Many of them don't even have real troubles. They're simply trying to be cool or fit in. Then before they know it, it's off to rehabilitation drugs programs. That's when reality really begins to kick in.
There are always new and improved rehabilitation drugs centers. You want to know why this is? It's obvious, right? Countless adults and juveniles need their assistance to get healthy again. One place that I felt was extra bad was Salem, Oregon. I spent a few years in this city while attending college in Portland. The youths seemed to really have issues with drugs and alcohol. Now, I do realize that this is everywhere, across the entire nation. However, this particular city was bad. They needed several rehabilitation drugs centers to deal. Or at least that's my opinion. I was able to come in contact with several teens through a volunteer program I was doing for school, and all eight of them were on drugs. They were receiving therapy for it from a rehab center. The odd part wasn't even that they were using. It was that they had no problems to grapple with. None that could be seen with the naked eye anyway. They all came from good upper-middle class homes with nice parents. No abuse or lack of love involved. They just decided to use drugs for the heck of it. That's pathetic! Anyway, I can't say that I felt sorry for a one of them. They were lame brats if you ask me.
People need to wake up! Check out the pros and cons of drugs. You may think there is a pro concerning the temporary high you receive, but can it even compare to the infinite cons? Do you really want to end up in a rehabilitation drugs center one day? Think about it!
There are always new and improved rehabilitation drugs centers. You want to know why this is? It's obvious, right? Countless adults and juveniles need their assistance to get healthy again. One place that I felt was extra bad was Salem, Oregon. I spent a few years in this city while attending college in Portland. The youths seemed to really have issues with drugs and alcohol. Now, I do realize that this is everywhere, across the entire nation. However, this particular city was bad. They needed several rehabilitation drugs centers to deal. Or at least that's my opinion. I was able to come in contact with several teens through a volunteer program I was doing for school, and all eight of them were on drugs. They were receiving therapy for it from a rehab center. The odd part wasn't even that they were using. It was that they had no problems to grapple with. None that could be seen with the naked eye anyway. They all came from good upper-middle class homes with nice parents. No abuse or lack of love involved. They just decided to use drugs for the heck of it. That's pathetic! Anyway, I can't say that I felt sorry for a one of them. They were lame brats if you ask me.
People need to wake up! Check out the pros and cons of drugs. You may think there is a pro concerning the temporary high you receive, but can it even compare to the infinite cons? Do you really want to end up in a rehabilitation drugs center one day? Think about it!
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