When an addict seeks out professional help, it can be intimidating if he or she does not know the process that he or she will be experiencing. It is important to know the reality of the rehab process so that the addict knows what they are in for and can see that it is not as terrifying as they initially thought. Four vital components of drug treatment are important to know before entering a rehabilitation center.

You can learn more about drug treatment, or find a rehab near you by calling 800-915-1270 (Who Answers?).

Detoxification

The first step in the addict’s journey toward sobriety is the elimination of the drugs in the individual’s body. Detoxification can be a jarring experience, especially for those who have had a physically addictive drug for a long period. This stage is a vital component of drug treatment, as it reduces the risk of relapse once the addict’s treatment has passed as well as during the rehab process.

According to the NCBI, once the substances have been withdrawn, the patients have given up their major source of support without anything to replace it. This step will lead to the next in the rehabilitation process.

Therapy & Counseling

Part of recovery is finding new hobbies that promote sobriety.

Once the detoxification process has begun, it is important to narrow down the reasons why the individual began to use drugs in the first place. To determine this, the individual will be placed in a group or individual counseling session to help narrow down the cause.

If the individual is also suffering from a psychiatric disorder that occurred either before or during the addiction, the counselor will use the term dual diagnosis, which can be treated differently for each unique situation.

According to SAMHSA, recovery is a very individualized process; the program they are introduced to must be flexible to be sure it is relevant to their specific needs to be effective.  What works for one person may not work for another when it comes to recovery and can result in a relapse if it is not handled properly.

Regardless of whether or not the person has a dual diagnosis, each patient will have a required individual treatment plan, which is determined when the reason for the addiction is revealed.

Coping Mechanisms

As the patient continues their counseling, they move into the next stage of recovery. A successful treatment program will teach him or her how to handle their personal problems without using drugs. Counselors or therapists will give the patient the strategies they need in order to maintain a drug free life after the program has completed.

During this stage, the patient will learn the necessary lifestyle changes that they will need to apply in order to ensure they keep up with sobriety. These changes may include how to occupy themselves during their free time, which safe recreational activities they can do without drugs, what types of people they should have in their lives, the impact different types of people can have on drug use, etc.

Rehab does not eliminate the problems that remain in the individual’s life, but it will teach him or her the best ways to deal with it without the use of drugs.

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Ongoing Support

Once the patient has been through their detoxification and counseling, he or she will be able to return to their lives. Depending on the program, the individual will be allowed to attend weekly group meetings, have a sponsor, or have mandated individual sessions during this final stage.

The follow-up program will continue until he or she has proven that they are capable of coping with their lives outside of the controlled environment of the rehabilitation center without resorting to drugs.

Outpatient care can provide counseling for the individual that will show them how to avoid the people, places and situations that can trigger a drug relapse. The recovering addict may also benefit from group counseling sessions to gauge how others are progressing in their recovery.

With these sessions, an individual will be able to express their fears and struggles with others who will understand what they are going through.

An addict should know the four vital components of drug treatment before they begin the process of recovery. The process begins with detoxification of the drug to give the patient a clean slate, then targets the exact reason the addiction began in the first place.

From there, the patient is taught how to cope with their everyday problems without the use of drugs and supported as they go back to their lives and apply these methods. If you or a loved one is suffering from dual diagnosis or drug addiction and needs help, call 800-915-1270 (Who Answers?) to speak with a caring specialist that can assist you.