The Importance Of Choosing The Correct Drug Treatment Facility

Choosing the correct drug treatment facility is a key part in the treatment of the addict. Selecting a place that has the support network, the expertise to deal with various issues, and a proven ability of helping people to overcome various issues will always give the addict some hope that all is not lost. The only problem is with being able to identify the correct facility in the first place, but there are some important areas that you should take into consideration.

What kind of approach do they take?

Some drug treatment facilities will use what is known as the twelve step program, there is a misconception that this approach is purely for those that are of a more spiritual leaning. However, this is not the case as many of the steps are actually helpful to most people without religious conviction. Other rehabs prefer not to use this approach, but instead use more "scientific" methods such as group therapies, individual counseling, psychiatric assessment and medications. Some use a mixture of both and allow the patient to take part in some or all facilities available.

Each person is an individual so careful thought and planning needs to form part of the decision when choosing a drug treatment facility. If treatment is to be effective it needs to suite the needs of that particular person.

Identification is key in recovery

One of the major factors as part of a rehabilitation strategy is the ability to identify with other addicts. The sharing of stories and problems that each addict faces. Many behaviors are similar and sometimes negative behaviors with negative outcomes only seem to increase the addicts belief that he is 'useless', a 'troublemaker' and will amount to nothing. This kind of despair is a rot in itself since the person seeks relief from oneself and seeks it in substance abuse.

Pent up emotions find a safe place to be released

During a stay at a drug rehabilitation facility an addict will experience many emotions, angers that have been left unattended to for years perhaps. Resentments that have built up over time, anxiety is often present because of the uncertainty of their own actions and results. Trained nurses and staff can be key in allowing drug users to offload a lot of pent up feelings and unresolved issues. This alone starts to build up trust and helps one understand that they are not alone or not seen as strange or odd by other people.

Many addicts also suffer low self esteem, many have serious mental disorders that need to be attended to medically. A drug treatment facility quickly identifies these types of challenges and helps accordingly. Depressions are identified, self medicating noticed and inadequate coping skills attended to.

Old habits and patterns are removed

The time spent away in a drug treatment facility gives the family of the addict time out, it also removes old habits and patterns from the addict themselves. Time away from like minded friends enables the patient to re-evaluate what he or she really wants out of life. It is advised that the addict keep in touch with friends made at the facility and to keep coming for check ups on an ongoing basis as an out-patient. This way he is taught that there are other methods of coping with life aside from drugs and that he is not alone.

It is never advisable to force a person into a drug rehabilitation facility. This mostly ends up badly in that resentments build and addictions increase. It is often said that when a person reaches rock bottom they are ready to seek help. Every ones rock bottom is different, but that does not matter since it gets them to where they need to be.

Conclusion

In summary it is advisable to check the drug rehabilitation's approach before deciding which facility is best for the addict. This should be discussed with the addict once he or she has decided they need help. Some of the treatments should also be discussed, like group therapy, psychiatric assessment and general routine of the rehab. This enables the person to prepare beforehand and remove fear and anxiety. Discussing the fact that many pent up emotions may arise during the course of the stay and that this is normal and expected. Feelings are not bad they just need to be expressed safely. Drug rehabilitation facilities are not an one size fits all but there will definitely be a facility that is perfect for each addict.