Chemical Dependency Center Offers Hope And Help For Alcohol And Drug Addictions

By Danielle Galloway


The number of people who suffer from addictions to alcohol or drugs is greater today than at any time in history. Many of these individuals feel their situation is hopeless as they continue their downward spiral. However, help from a chemical dependency center has helped many individuals to manage their addictions and live free of the influence of drugs or alcohol.

There are many facets to an individual's addiction. The person is affected at the physical, mental and psychosocial level. In order to manage an addiction each of the areas has to be addressed. Both outpatient and residential facilities offer help. For the individual, admitting the need for help is often the first step toward a sober life.

In order to have effective treatment, one must first be sober or clean from the substance or substances being abuse. Most facilities either offer a detox facility onsite or work closely with local hospitals or other facilities to ensure one has eliminated the drug from the system. Detox is usually the most uncomfortable part of treatment. However, the detox facility ensures that patients remain physically safe and as comfortable as possible. In some cases, medication may be used to help the detox process.

Once the detox program is completed, the patient moves to the treatment portion of his addiction program. Treatment may involve individual and group counseling. Most of the programs today depend on a Twelve Step program or a one based on cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients learn to deal with their addiction problem.

Residential treatment usually takes about 28 days. It offers the advantage of allowing patients to live in a drug free environment 24/7. Most facilities have an open door policy, allowing the patient to choose to leave treatment anytime he or she so chooses. However, patients should realize that leaving the program can have consequences, especially if there due to a court order.

For many, outpatient treatment is a better fit. While these programs take longer to complete, the patient can continue to work in order to provide for his family. Patients must submit to drug testing on a regular basis to ensure they comply with the program. Some programs ask clients with one or more dirty UAs to leave the program.

The transition from treatment to life outside the facility is often frightening. Patients go from a protected life to one where they must deal with temptation to use drugs again. Once the program is complete, most patients will enter an aftercare program. The program may be an AA or NA group. Other options include continuing with weekly counseling. Aftercare is essential for patients to remain drug and alcohol free. During this transition, many patients begin using again. Many find it takes more than one attempt at treatment to become sober.

Living without drugs or alcohol is not easy, but you are worth the effort. Many others have gone through these programs to gain back self respect, family or career after a severe battle. The difficult road to sobriety is very rewarding. Using help from a chemical dependency center an individual can learn to live without the influence of substance abuse.




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