Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment

Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment is the only way that the majority of drug and alcohol addicts will ever be able to break the chains of dependency. This is because addiction is a disease of the brain; it is compulsive, persistent, and uncontrollable. Alcohol and drug addiction treatment is also necessary when a physical dependence has developed on the substance rendering withdrawal without the substance. 

Understanding why and how drugs and alcohol react in the brain can be difficult but essentially the brain recognizes things that are enjoyable or rewarding and the brain is wired so that these things are repeated. Because abused substances discharge much more dopamine than the rewards that are present in the brain the desire to repeat this same behavior is very strong. Two things that can be comparable would be sex and food.

Unfortunately, this cycle does not continue; instead what happens is the brain becomes used to these rushes of dopamine and the reward is no longer as good as it once was. The pleasure is dulled and the result is the need to increase the amount of drugs that once was satisfying. This builds up a tolerance and is one of the main reasons that alcohol and drug addiction treatment will be necessary.

The core of addiction is compulsive behavior and craving the substance, these are also the things that are the hardest to control. These are also the primary symptoms that lead to alcohol and drug addiction treatment because there comes a point when the individual is fixated on using the substance regardless of what the consequences are. These are the things that would prompt alcohol and drug addiction treatment in terms of how the brain responds but there are physical factors that also must be considered. The physical factors cannot always be so predictable and can vary according to the drug of choice and how much and how long it has been used.

Alcohol and drug addiction treatment is so much more than managing physical withdrawal but also facilitating the steps necessary for the individual to take control of their life and their cravings for the substance as well as the acting out and using. On their own, most individuals never seek alcohol and drug addiction treatment until there are dire consequences to deal with such as the break up of a family, a divorce, a legal situation, the loss of a job, or physical problems. Sometimes the treatment is forced by a family intervention.

Alcohol and drug addiction treatment normally means inpatient care in a residential facility and on average that stay is about 28 days. Initially, the individual would go through a medically assisted detox followed by full time treatment for the duration. Sometimes the 28 days is not required and other times it might be recommended that the individual stay for up to 90 days.

 Part of the alcohol and drug addiction treatment entails a very broad evaluation to assess the patient determining their medical and personal history. This is necessary to plan ahead and form a successful goal plan for sobriety.

Typically, alcohol and drug addiction treatment includes individual and group therapy, 12 Step meetings, lectures, mental health counseling, and exercise. It is also part of alcohol and drug addiction treatment to educate the addict about alcoholism and addiction. These individuals must be equipped with the tools that will help them live a drug and alcohol-free life. It is key that the individual be made aware of the impact that their addiction has had on not only them but also others in their life. They need to see the damage that their choices have caused.

Most people cannot conquer the disease of addiction without help. Alcohol and drug addiction treatment is that help. Not until an individual understands the disease of addiction can they give it a fair fight. Treatment is the key to long-term success. There are some factors to consider when it comes to treatment facilities and programs. The first thing is that there is no single program that is right for all people; rehab must address all needs that the individual may have, the individual must remain in treatment for an adequate amount of time, behavioral therapies and counseling must be offered, medication must be made available to some patients, coexisting mental disorders must be evaluated and assessed, and consistent after care must be part of the program.

It is important to understand that help is available...all you have to do is pick up the phone and call us today!

Genesis House Inc. is a leader in addiction treatment and have helped thousands of people recover from the devastating consequences of their addictions. Call 1-800-737-0933 or 561-439-4070 for immediate help and answers. More information is available on our web site http://www.genesishouse.net or please email us at info@genesishouse.net