Types of Substance Abuse Treatment — Addiction

Addiction, Substance Abuse, Treatment | Posted by admin
Jul 30 2010

Treating substance abuse or addiction requires professional help from a qualified program that consists of a team of experienced and licensed healthcare professionals and therapists. There are a number of different types of treatment for substance abuse and addiction, and they each take different approaches to treatment.

Some types of substance abuse treatment include:

Residential treatment centers. A residential treatment center provides intensive therapy that includes detoxification as well as counseling and group therapy. Because residents live at the facility and are closely monitored, they are not faced with the temptation of old friends or drugs and alcohol.

Outpatient treatment centers. This type of treatment occurs on an outpatient basis, where the patient has appointments to help with drug treatment. While this is a good idea if the patient has work, school, or family obligations, it’s difficult because the patient still has access to situations and substances that could cause a relapse.

Detox programs. This type of program occurs under the supervision of medical professionals and includes weaning the body off of the substance they are addicted to, which helps to alleviate the physical cravings for the drug. Many treatment programs require patients to go through detox before they begin therapy or treatment.

Counseling. Counseling works to get to the root problem of the addiction and helps patients find alternatives to coping with their addiction. Often, addiction can be the result of depression or other underlying problems. Counseling may help by providing treatment for these problems as well.

Support programs. Support groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous, offer a group therapy setting to help recovering addicts deal with situations and provide support and treatment tips. They frequently include a sponsor, or someone who has successfully overcome an addiction, to provide more personalized support over the course of their recovery.

These are just a few of the different types of treatments and facilities for substance abuse.

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Prescription Drugs Take Second Place for Addictions

Addiction, Drugs, Healthy Life | Posted by admin
Jul 14 2010

In the U.S., more people suffer from addictions to prescriptions drugs than with addictions to heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, Medicine Kitand other drugs, with the exception of marijuana. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 20 percent of people living in the U.S. use prescription drugs for non-medical reasons. The issue is the current focus of the Obama administration, which is planning to roll out a new campaign to help curb the rising trend in the abuse of prescription meds.

There are several contributing factors to the increase in the number of people abusing prescription medications. The first is the easy access some people, including minors, can have in getting prescription medications. For some teenagers, it’s a simple matter of raiding a parent’s medicine cabinet. Others know how to mimic symptoms of diseases, like anxiety or depression, in order to get a doctor to prescribe medication. Online pharmacies may be more susceptible to people using fake, or forged, prescriptions to obtain medication.

Another contributing factor is misperception about the dangers of prescription medication. Many teenagers mistakenly believe that using prescription medication to get high is safer than illicit drug use. Teenage boys are likely to underestimate the danger of abusing steroids as they attempt to build larger muscles.

In addition to these contributing factors, people of all ages may fall prey to the addicting qualities of some prescription medications. Whether a drug has a history of addiction may indicate the likelihood of an individual becoming addicted to it. Individuals can determine whether addiction is a common side effect for a specific medication by consulting a directory of prescription medications, such as List Rx. Through the directory, you can find out that narcotic painkillers, including Vicodin or OxyContin, have an addictive quality. Some sedatives and tranquilizers, including Valium and Xanax, are addictive. You can also learn if a stimulant, such as Aldderall, Ritalin, or Dexedrin, are addicting.

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Affording Drug Rehab

Drugs, Substance Abuse | Posted by admin
Jul 12 2010

Patients in drug rehab often want to get help as soon as possible and don’t have the emotional resources to worry about how they are going to pay for a rehabilitation program. Some patients who need help may even defer treatment because they don’t know how to afford it. They may be entering the program without a job, without credit, and with few other resources besides access to emergency cash programs. For those who still have health insurance benefits, most insurance companies cover treatment. Treatment can be expensive, however, so patients are advised to check exactly how much of their treatment will be covered by insurance before enrolling in an expensive program.

Non-profit treatment centers are a good alternative. Many of these drug rehab programs are faith-based or government-based. Some programs run by allowing a patient who reports that they have no income to be treated for free, while patients who can afford to pay are charged on the basis of their reported income. Federal programs, like Access to Recovery, provide vouchers to help patients pay for this kind of treatment, though this program is not available in all states.

The government is offering assistance in other ways to help addicts recover. The national government offers what are called block grants for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. These grants go to to help states support the development of treatment centers. States also contribute aid directly in the form of programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which offers cash to families going through shot-term crises.

Enrolling in a clinical trial is often a completely free way to be treated for substance abuse. These trials are usually designed to test whether new medications or therapies are successful at treating addicts. Participants may even be paid for their participation. These and other resources are available to help addicts and their families get back on their feet.

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Substance Abuse Warning Signs

Addiction, Alcohol, Drugs, Substance Abuse | Posted by admin
Jun 29 2010

Substance abuse is a widespread problem that affects all ages, races, and socioeconomic statuses. It is not limited to illegal drugs; in fact, substance abuse is categorized as using any type of substance—whether it’s a prescription drug, alcohol, or over-the-counter medication—in a way other than it is indicated for. Typically, people use drugs or alcohol to achieve a high, escape problems, or alter their moods in some way.

Sometimes, it is difficult to tell if someone has a problem with drugs or alcohol or is abusing some type of substance. If you think a loved one or friend has a problem, some of the most common warning signs include:

• Sudden decrease in performance in school or work. For example, a straight-A student begins failing classes or an otherwise dependable worker begins missing deadlines
• Sudden unexplained absences. Missing a lot of school or taking much more sick days than normal can indicate a problem.
• Acting secretly or suspiciously. This can include becoming nervous when someone enters their bedroom, excusing themselves to their car or the restroom frequently, or acting nervous for no apparent reason.
• Difference in personality. This can include severe mood swings, sudden outbursts of temper, or extreme emotions.
• Acting jittery, hyper, or overly talkative and jumpy.
• Becoming increasingly withdrawn or depressed. This is a common symptom in teens.
• Sudden need for money. If someone who was previously financially secure is suddenly asking for loans or seems to have money problems, it could indicate funds are being spent on drugs.
• Physical changes such as sudden weight loss or gain, acting impaired, or sudden changes in sleep habits, such as sleeping too much or frequent insomnia.

These are just a few symptoms. If your friend or loved one is experiencing multiple symptoms, it’s a good idea to encourage them to seek help.

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A Healthier Lifestyle with Mens Rehab

Addiction, Drugs, Healthy Life | Posted by admin
Jun 23 2010

Studies have shown that men are much more likely than women to take a drug. Also, they’re more likely to take multiple substances at once. Mixing non-prescribed medications with alcohol is not a healthy way to deal with stress or problems at work or home. You understand that alcohol and drug dependency are real problems that need a real solution. These problems also require the help of professional counselors. You know that you’ll need a support system in an environment that will help you succeed. So, if you are ready to go through detox, addiction recovery, and a learning process to sustain your new commitment to a healthier lifestyle, this is the right time to enter men’s rehab.

You have a right to expect the best treatment. Quality treatment will help you discover new ways to deal with stress and other factors in your life. With rehab, you’ll have your family and friends participate in a personalized treatment plan that supports the positive decision that you’ve made to change your lifestyle. Don’t expect a sterile, clinical environment during your stay in mens rehab. Who wants to stay in a place like that during treatment? Instead, look for basketball courts, comfortable gathering rooms, and a full gourmet kitchen so you can feel right at home. You’ll learn to address your stresses and create workable goals that will allow you to leave your addiction to drugs or alcohol behind you for good.

You’ve already made the smart decision to enter a program. Just make sure that you’re being treated for your mind, body, and spirit. You are a complex individual, and with professional personalized care, you will cultivate the confidence to overcome your addiction. With a friendly, warm environment, you’ll discover the strength to move on and away from drugs and alcohol forever.

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Types of Substance Abuse

Addiction, Alcohol, Drugs, Substance Abuse | Posted by admin
May 17 2010

When the term “substance abuse” is mentioned, some people may think it includes just illegal drugs. However, substance abuse is a problem that includes a wide range of substances. In fact, most doctors and medical professionals agree that substance abuse includes the use of virtually any substance to achieve a high or alter a mood in some way.

Some of the more common types of substance abuse include:

• Alcohol. Many people enjoy an occasional beer or glass of wine and can function perfectly normal. Others come to depend on alcohol as a way to relieve stress or depression. As a result, the dependence negatively affects their relationships, their jobs, and their lives in general.
• Prescription drugs. The use of prescription drugs illegally has skyrocketed in recent years. More and more people are using painkillers, ADHD medication, sleeping pills, and many other drugs as a way to get high rather than treat an illness. More often than not, these drugs are not even prescribed to them.
• Over-the-counter medications. For many people, substance abuse comes from medications like cold and cough medicine that can be purchased by anyone at a local drug store.
• Illicit drugs. Substance abuse can also take the form of drugs like marijuana, crack, heroine, and LSD, to name a few of many. Possession of these illegal drugs can land a person in jail for years at a time and ruin lives and finances in the process.
• Household items. Sniffing glue, huffing aerosol cans, and using other household items to get high or alter moods is also a form of substance abuse.

As you can see, substance abuse is not just using illegal drugs. It can come in many forms, and more often than not, relatives, co-workers, and friends may not even know the person has a problem with substance abuse.

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When Alcohol Becomes an Addiction

Addiction, Alcohol, Drugs | Posted by admin
Apr 04 2010

Most people have enjoyed an occasional drink, whether it’s a beer at a ball game, a glass of wine while dining out, or a champagne toast at a wedding or other special occasion. But for some people, having a drink or two is more than just an occasional thing. Alcoholism is one of the most common forms of substance abuse, and millions of people and their families are affected by excess drinking.

There are a number of factors that determine whether or not a person is at risk for developing a drinking problem. Some of these include:

• Genetics. Many experts believe that alcoholism can in part be explained by genetics. A family history of alcoholism can be a result of learned behaviors as well as a genetic predisposition to alcohol addiction.
• Mental health. People with mental health disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, or others may be at a higher risk. Often times, people turn to alcohol to help them cope with their depression or illness.

These is no definitive answer regarding diagnosis of alcoholism. As a general rule, however, many health professionals will agree that if a person’s drinking is causing problems in their relationships, jobs or school life, or their ability to function in society, they have an alcohol abuse problem.

Some of the warning signs of alcoholism include:

• Feeling guilty about your drinking or lying to others about going to bars or the frequency with which you drink.
• Feeling out of control when you drink, like you can’t stop at one drink
• Turn to drinking to help cope with stress, depression, or other problems in life
• Friends and family members express concern with your drinking
• You miss work, school, or shirk other responsibilities because of your drinking

Recognizing there is a problem with alcohol abuse is the first step to getting it under control. Fortunately, there are many programs and treatment centers available for alcohol addiction.

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Do You Have a Substance Abuse Problem? Signs and Symptoms

Addiction, Alcohol, Drugs, Substance Abuse | Posted by admin
Mar 12 2010

sMany people enjoy a few drinks after work on occasion or take prescription drugs to alleviate pain or help them sleep without a problem. Sometimes, however, the use of alcohol or drugs, whether prescription or illicit, can escalate into a serious problem that can interfere not only with school and work, but relationships and family life as well.

Few people want to admit they have a problem. They may be in denial, or they may not think they are addicted. If you are unsure of whether or not you have a substance abuse problem, the following warning signs can help you determine whether or not you should seek help:

• Your drug use or drinking becomes a priority. This can include skipping school or work, procrastinating on projects, or choosing to drink or do drugs over spend time at home or with your family.
• You tell yourself you need to stop. Wanting to stop but feeling unable to do so is an indication of a substance abuse problem.
• You’re getting into legal trouble. DUIs, possession of drugs or paraphernalia, public intoxication, or other problems with the law are an indication of a substance abuse problem.
• You neglect other activities. Things you used to enjoy or make time for may no longer interest you, or you would rather drink or do drugs instead.
• Your relationships are strained. Increasing fights with parents, your spouse, or authority figures like bosses or supervisors could indicate a problem.
• Other people have pointed it out. If your friends or family members have suggested you cut back on the drinking or remark that you seem “different,” you may have a substance abuse problem.

These are just a few of many warning signs you may have a substance abuse problem and need help. Seeking help sooner rather than later can help you overcome your problem sooner and easier.

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What to Do When You Think a Loved One Has an Addiction

Addiction, Alcohol, Drugs | Posted by admin
Feb 13 2010

Substance abuse does not just affect the person who is abusing drugs or alcohol; it affects their friends, loved ones, and co-workers as well. But when you suspect a friend or loved one has an addiction problem, you may feel helpless when it comes to getting them the help they need.

The following tips will help you know what to do when you think a loved one has an addiction to alcohol, drugs, or any other substance:

• Join a support group for yourself. Groups like Al-Anon and many others exist specifically to provide support and coping mechanisms for loved ones of those who have an addiction problem. This can be a valuable tool.
• Don’t place blame or guilt. Threatening to punish an addict, appealing to their emotions (“Can’t you see what you’re doing to the family?”), and trying to guilt-trip a loved one into getting help can actually be counterproductive. More often than not, they already know there is a problem.
• Don’t blame yourself. It’s easy to turn the blame inward, but it’s important to remember than no one forces another person to drink or do drugs.
• Don’t attempt to reason or argue with them when they are impaired. This could be dangerous to you.
• Do not try and force them to get help. If your loved one doesn’t want to get help or doesn’t think there is a problem, they can’t be forced to seek treatment.
• Provide support. It’s important to provide support as a loved one receives treatment for addictions. Recovery takes time and can include relapses or therapy to get to the initial problem.

Whether your loved one is addicted to drugs, alcohol, or something else, encouraging them to recognize there is a problem and seek treatment and then supporting them through that treatment is a long and difficult process. Luckily there are a number of resources available to those who are dealing with their loved ones’ addictions.

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