Inhouse Drug Rehab: What is it & How can It Help Me?

Drug addiction is a chronic illness that is characterized by intense and overpowering drug craving. It is accompanied by obsessive drug seeking and use behavior that carries on despite consequences that are unsavory and often dangerous. Control over use is quickly diminished and the addiction starts to drive the need and actions of the user. This behavior is largely a result of the effects of sustained drug exposure on the brain and damage done to its operational ability. Addiction is a disease of the brain that disturbs numerous brain circuits. Reward and motivation, learning and memory, and shifts in behavioral inhibitions can be seriously affected by drug addiction.

SAMHSA lists two basic models for the jumping blocks in treatment for drug addiction. A “medical model” of detoxification that is character­ized by physicians and nursing staff managing withdrawal with the administration of medication. They also present a “social model” that depends more on a supportive non-medical environment and less on medication for withdrawal.

The ‘social model’ allows for a supportive, non-medical method of treatment.

The severity of the addiction often dictates which model appropriately suits the individual addict. However, for addicts, poor choices and a lack of control are already causing harm to their health and lives. So is it a responsible choice, or even a choice that is likely to produce success, to go it alone or only with the help of the untrained and the possibly unreliable? Or does it make better sense to seek help in a setting that has the experience and ability to guide the addict through the hard road of recovery?

Detoxification is defined as a set of intercessions put forth to manage intoxication and withdrawal. Ridding the body of toxins and easing withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification seeks to minimize the physical harm of the patient who is acutely intoxicated and/or depend­ent on substances of abuse. Though it is a necessity in recovery, the treatment and rehabilitation of substance use disorders cannot be sufficiently treated with detox alone.

The process of detoxification entails:

• Evaluation
• Stabilization
• Fostering

In residential treatment facilities, health professionals involved in the care of the patient utilize every opportunity to pro­mote rehabilitation and maintenance activities in an effort to bolster the good choices being made by the patient in seeking help for their addiction. Connecting the patient with the appropriate substance abuse treatment immediately after the detoxifi­cation phase is typically based upon the individual and their addiction. Support systems, such as active family involvement, and backing by friends, are considered positive participatory involvement and are encouraged. Behavioral therapy is offered to help the addict recognize and learn how to handle situations that may threaten the success of their recovery. An opportunity is presented in treatment, to inter­vene during a time of crisis and to embolden and assist an addict to make changes in their path for health and recovery. In treatment facilities, all aspects of rehabilitation are overseen and nurtured by an experienced, well-trained medical staff.