If you or someone you know has an addiction to prescription drugs, alcohol or street drugs then you have probably heard the term “drug rehab” thrown around. Drug rehab is a process of psychotherapeutic or medical treatment for dependence on narcotic, stimulant or illegal psychoactive drugs including alcohol, caffeine, or street drugs like cannabis, amphetamines, heroin or cocaine. The medical community has created specific programs that address the various aspects of drug addiction, including how drugs affect the brain, addiction to these drugs’ effects on the body, and recovery from drug addiction. Some programs offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Drug rehab programs are not limited to just drug abuse but can include alcohol abuse, drug dependency, smoking, and substance abuse such as gambling or sex addiction.
Addiction to drugs and alcohol can have many causes and come about due to a variety of reasons. The most common cause is usually stress. Some medications can also play a major role in drug addiction to street drugs like heroin and cocaine. However, some medications, particularly those with the addictive potential, are sometimes prescribed by doctors without the patient’s knowledge. Sometimes, medical professionals prescribe medications that may not be appropriate for the patient, leading to a cycle of drug abuse and dependence.
The medical community has identified a number of areas in which patients may need assistance in recovering from their addictions. The most common form of drug rehab program centers in the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse. Inpatient treatments are used to help people overcome the physical, emotional and psychological aspects of drug addiction. Some programs offer both outpatient and inpatient treatment. Most rehab centers offer intensive group therapy and individual counseling in which people share their feelings and ideas. Drug rehab centers also include family services, such as support groups, to help patients recover from family issues, including alcohol and drug abuse.
