Drug addiction treatment is a complex process that involves the treatment of the person suffering from drug addiction by a qualified and experienced therapist. Drug rehab is a process of psychotherapy or medical treatment for dependence on addictive psychoactive substances including heroin, prescription medications, and street drugs like cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana or even cannabis. This includes treating the individual, family and friends as well. Most rehab centers are licensed by either the state or federal government and offer various treatment options in their facilities.
The type of treatment offered varies from drug rehab programs in some cases. Treatment varies based on the needs of the patient and their age, the family’s lifestyle and other factors. Many of these programs use group therapies as well, to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and reduce the severity of the addict’s problem. In these programs, the treatment process is a structured one where the addict goes through various phases of treatment, which are usually conducted by professionals. One major phase involves detoxification where the patient is monitored by health professionals for a certain period of time before he is released to get back to normal life. After detoxification, the individual has to undergo outpatient care and the outpatient therapy sessions help him or her overcome his or her problem. Treatment usually lasts between twelve to thirty-six months and is continued till the patient gets cured.
Detoxification also involves restoring the individual’s ability to think rationally, which results in them learning how to control their cravings to abuse substances. Once they get cured, the individual should then undergo outpatient therapy at regular intervals to reestablish his or her brain functioning. Drug rehab programs, whether inpatient or outpatient, have various benefits, such as helping the individual to gain self-esteem and confidence, enhance their social skills, learn to cope with stress, improve their personal relationships, reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, improve their academic performance, reduce their drug use and many more. The patient also learns the value of taking responsibility for his or her own life and learns the meaning of responsibility and family values.