Inpatient Treatment for Alcohol and Substance Abuse

2007-04-17 10:41:55

( Pharmeceutical-Medical )



Alcohol and substance abuse (cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, hallucinogens, toluene, among others) cannot be treated, only controlled. Approximately a tenth of Americans are alcoholics, while American heroin users have been estimated to reach an alarming number. Initial management of an addict involves stabilization, followed by detoxification and treatment of possible withdrawal symptoms, usually lasting for a few days to a couple of weeks. This is eventually followed by placement into an appropriate rehabilitation program.

Alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs aim to unbind you from your alcoholism or substance abuse by accepting the disease and learning skills for alcohol- and drug-free living. They typically involve hospitalizations, medications, diet, exercise, counseling, spiritual activities and community work.

An outpatient rehabilitation program is suited for you if you are in the early stages of abuse, with intact family and work environments. You may also find it helpful, after undergoing inpatient treatment, to prevent relapse. This typically involves counseling and guidance in your daily life.

The inpatient rehabilitation program is suited for you if you have long-standing abuse patterns. Its goal is not only to cure your symptoms, but to resolve the factors that have led to your alcoholism. The inpatient treatment provides you with medications, individual and group counseling, lectures, and allows for round-the-clock guidance. Some rehabilitation centers also offer activities like yoga and other spiritual methods. The length of your inpatient treatment depends on what kind of program you are undergoing and your commitment to staying alcohol- and drug-free. Inpatient alcohol rehabilitation programs may last anywhere from a month to a year. Most inpatient drug rehabilitation programs for hard-core addiction, on the other hand, involves a few months of inpatient treatment followed by about half a year of outpatient aftercare.

Follow-up care after completion of the program is essential to prevent relapse. This usually includes continued counseling and therapy, religious activities, promoting good health and proper diet, exercise, sleep, and self-enhancement activities. There are also social support groups and counseling centers that can help you. Some centers also offer a “work exchange” program, wherein you may stay for another half of a year, provided that you work to help other addicts get past their addiction.

A high percentage of alcohol or substance abusers undergoing traditional treatment programs relapse within the first year. If you do relapse, there are other options for you. You can choose to undergo another rehabilitation program with higher success rates. There are also certain drug rehabilitation facilities that offer a “peace of mind” guarantee, meaning that if you relapse within a certain time frame after completing your treatment in the said facility, then you may be re-admitted with only your lodging to be paid.


All rights Reserved © Tradenet Services srl
Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form.