Drug rehab is an in-patient or out-patient treatment process for those who are chemically dependent on drugs and/or alcohol. Persons who determine themselves or whom are determined by an outside authority to need drug rehabilitation, attend rehab, and are introduced to the facts about drug addiction. During the treatment process, patients go through a series of psychological and physical changes.
Significance
In many cases, individuals who are dependent upon or addicted to drugs need outside help. Because the drug or drugs to which they are addicted have such a grip on them, physically and mentally, these individuals are incapable of simply stopping. "Just say no" is never an option for chemically-dependent persons. Often the addicted becomes a societal threat. They may indulge in criminal activity to support their habit. The addicts usually alienate family and friends. In worst cases, addicts can end up in jail, mental health hospitals or may die. Drug rehab can be "the last house on the block," and many attend in order to avoid jail time.
Types
There are two general types of drug rehab--in-patient and out-patient. In-patient treatment can be for a period of one month to one year. Addicts remain in the rehab center for the established period, undergoing a series of means designed to help them withdraw from the drug of their choice. After the terms of stay are fulfilled, the individuals are released, usually with instructions to continue with a 12-step recovery program. Out-patient drug rehab allows persons to continue to live in their homes. They attend regularly scheduled meetings with counselors and therapists. The routine to bring addicts toward a drug-free life is basically the same as for in-patients. Although the idea of freedom is enticing, in-patient drug rehab has advantages in that persons can safely withdraw from drugs and face less temptation. However, people can leave an in-patient hospital any time they choose, which has repercussions if they are in the court system.
Function
Drug rehab serves to help individuals safely withdraw from the drug or drugs in their system. Health care professionals attend during the withdrawal process. Afterward, the participants attends daily group and individual therapy sessions. Once withdrawn from drugs, addicts must learn to function in society. This is a process that usually does not end in rehab. There is no set time limit in which people becomes "productive." Rehabilitation is a process. The rewards are the experiences that accompany a lifetime of interaction with family, friends and coworkers.
Features
Addicts learns about the nature of drug addiction and is guided through a process of coming to terms with the damage caused to their selves and others as the result of drug addiction. Many treatment programs incorporate the 12-step recovery process, which emphasizes personal accountability. Often patients face family members who have been affected by addiction's long arms. Confrontation with reality as contrasted with the illusions and delusions that come with drug addiction, is central to successful rehabilitation.
Considerations
Although people "graduate" from drug rehab, they face the challenges of living life without escaping through the rabbit hole of drugs. Most life skills, some as basic as when to eat and sleep, must be relearned. Simply stated, the overarching goal of drug rehab is to instill hope to those who have lost hope and to restore lives to the lost.
